Our Committee of Management
President – Ric Butler
Founding Supporter of ECOSS. Volunteers on site 2-3 days per week at ECOSS. Skilled in business management, and interior design. Ric was on the board of Upper Yarra Community House (now Cire Services) for 20 years. Ric volunteers on Yarra Junction Football committee and many more projects.
Council Representative COM – Jim Childs
Treasurer COM -Bjorn Lowe
Bjorn is a practicing urban farmer and a social change-maker. He is an Ashoka fellow, a young leader of the World Cities Summit and the co-founder of Edible Garden City; an urban farming social enterprise.
Chair of Admin Committee. Previously worked for the Yarra Ranges Council now independently employed. Long time supporter of ECOSS, assists with all events and programs at ECOSS.
Secretary COM– Joe Butler
Member of the Admin Committee and Chair of Community Engagement Committee. Founding supporter of ECOSS. Previously worked in education and disabilities, Joe Butler is the main driver for the Community Garden at ECOSS.
MJ Shirley Reincastle – Finance Officer
Manages ECOSS accounts and book-keeping.
Tom Neil COM-
Natural Building Center instigator, coordinator, dreamer. Runs a series of Natural Building Workshops and Chair Bodging here at ECOSS, and has a private enterprise in the Natural Building Workshop and Tiny houses 2 Go.
Ian Akkerman COM-
Ian Akkerman grew up on farms in rural New Zealand and worked in the RNZAF and farm machinery sales before moving to Australia in the late 1970s.
A corporate life and running his own small business for 27 years followed before retiring to the area. As well as being involved in The Pollination Place Vine growing venture, Ian is involved a range of other ECOSS projects and events.
Peter Preuss- COM,
Peter Preuss has been a long time admirer of ECOSS. He was the coordinating teacher at the Woori Yallock Farm School and has a long history in Environmental Education and Education for Sustainability… He has a tiny vineyard, produces great wine and is a regular stall holder at ECOSS events and markets. Peter planted a small patch of vines at ECOSS to demonstrate the benefits of a unique variety of grape that can be grown organically in the Yarra Valley.
Michael Goodrich – Yarra Ranges Council Community Development Officer / Community Wellbeing – COM.
Michael assists ECOSS Committee Of Management with guidance in governance and matters pertaining to Yarra Ranges Council.
He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the committee, and we are grateful for his commitment and support.
Site Committee:
Chair – Ric Butler, Tom Neil
Admin Committee:
Chair – Joe Butler, Ric Butler, Bjorn Low, MJ Shirley Reincastle
Our Team
Chelsea McNab- Executive Officer –
Kylie Barnes–
ECOSS Earth Education and Practical Earth Education Kylie manages the schools programs at ECOSS, including ECOSS Earth Education and Practical Earth Education, delivering the day programs and developing new projects. This position is funded by FRRR. eartheducation@ecoss.org.au
Alexandra Barton-Johnson-
Marketing Alexandra Barton-Johnson is the Managing Director of Solving Sustainability Pty Ltd, a consultancy that implements the Triple Bottom Line of People, Planet, Profit using the Integrated Management ISO Systems of Quality, OHS & Environment.
As part of one of her Profit modules, Alexandra provides Marketing Consultancy to businesses and community groups like ECOSS with a focus on Continuous Improvement and Sustainability.
Leanne Hall – Event Coordinator | Community Engagement Specialist
With expertise in event organisation and a passion for multicultural events and market organising, Leanne Hall brings communities together through vibrant celebrations. As the founder and coordinator of ECOSS’s annual Ngulu Festival and Rhythms of The World, Leanne applies for grants to support these initiatives.
Contact Leanne at: events@ecoss.org.au to collaborate on your next event or project
Melanie Daymond – All Abilities Program Facilitator
Melanie is the All Abilities Volunteer Program Facilitator. Melanie has Cert 4 in Disabilities and works as an independent NDIS Provider. Melanie facilitates creative projects designed for the specific abilities of the groups- working to ECOSS Masterplan and the new Crops for Communities to Market Project. allabilities@ecoss.org.au
ECOSS people also include our collection of ongoing volunteers; we wouldn’t be the same without their fantastic energy.
Our current Co-locators and partners are;
Warburton Environment-
Warburton Environment are involved at festivals and events at ECOSS and use ECOSS as a gathering space.
Upper Yarra Landcare-
Upper Yarra Landcare members volunteer in our Native Nursery, propagating and growing native plants. https://www.facebook.
The Pottery Studio at ECOSS-
The Pottery Studio Yarra Valley is located at ECOSS and aside from their own classes and workshops, they are also involved in our wellbeing days and school group activities, bringing traditional hand skills education to the community.
Silvertine Farm-
Tobias and Josh manage Silvertine Farm, supporting ECOSS by offering fresh produce at the weekly market, providing quality volunteering experiences and getting involved in the Earth Education Program at ECOSS
Tonantzin Mexican Chocolate House:
Fernando of Tonantzin Chocolate, offers delicious chocolate products on site and Traditional Tachos at Friday’s market. Traditional Sweat Lodges and Cacao Ceremonies are also held on site.
Bushwood Creations:
Shlomit Moria is a powerhouse chainsaw artists creating beautiful timber sculptures; her art is featured across a number of Municipalities.
ECOSS Organic Market Shop:
The ECOSS Organic Market Shop, run by volunteers, offers organic and biodynamic fresh fruit and produce and a growing assortment of dry goods and canned food from Terra Madre at a reasonable price. Bio-dynamic milk and dairy products, sprouted bread and honey from our local bee group now grace our shelves, along with a growing selection of other food ideas. We are also showcasing ECOSS pottery from the pottery studio on site, so come have a look.
