About the Coalition for Conservation (C4C)
The Coalition for Conservation (C4C) was established in 2018 to bridge the gap between policymaking and expertise on environmental issues. By engaging policymakers in conversations about climate change, energy, and environmental protection, C4C aims to elevate the understanding of clean energy, sustainable agricultural practices, biodiversity, and environmental conservation. Today, C4C stands as one of the leading think tanks in environmental management both in Australia and globally.
Our Mission
At the Coalition for Conservation (C4C), our mission is to safeguard the planet by promoting sustainable practices and fostering a deeper understanding of environmental issues. As a registered environmental charity, we connect policy with climate expertise, working collaboratively with policymakers, experts, businesses, and communities. Our goal is to develop and implement practical, sustainable solutions.
Our initiatives focus on:
- Educating communities on environmental sustainability
- Influencing policymakers to adopt greener policies
- Coordinating impactful events to address pressing environmental challenges
By driving meaningful action for a sustainable future, we strive to create lasting change and ensure the well-being of our planet.
Our Board
The Coalition for Conservation is managed by our Board of Directors.
Hon. Larry Anthony AO
Chair
Larry Anthony is the former Federal President of the Australian National Party and founding Director of the Government Relations and Media Advisory, SAS Group.
He has served as a Federal Minister in the Howard Government, holding portfolios in Social Security, Children and Youth Affairs, and Community Services. Larry’s extensive experience in government and media relations makes him a valuable leader for the Coalition for Conservation.
Cristina Talacko
Managing Director / CEO
Cristina has more than 20 years of experience in executive boards and management of not-for-profit associations.
She has served on the boards of the Export Council of Australia, DFAT Council on Australia Latin America Relations, and Multicultural NSW. Cristina is also involved with various energy and renewables boards, including the Advisory Committee of Endeavour Energy and the Advisory Board of Viridios Capital. As an entrepreneur, she founded SalDoce Fine Foods and has been recognized with several awards, including the NSW Export Awards and the NSW Small Business Award.
David Nixon
Treasurer
David is a Company Director, Board and Executive Advisor with 35 years of experience across multinationals, utilities, councils, and small businesses.
He has expertise in strategic planning and has held significant roles in the Australian Water Sector and renewable energy in NSW. David’s board roles include Stormwater Sydney, Gerald and Rose, and Chair of the NSW Liberal Parties Audit and Governance Committee. He holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Environmental Business Management.
Kerry Chikarovski
Kerry Chikarovski is a former NSW Liberal Leader and the first woman to lead a major political party in New South Wales.
She founded Chikarovski & Associates, a consultancy specializing in government relations and community engagement. Kerry holds numerous non-executive board roles, including with Our Watch and Tender Loving Cuisine Australia. She is also the Chair of NSW Women’s Rugby Union and a media commentator on various national platforms.
Sarah Lawley
Sarah is an experienced energy industry professional with over 20 years of experience.
She has held executive positions managing renewable energy portfolios and retail load portfolios within several Australian electricity companies. Sarah holds a PhD in Subatomic Physics and is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Energy. Her expertise spans energy markets, financial risk management, project development, and sustainability.
Patrick Gibbons
Patrick is a partner at Orizontas Group and a former diplomat, policy advisor, and business consultant.
He has specialist expertise in climate change, energy, resources, environmental, investment, and public policy issues. Patrick has been involved in Australian climate policy development for nearly 20 years and has represented Australia in international climate change negotiations. He holds an MBA in Energy Finance, an MA in International Relations, and a Bachelor of Economics (Hons).
Our Patrons
We thank our Patrons for their ongoing support.
David Paradice AO
Founder & Managing Director of Paradice Investment Management, Chairman of the Taronga Foundation and board member of Future Generation Australia.
Trevor St. Baker
Over 60 years in the energy industry, founder of ERM Power, and Chairman of Sunset Power International (Delta Electricity), Director of Energy Policy Institute of Australia Limited and Director or Chairman of all StBEIF investee companies
Our Ambassadors
We thank our Ambassadors for their ongoing support and advice.
Hon. Robyn Parker
Former Liberal NSW Minister for the Environment and Minister for Heritage in the O’Farrell Government. Currently a Non-Executive Director of Taronga Conservation Society and Chief Executive Officer of Delphis Australia.
Hon. Nick Greiner AC
Australia’s Consul-General in the US, former Premier and Treasurer of NSW, and former Federal President of the Liberal Party and a Member of the CEDA Leadership Council.
Hon. Philip Ruddock AO
Former Minister for Immigration and Attorney General, currently Mayor of Hornsby and President of the NSW Division of the Liberal Party.
Hon. Robert Hill AC
Former Federal Ministers for the Environment and Defence and Government Leader in the Senate. Ambassador to the United Nations, and Professor in Sustainability at the University of Sydney.
Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO
Former Australian Ambassador to the US and Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science.
Chris McDiven AM
First female Federal President of the Liberal Party, currently Chair of the Together for Humanity Foundation.
Ian Carson AM
Chairman of Markets at PwC, co-founder of SecondBite, and President of The Victorian Arts Centre Trust.
Hon. Damian Drum MP
Former Nationals Chief Whip and Minister for Sports and Veterans Affairs, and Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister in the Second Turnbull Ministry.
Craig Chung
Sydney City Councillor, small business innovator, and member of the Environment and Transport Committees at the City of Sydney Council.
Our Advisory Committee
We thank our Advisory Committee for their ongoing knowledge and advice.
Trevor St Baker AO
Founder of St Baker Energy Innovation Fund with over 60 years in the energy industry. Chairman of Sunset Power International and Director of StBEIF.
Tamahra Kierath
Lawyer with 15 years of experience, currently Lead Project Enablement – Power Decarbonisation at BHP, and member of the Liberal Party’s Emergent Women program.
Dr. Cameron Kelly
General Counsel at the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) with significant experience in renewable energy projects across the Middle East.
Brad Holzberger
Former CIO of QSuper, overseeing $80 billion in funds. Trusted advisor to regulators and policymakers, and former director of ASFA.
Our Partners
Charity Status
Coalition for Conservation – Australia
The Coalition for Conservation (ABN 82201923025) is a charitable trust registered with the ACNC with DGR (income tax deductible) status within Australia. The Coalition for Conservation Inc (ABN 42645336534) is a charity registered with the ACNC that operates the day to day activities of the organisation.
Coalition for Conservation – United States
The Coalition for Conservation Inc. is a charitable trust registered with the IRS as a tax-exempt Organisation.
