Rae Knopik brings a dynamic blend of passion and expertise to her role at Healthy Futures, where she serves as both Digital Campaigner and Fundraiser. With a career that spans continents and industries, Rae's commitment to environmental sustainability and gender equity is deeply rooted in her experiences—from growing up in Florida amidst environmental challenges to pioneering initiatives in Silicon Valley and beyond.

Bronwyn McDonald is Healthy Futures' new Energy Transition Campaigner, charged with driving the change from using polluting fossil fuels to renewable energy to help protect public health and our climate. Based on Awabakal & Worimi Land (Newcastle, NSW) she shares with us her motivations for joining our network of active health professionals.

Dr Suzanne Deed is a  General Medical Practitioner, Psychotherapist and Family therapist based in South Gippsland, VIC. As a GP working in the Latrobe Valley for many years it was her observation that there was an increase in severity and incidence of asthma and respiratory illnesses in children and adults compared to when I was practicing in Melbourne. Suzanne shares her climate change journey with us.

Dr Malcolm Mckelvie is GP based in Yarragon in West Gippsland, VIC. He has seen first-hand the impacts that burning fossil fuels have had on his local community, both in terms of illnesses like asthma incidences and the mental and physical health impacts of natural disasters. He is fighting to protect the health, wellbeing and environment of his local Gippsland community. Malcolm shares his deep concerns for the climate crisis with us.

Bree Taylor is Healthy Futures' Organiser, working on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung land. She is passionate about working with people, as "they listen to other people more than governments". 

Dr Ben Lewis is a GP based in Warragul (the traditional land of the Gunai/Kurnai people) passionate about helping his local community in Gippsland transition from polluting sources of power to cleaner, more sustainable energy. 

The strength of our campaigns is thanks to people like you taking action.

Whether you can help a little or a lot, we'd love you to get further involved with Healthy Futures' work on climate change and health. You don't need to be an expert or have particular skills to volunteer, just an interest in wanting to help create positive change.

These are some of the ways you can volunteer with Healthy Futures. A brief description of these opportunities is below. Simply fill out the form and our Organiser Bree Taylor will be in touch to learn more about you and what you’re interested in.

1. Join an Action Group
2. Lead an Action Group
3. Take action online 
4. Take action in person
5. Talk to colleagues/friends about climate and health 
6. Help at a community event 
7. Attend social events/network 
8. Other

Volunteer Opportunities

1. Join an Action Group

We have a number of action groups based on profession (eg. GPs/physicians/nurses etc) or based on location (VIC, NSW or National) that come together to discuss ideas, plan and carry out activities which help drive our campaigns. We mostly meet online and you can join as often as you can.

2. Lead an Action Group

For our most dedicated volunteers, help coordinate and lead one of our action groups based on your professional area or location. The role includes getting to know and support group participants to take action, and helping the group to achieve climate related outcomes. You don’t need prior experience for this role and will be closely supported by our staff.

3. Take action online

In our digital world, taking action online can be both convenient and powerful. This can include sharing information on social media, signing or promoting petitions, creating digital content and writing emails to MPs/media/health organisations.

4. Take action in person

Healthy Futures believes in the power of action to create change. We regularly mobilise health workers and community members to participate in actions - from rallies to creative activities. They’re always peaceful, legal, impactful and fun.

5. Talk to friends/colleagues about climate and health

Raising awareness of the health impacts of climate change is a crucial way to bring about change. This could be informally, through conversations with your friends, family or colleagues, or more formally such as providing a presentation at your workplace. We are here to help. We can provide you with the resources, training and support.

6. Help at a community event

Keen to get out and about in the community? Talking with people to help raise awareness about climate change and health can be a very rewarding experience. We need people to run or assist at community events such as holding market stalls, information booths or distributing flyers.

7. Attend social events/network

Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet other community members and professionals who share your passion for climate action. We often hold picnics and other social events and would be delighted if you joined in.

8. Other

Do you have a specific skill or interest you’re keen to share eg. photography, research or web development? Or do you have another idea of how you’d like to help take action to address climate change and its health impacts? We’d love to hear from you!