In January 2011 a group of people got together to solve two of the biggest problems in our region: unemployment and waste. Just down the road, another group of people got together to solve the unsustainable food system. The groups merged to become Green Connect and in the ten years since, a series of smart, capable, motivated people have each added their skills, knowledge and effort to create jobs that care for people and planet.

At Green Connect we:

Employ young people and former refugees, who are disproportionately affected by high unemployment and who thrive in safe, welcoming, supportive workplaces.

Grow fair food, that’s good for the people who eat it, the people who grow it and the planet.

Connect the community, knowing that social isolation is one of the biggest drivers of mental ill-health, and that when people come together, we can solve anything.

Run a sustainable business, with more than 80% of our expenses covered by income from trade.

It is only possible to operate a small to medium enterprise with lofty social and environmental aims when you have a team of wonderful, hardworking, clever, warm-hearted people in and around Green Connect. We benefit from the tireless efforts of many and are a proud community of people coming together to create more jobs, less waste and fair food.

Robert Servine, CEO and Company Secretary at Green Connect, brings over 12 years of leadership experience within the nonprofit sector.

His previous roles span diverse organisations, including KARI, Nepean Communities and Neighbourhood Services (NCNS), NSW Department of Communities and Justice and Seattle Youth Garden Works, where he managed programs supporting youth, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and local communities.

He holds a degree in psychology from The Evergreen State College and has a deep belief in empowering individuals through positive psychology. Robert’s global experiences, including nearly a decade of world travel, organic farming, and studying yoga and Buddhism in India, inform his wholistic approach to leadership.

Now based in Wollongong, he leads Green Connect’s mission to promote sustainability, fair food production, and social inclusion​.

Emily Henderson became manager of Green Connect farm in 2021.

Growing up, her family life included sheep farming in New Zealand, hydroponic market gardening in the Falkland Islands and life on a traditional country estate in England.

After moving to Australia, Emily studied Biology at University of Wollongong and more recently completed a Cert IV in Community Services. Her experience both as a foster carer and volunteer ‘befriender’ for recently arrived refugees reflects her passion in assisting the demographic Green Connect seeks to engage and support.

After both running her own businesses and working in non-for profit, she was delighted to join Green Connect to continue the hard work in fulfilling the organisations purpose, as well as making Green Connect Farm one of the country’s leading examples of urban agriculture.

Sarah Proud, CEO of Material Institute, is passionate about fostering equality, community, and sustainability, with a keen interest in emergent systems and strategic innovation. She brings a thoughtful and creative approach to driving meaningful change.

Alf Maccioni, CEO UOW Pulse, a strategically focused Executive Manager with demonstrated experience in financial management and operational leadership. Proven leadership success in change management projects and management of multi-site membership-based organisations.

Dr Joel Hoffman, is a clinical psychologist and a research fellow at the Univerisity of Sydney, with a PhD in refugee mental health. Combining research and practice, he works collaboratively to empower individuals and groups by cultivating understanding, resilience and value-directed change.

Katrina Brooks, Social Sustainability Manager at Mirvac, is a strategically focused executive with extensive experience in leadership, stakeholder engagement, and community impact. She has a proven track record in driving organisational growth, managing high-impact projects, and fostering meaningful partnerships across sectors.

 Joe Ringer, Founder & Managing Director at Unitive Consulting and Unitive Impact, is a strategically focused leader with extensive experience in finance, risk management, and business advisory. He has a proven track record in driving organisational growth, managing complex projects, and delivering high-impact solutions for businesses and communities.

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Green Connect Capability Statement
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