Kaitlyn Cooke

Just one hour of a shift on a children’s COVID ward, using 10 single-use masks, 10 single-use gowns, 10 single-use pairs of gloves, an idea was born.

During a nursing shift in 2020, Kaitlyn Cooke, was taking care of a tiny baby. He was in distress and wanted constant comfort and because it was during COVID parents weren’t allowed on the wards.

Every time Kaitlyn went in to tend to him meant a fresh set of infection-preventing PPE, all heading to landfill after their short use. She couldn’t believe how much waste one tiny patient used.

Yes, COVID created unusual times, but honestly, were we that much greener before? Why isn’t environmentally friendlier equipment the norm in our industry yet?

Because no one had created any yet… So, Kaitlyn created one herself!

Kaitlyn is the founder of an all-things product design “Ecodefend”.  Having worked as a healthcare professional, she studied the technical detail of what the masks require and how to make them more comfortable for the wearer.  Kaitlyn has a real passion for a healthier environment and loves working with materials, dealing with manufacturers and waste companies to find the best possible way to manufacture and dispose of our products.

Trevor Oldfield – AM KSJ JP

Having spent most of his life in Western Sydney, Trevor has acquired a significant depth of knowledge which enables him to identify many needs within the Community with genuine care and compassion. He has enjoyed working with a diverse range of community and charitable organisations, such as the State Emergency Services from age 14, Kids West Children’s Charity, The Millennium Foundation Westmead, Variety, Ronald MacDonald House and the Blacktown City Lions Club.

In 2006 Trevor was awarded the Order of Australia for Community Service and also awarded the Government of NSW Premier Award for Community Service. In 2014 he was granted membership as a Knight in the Order of St John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller,

Having more than 35 years’ experience within the philanthropic Community as a company Director and holding various roles within Senior Management, Trevor has acquired a wonderfully diverse amount of experience. Trevor has a Certificate IV in Financial and Credit Management and Diploma’s in Business Management and Human Resources.

Trevor currently holds the position of Chairman of Ecodefend, Executive Director of Kids West Children’s Charity, President of the Greater Blacktown Business Chamber and President of NBC Sports Club.

Philip McKenzie – KCSJ JP

With a background spanning both science education and school advancement, I bring a unique blend of teaching expertise, strategic insight, and a passion for positive change. My career began as a Science and Physics teacher, evolving over time to include significant leadership roles in independent schools and advancement. Alongside this, I’ve worked across start-ups and consulting, always focused on building relationships and creating long-term value.

I’ve served on a range of boards and committees, including roles on nominations and fundraising foundations, and continue to grow professionally through courses with the Australian Institute of Company Directors. I maintain close connections across the education and business sectors—at both senior executive and board levels—which supports my ongoing commitment to stakeholder engagement and collaborative leadership.

Whether working with students, staff, or community groups, I take pride in being a clear communicator and thoughtful planner—motivated by integrity, respect, and the belief that calm, considered leadership can unlock real progress. I enjoy public speaking, developing curriculum that sparks curiosity, and bringing people together to drive innovation and growth.

Outside of work, I find balance in the natural world—bushwalking, boogie boarding, and listening to classical music—and have a keen interest in philosophy and comparative religion.

As Education Director at Ecodefend, I’m proud to be part of a company that’s actively addressing the environmental fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. By developing compostable products that reduce waste and can even be turned into biochar, we’re supporting both people and the planet. My role focuses on creating engaging and relevant curriculum resources for schools, with a view to expanding into workplace education, induction, and upskilling in the future.

Livia Janovics – DSJ

Full-time Program Operations Manager Westmead Hospital, for Infectious Diseases; NSW Biocontainment Centre and Sexual Health. Portfolios include HR, Recruitment and Finance overseeing 20 Staff and Clinicians. 2010 to current. Previously I have worked in Hospitality, Engineering, Fashion and Food Industries. I have excellent business acumen having run my own business for 8 years in the V8 Supercar Industry.

I have more than 20 years’ experience in Senior Management. My accreditations include Diploma in Human Resources; Certificate IV in Corporate Governance; Diploma in Leadership and Management, Capability Manager Program, various Finance courses and Event Management. I have a strong background in the development, implementation and review of Policies and Procedures for NBC Sports Club and NSW Health.

I am currently a Director & Treasurer at NBC Sports Club and a member of the Clubs NSW Club Directors Institute. Director and Secretary of the Greater Blacktown Business Chamber and Director of Ecodefend. I am also a member of Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI).

I enjoy working with local communities and fundraising for various causes and supporting Foodbank NSW/ACT, Kids West Children’s Charity, and Blacktown City Lions Club.

Michael McKenzie

Growing up in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney, I developed a deep appreciation for nature early on. That connection to the environment, paired with ten years of experience as a Heavy Diesel Mechanic, has shaped both my career and my commitment to sustainability. Working across sectors such as transport and waste, I gained a deep understanding of complex machinery—and witnessed firsthand the environmental impact of traditional industries.

Today, I proudly serve as Director of Strategic Research at an eco-driven company leading the charge in sustainable product development. Our first major breakthrough—Australia’s first fully compostable disposable surgical mask—marks a significant step forward in reducing plastic waste in healthcare. It’s a product that reflects not only innovation but also a genuine commitment to long-term environmental change.

I’m passionate about using my technical knowledge to build smarter, more sustainable solutions—combining mechanical expertise with a forward-thinking approach to technology and communication. For me, sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s a responsibility. And I’m driven to keep pushing boundaries to help shape a cleaner, more conscious future.

Dennis Oldfield

Dennis has been in the hospitality industry for more than 35 years, working in Sydney, Shanghai, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India and most recently as Regional General Manager in Beijing.

He studied marketing in Sydney and a Master’s in International Management at the University of Liverpool (UK).

He has been awarded many tenets through the industry, including Beijing Employee of 2018 by the Beijing Government.

Dr. Thava Palanisami

Professor, School of Engineering, University of Newcastle, Australia

Director of Environmental Plastics Innovation Cluster (EPIC)

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André Meyer

Principal – BEng(Mech) LLB MIP FIPTA FSAIIPL

Patent Attorney, Trade Marks Attorney, Intellectual Property (IP) Lawyer at Meyer West IP

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