Our People
A Fairer World values diverse and authentic voices.
We ensure that a variety of people and perspectives inform our work by welcoming volunteers – our Committee members are volunteers, our community educators are volunteers and much of the behind the scenes work is done by volunteers.
To find out more about working with us go to our Volunteer page.
A Fairer World Staff
Helen Hortle, Coordinator
Helen has been with A Fairer World since 1999, when it was called TASDEC (Tasmanian Development Education Centre). She became Coordinator in 2003 when the centre lost its core funding, forcing the retrenchment of the three paid staff. At that time she said, “I’ll give it six months to see if we can make it work.” 18 years later, as A Fairer World, the organisation is at the forefront of education and training in diversity and inclusion. Helen’s unusual mix of experience and qualifications – in education, social science and accounting – have undoubtedly helped with this transition.
Sharifah Emalia Al-Gadrie, Hobart Human Library Manager
Emalia began working with A Fairer World in 2017 on the Students Against Racism project Women’s Business. When the Pathways to Opportunities project was awarded funding, Emalia stepped into the project officer position and, not long after, when a role became available with the Hobart Human Library, we grabbed the opportunity to offer this talented presenter and project manager more work. Emalia now manages the Hobart Human Library and is, on occasion, also a human ‘book’ – combining her lived experience and facilitation skills to co-present Unconscious Bias, Inclusion Strategies and Inclusion Forum workshops.
Jodie Epper, Educational Leader
Jodie is an experienced educator with a strong passion for social justice. She was selected as Educational Leader for her significant skills in project and people leadership. We particularly welcome Jodie’s experience in the conception, design and realisation of innovative programs. Jodie’s program credits include Get Outside (which she still runs through Wildcare Tasmania) and Extra Hands (through the Tasmanian Landcare Association). Watch out for the revamp of the Let’s Get Together program!
Caitlin, Admin Officer
Since joining A Fairer World in late 2020, Caitlin has become an integral member of our team. Caitlin has a degree and experience in IT and a talent for figures, so is a great all-rounder in admin. Caitlin also has skills in audio and creative design so doubles as our techie at events.
We are proud of our distinguished patrons.
Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC, Governor of Tasmania
Her Excellency the Honourable Her Excellency worked as a legal practitioner for 23 years before being the first Tasmanian woman appointed as a judge of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia. As a lawyer, Her Excellency specialised in family law and relationships and was one of the first lawyers to join the Tasmanian Bar, practising exclusively in family law. Her Excellency is known for her enormous contributions made to the administration of justice, the advancement of specialist advocacy in the family law jurisdiction and the promotion of women at the bar.
Former Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, Robin Banks
Former Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, Robin BanksRobin Banks is a human rights lawyer and PhD candidate who has worked largely in Community Legal Centres (CLCs) and advocacy roles. A key focus in her work has been public interest law mechanisms, human rights and discrimination law, in concert with a strong interest in disability rights and promoting effective advocacy to support and achieve rights focused systemic change.
Abi Binning, President
Abi Binning, PresidentAbi Binning is the Executive Director of Wide Angle Tasmania. Abi designs, leads and implements projects that support the Tasmanian screen sector. Since 20210, Abi has executive produced 36 short films in diverse genres through Wide Angle Tasmania’s production initiatives. These films have screened on national television and been selected for prestigious international film festivals. In 2019 Abi was selected to participate in the Emerging Community Leaders Programme through the Tasmanian Community Fund. Before moving into the film industry, Abi worked for 12 years as a classroom teacher, English as a Second Language teacher and Learning Support.
Barb Mawson, Vice President
Barb Mawson, Vice PresidentBarbara Mawson has worked in education for 35 years, as an Early-years teacher, a university lecturer, and a primary school principal. As a class teacher her introduction to A Fairer World (then TasDec) was in the 1980s and this cemented her belief that when young children were given the opportunity to learn about big global issues such as fairness, rights and responsibilities, then they develop the skills and understanding needed for a positive future. Barb is a passionate believer that to educate individuals about social justice and human rights this must focus on creating empathy, hope for the future, and the capacity for action.
Suzanne Schulz, Vice President
Suzanne Schulz, Vice PresidentSuzanne has over 13 years’ experience in community development and is currently responsible for community planning and development across a range of health and wellbeing activities at Clarence City Council. Suzanne has implemented a range of initiatives, including One Community Together, Fitness in the Park, Live Clarence, My Wellbeing Kit, World Games Day and the Clarence Christmas Brunch. She has also co-authored and supported a number of research and evaluation projects, including the Tasmanian Food Access Research Coalition Research Project, Anticipatory Care Research Project and My Wellbeing Kit. Suzanne has over 25 years’ experience with community groups.
Wendy Evans, Treasurer
Wendy Evans, TreasurerWendy is a Fellow Professional National Accountant and has worked in a number of accounting and management roles, including as Operations Manager at Asthma Foundation Tasmania. She came to A Fairer World through her involvement with Soroptimist International of Hobart. Soroptimist International is a global volunteer movement working together to transform the lives of women and girls. Soroptimist groups work at a local, national and international level to educate, empower and enable opportunities for women and girls.
Emma Missen, member
Emma began working with A Fairer World in 2021 as a human ‘book’ for the Hobart Human Library. Her story focuses on her experience with invisible illness/disability. Emma has a passion for social justice and storytelling and has been a volunteer speaker with Beyond Blue since 2014. Emma also writes a blog to raise awareness and understanding of invisible illness/disability. Emma works as a policy analyst in the Tasmanian Government and holds a Bachelor of Arts and Diploma of Languages from the University of Melbourne.
Helen Hortle, member, Coordinator & Public Officer
Helen was introduced to A Fairer World in 1999 after returning to Tasmania from two years in Tonga with Australian Volunteers International. After time as volunteer, project officer and Treasurer, Helen became Coordinator in 2003. Since then, she has introduced the ruMAD? Program to Tasmanian schools, created the Fairer World Festival, and led the development of the Hobart Human Library, the school Let’s Get Together program and the Diversity & Inclusion Program for workplaces. Helen is a qualified and experienced accountant, teacher and social scientist.
Antony Cox, member
Antony Cox, memberAntony started at A Fairer World in June 2015 as a volunteer doing administration, gardening and maintenance. He quickly became a key volunteer for the Hobart Human Library, initially helping with preparation and setup, then training as a librarian. He has also worked as a student mentor in the Let’s Get Together program in schools, so has a strong understanding of our programs from the inside. Antony has extensive work experience in administration and customer relations and finds that his cultural and social ideals closely align with those of A Fairer World.
Valerie Cameron, member
Valerie has been volunteering in the community sector for over 25 years, mostly in social or peer support, as a Lifeline Telephone Counsellor, with the Red Cross Mates Program and with Hospice Volunteers Tasmania. For a time, Valerie was also a Buddhist chaplain at the women’s prison. For the past 5 years she has taught meditation and wellbeing at Women’s Health Tasmania and Neighbourhood Houses. Valerie joined A Fairer World as the values speak to her very directly. Valerie has been blind for 30 years. Her lived experience and communication skills make her a natural fit with A Fairer World.
Meahd Farnaby, member
Abi Binning, Chair
Abi Binning is the Executive Director of Wide Angle Tasmania. Abi designs, leads and implements projects that support the Tasmanian screen sector. Since 20210, Abi has executive produced 36 short films in diverse genres through Wide Angle Tasmania’s production initiatives. These films have screened on national television and been selected for prestigious international film festivals. In 2019 Abi was selected to participate in the Emerging Community Leaders Programme through the Tasmanian Community Fund. Before moving into the film industry, Abi worked for 12 years as a classroom teacher, English as a Second Language teacher and Learning Support.
Barb Mawson, Deputy Chair
Barbara Mawson has worked in education for 35 years, as an Early-years teacher, a university lecturer, and a primary school principal. As a class teacher her introduction to A Fairer World (then TasDec) was in the 1980s and this cemented her belief that when young children were given the opportunity to learn about big global issues such as fairness, rights and responsibilities, then they develop the skills and understanding needed for a positive future. Barb is a passionate believer that to educate individuals about social justice and human rights this must focus on creating empathy, hope for the future, and the capacity for action.
Wendy Evans, Treasurer
Wendy is a Fellow Professional National Accountant and has worked in a number of accounting and management roles, including as Operations Manager at Asthma Foundation Tasmania. She came to A Fairer World through her involvement with Soroptimist International of Hobart. Soroptimist International is a global volunteer movement working together to transform the lives of women and girls. Soroptimist groups work at a local, national and international level to educate, empower and enable opportunities for women and girls.
Helen Hortle, member, Coordinator & Public Officer
Helen was introduced to A Fairer World in 1999 after returning to Tasmania from two years in Tonga with Australian Volunteers International. After time as volunteer, project officer and Treasurer, Helen became Coordinator in 2003. Since then, she has introduced the ruMAD? Program to Tasmanian schools, created the Fairer World Festival, and led the development of the Hobart Human Library, the school Let’s Get Together program and the Diversity & Inclusion Program for workplaces. Helen is a qualified and experienced accountant, teacher and social scientist.