Board of Directors (2025/2026)

Catherine Reynolds

I am fairly new to Permaculture, having completed my PDCs in 2024 after a 3-year re-programming of my worldview through regenerative education in the fields of economics, finance and living systems organisational design. Permaculture grounded me and allowed me to integrate all this new information in real life and provide foundations for new ways of living and being in the world. I am now of the opinion that Permaculture is one of the critical foundations for the social change required to:
• “wake up” those currently frozen in separation, despair, fear, denial and helplessness
• create the conditions for connecting people to the earth, its creatures, elements and each other
• empower people with practical ways to take back agency in their lives and communities
and I want to participate in the Permaculture movement directly to assist in fulfilling the PA mission as an influential enabler for community resilience and activism in the face of contemporary threats to planetary boundaries, and their social consequences.

Bronwyn Chompff-Gliddon

Obtained PDC in April 2020 from Charles & Jolene Otway at Terra Perma, and have applied the teachings to my life and business ever since. The thing that hit me the most during the PDC was that this is what I’ve been trying to do my whole life – I just never knew it was called Permaculture. I have now dedicated my business, career and life to promoting permaculture as the only way to live sustainably – now, and even more so in the coming days.

With a long background in small business administration and bookkeeping and a current focus on business coaching, I offer expertise in organisational structure, financial acumen, and business administration and operation.

Felix Leibelt

Treasurer

Felix is a permaculture designer, chef and small business owner on Jerrinja land on the south coast of NSW. He has been on the Permafund Team for a few years now helping permaculture projects in need internationally. He is passionate about consciously designed landscapes, earthworks for land hydration and providing people with affordable organic and biodynamic produce. Felix grew up in the black forest in Germany and has built networks all around the world.  He has worked in the community for half a decade and is passionate about making permaculture design accessible to people in need. 

Tim Collings

20 yrs + experience in organisational design and development, coaching and developing boards and leaders, with the last 7 years devoted to infusing living systems theory and practice into these processes. I’ve spent many years as a learning and experience designer and have applied these skills in adult learning in both organisational and community contexts, as well as in youth settings in community organisations. I’ve learnt directly from world leaders in regenerative systemic change and organisational development, including Carol Sanford and Giles Hutchins. I’d hope to bring my whole self, all that I practice and all the energy I can muster to serve on the Board of PA.

Fernando Moreno

As an entrepreneurial-minded Business Administrator, I bring a diverse background in industries such as manufacturing, construction materials, and fashion, coupled with a keen interest in strategic planning. Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by a passion for innovation and a relentless pursuit of new challenges. I’m passionate about applying the principles of permaculture to business, aiming for sustainable growth and impact. I’ve had the privilege of shaping organisational structures to align with our vision, ensuring our efforts are strategic and purposeful, from planning to execution. Originally from Colombia, I now call Central Victoria home, where I’m deeply engaged in a vibrant and forward-thinking community. We have ongoing conversations about localisation, community-building, and shared permaculture values. It’s a supportive environment that has enriched my personal journey and influenced my perspective on business, emphasising holistic approaches and interconnectedness.

John Champagne

20+ years experience and Permafund

PDC in 1992 with Vries & Hugh Gravestein
RPL for Diploma in Permaculture Design

Practical Development, Teaching, Demonstration and promotion,Private Consultancy & eco-village design, Community engagement.

Knowledge, experience and a history with PA

Lauren O’Reilly

I’m Lauren and I’m a permaculture educator, designer and consultant based on the East Coast of Australia. After completing a PDC and then years later a Cert IV in Permaculture I created a local business with a desire to inspire and engage the public to help people connect with nature and their food systems. I have a love for garden design, creating beauty with the axis of function & form and the business focuses on the design and implementation of public and private permaculture gardens both in Australia and overseas. I am also an educator and for the last 3 years I have been a Certificate IV Permaculture instructor and coordinator helping fellow permies gain the confidence, skills and knowledge in design and project management as well as running regular gardening workshops and courses.

Outgoing Board of Directors (2024/2025)

Permaculture Australia Patrons