Who we are

“ALGA provides a unique platform for cross fertilisation of innovative ideas and pragmatic solutions for managing contaminated land as well as networking with comrades in the frontline trenches healing country.” – Denish Nadarajah, ALGA member.

ALGA supports professionals working for the Australasian contaminated land and groundwater industry.

The Australasian Land & Groundwater Association (ALGA) Ltd has a broad base of members, including landowners, property developers, industry, consultants, scientists, contractors, regulatory agency staff, government, the legal profession, laboratory staff, researchers and academics.

The core focus of this Association is advance the protection, restoration, and responsible management of land and groundwater, safeguarding human health and the environment across Australasia.

Our People

Anne Northway headshot

Anne Northway

Scott Carroll headshot

Scott Carroll

Vicki Pearce headshot

Vicki Pearce

Brendon Love headshot

Brendon Love

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Kristina Braun

Andrew Walker headshot

Andrew Walker

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Emmylou Cooke​​​​

Brumley

Carolyn Brumley

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Matthew Potter

Team photo tiles

Clementine Py

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Michael Seller

veronika-modified-modified

Veronika Kryszkiewicz

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Karoline Willis

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Tarsha Ellem

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Claire Bell

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Lucy Clifford

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Shardai Jones 

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Annabel Weiner

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Ben Campbell

Anna Carter

Anna Carter

Brendon Love

Brendon Love – Co-Chair

bridget-derham

Bridget Derham

carolina winter

Carolina Winter

Graham Aveyard

Graham Aveyard

Helen Davies

Helen Mongillo

Jamies Rohdes

Jamie Rhodes

Marcus Hermann

Marcus Herrmann

Max Nightingale

Max Nightingale-McMahon

Simon Hunt

Simon Hunt – Chair

Stan Howell

Stanley Howell

Peter

Dr Peter Nadebaum – 2013

John Hunt

Dr John Hunt – 2016

Jon Miller

Jon Miller – 2016

Tracey

Tracy Berger – 2018

Simon Hunt

Simon Hunt – 2019

Tony

Tony Scott – 2019

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Elisabethe Dank – 2019

IanBrookman

Ian Brookman – 2020

Kevin

Kevin Simpson – 2021

Annette

Annette Nolan – 2021

Craig

Craig Cowper – 2022

James Fairweather

James Fairweather – 2023

Ian Gregson

Ian Gregson – 2023

Headshot 2023

Jackie Wright – 2024

Our History

From It’s Modest Beginnings in 2007, ALGA Has Come a Long Way to Get to Where It Is Today!

Founder
Sep 2010 - Oct 2012
2013 -2014
Sep 2010 - Oct 2012
2014 - 2015
2016
2015 – 2020
December 2018
December 2018
December 2018
2021
2020 – 2023
2023 - Present
Peter_Nadebaum
Dr Peter Nadebaum
Dr Peter Nadebaum had a dream providing an identity for the contamination and remediation industry, which he subsequently discussed with Ravi Naidu (CRC CARE); Ross McFarland (representing ACLCA); David Bates and Paul Howlett (EcoForum) late in 2006. The group met again in March 2007 and the creation of ALGA was unanimously agreed by all present. On 26 July 2007 that dream became a reality, with Dr Peter Nadebaum leading the charge as the first President of the newly formed Australian Land & Groundwater Association Inc. Elisabethe Dank joined ALGA as their secretariat in October 2008. At that time, it had 70 members and just over $50,000 in the bank, thanks to a generous donation from EcoForum (at that time owned by Margaret and David Bates, Rosalind Vrettas and Paul Howlett).
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Dr Tony Scott
Dr Tony Scott, (President Sept 2010–Oct 2012) built on Peter’s foundations: his vision was for ALGA to be seen as the peak industry body, with a broad membership base. It was whilst Dr Scott was President that we purchased “EcoForum” – the then annual conference that incorporated “contaminated land stream” and also became a “registered body” in NZ – requiring the name change to “Australasian Land & Groundwater Association Inc”. His achievements as a President was also evident in the membership growth from 356 to 650 within the first 2 years.
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Dr John Hunt
Dr Scott handed the reins over to Dr John Hunt. Dr Hunt’s strength as President was his unique ability to “arm twist”… without the victim even being aware! The technical programs for the CleanUp Conference in 2013 and the newly owned EcoForum conference in 2014 created plenty of challenges for Dr Hunt – but his dedication and enthusiasm never seeming to exhaust the victims, sorry, volunteers – with both events boasting great success! Dr Hunt was President when ALGA transitioned from an incorporated association to a company limited by guarantee, in December 2013. He remained President with an outward facing role till the 2014 AGM, whilst Jon Miller was unanimously voted by the Board of Directors to be the first Chairman of the Board – with an inward facing role.
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Jon Miller
Jon Miller as Chairperson (the politically correct term) worked very hard behind the scenes improving ALGA governance, writing charters and policies as well as instituting Board Sub-Committees, to assist in focusing attention of the Board of Directors to their legal obligations. He also encouraged Directors to seek training on Board-specific responsibilities to foster confidence amongst fellow Directors in contributing at board level.
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Stephan Pawelczyk
Stephan Pawelczyk became President in October 2014 – he was our youngest Board member and youngest President. Whilst he was only President for a year, he had specific focus on the ALGA reaching “Young Professionals” and “Students”.
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Dr Annette Nolan
Dr Annette Nolan as Chairperson ably ensured the Board of Directors stayed on the straight and narrow… A sentence to sum Annette up is “an extremely engaged Director with amazing attention to detail”. Whilst Chairing the Board she also managed to Chair the Nominations & Governance Sub-Committee, co-chair the Program Committee for 2016 EcoForum Conference & Exhibition, as well as support the newly formed Emerging Contaminants of Concern Interest Group Committee. In January 2015, Elisabethe Dank formally accepted the appointment of Chief Executive Officer, and by March, ALGA had employed two permanent part-timers and two casuals. As at January 2019, we had two full-timers, six permanent part-timers and four casuals.
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Ian Brookman
November 2015 saw a total change in leadership with Ian Brookman taking the helm. Ian is……Ian! Behind his comedic, always up to mischief exterior is an ALGA member that has the success of ALGA very much in mind at all times! Complementing his BIG personality are some great BIG ideas, and some insightful perspectives.
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Tracey Berger
Tracy Berger as Chair of the Board til end of 2017, brought plenty of industry experience as well as a great “cut through the crap” approach. Did we mention that by end of December 2018 we surpassed 2,200 members?
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Craig Cowper
The reins of Chair were handed to Craig Cowper in 2018, who with much ALGA experience gained through the NSW-Sydney Branch Committee and time as a Director continued to steer the Directors to ably fulfill their roles.
2000+ Member Milestone
Did we mention that by end of December 2018 we surpassed 2,200 members? The success of ALGA is due to the countless, insufficiently thanked hours of the members who volunteer. From time spent on ALGA committees, to representatives of ALGA on other organisations’ committees, to chairing an ALGA event, presenting at ALGA events, peer reviewing training materials, writing up event reports or simply jumping in whenever asked to do anything (ie packing up chairs and tables after the formal dinner at 2016 EcoForum). I hope you all know who you are, and from me personally thank you for your continual support – without which ALGA is nothing! Craig was elected as the Chair of the Board from 2018 to 2021. His great leadership enable the Association to survive even a worldwide pandemic!
Anne Northway headshot
Anne Northway

The reins of Chair were handed over to Anne Northway in 2021, with Sarah Richards elected as President in 2020. Anne has been a Director since the 2020 AGM and was a member of the Strategy and Risk and Finance and Audit board sub-committees in 2021.

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Dr Sarah Richards
Sarah was elected as an ALGA Director since 2019 and was voted President in 2021. Together these two women successfully led ALGA through a change in CEO with Annalisa Haskell stepping down in 2022 (appointed in 2020) and Matthew Potter taking over as CEO from mid 2022. Sarah sadly passed in May 2023 after a short battle with cancer. She will be recognised for her wonderful contribution to the industry and Association.
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Scott Carroll
Scott Carroll joined ALGA's Board of Directors in 2021. In July 2023 Scott Carroll was elected as President. Scott's aim is to uphold the wonderful example and high standards that Sarah Richards provided during her tenure as President and carry on delivering ALGA's mission to promote the protection, restoration, and management of land and groundwater across Australasia.

Governance Documents

Whistleblower Policy

This policy sets out how Australasian Land & Groundwater Association (ALGA) will support you so that you can safely express your concerns, know who to contact, how to make a report and the protections available to you. The Board of ALGA is committed to conducting business with honesty, fairness, and integrity.

Employees are expected to cooperate by maintaining legal and ethical business operations, if necessary, by reporting non-compliant actions by other people.

ALGA Code of Conduct

Membership Code of Conduct

ALGA expects all members to uphold the principles of the following code:

  • Members will act with honesty and integrity in all professional and business activities.
  • Members will not condone misrepresentation or misuse of work they have carried out or directed.
  • Members will apply their professional skills and knowledge for the conservation of the natural environment via: prevention, remediation and sustainable management of land and groundwater contamination.
  • Members at all times place the integrity of the natural environment and the health, safety and welfare of the human community above any commitment to sectional or private interests.
  • Members will uphold the honesty, standing and dignity of the profession in all matters.
  • Members will maintain the skills and knowledge throughout their careers.
  • Members will only practice in areas in which they are competent and recognise the need to collaborate with suitably qualified persons in subject areas where the member is less experienced.
  • Members shall not advertise or present the member’s services in a manner that may bring discredit to the profession.

ALGA is committed to providing a welcoming and safe environment for everyone attending and involved in its events. This Code of Conduct (Code) applies to all participants at ALGA events.

ALGA expects all event participants to uphold the principles of the following code:

  • Treat all event participants with respect and consideration, valuing a diversity of views and opinions. Participants include ALGA staff, event attendees, speakers, volunteers, guests, exhibitors/vendors, service providers, and anyone else involved in ALGA events and includes in person or virtual participation.
  • Event attendees must have registered with ALGA and have made the required payment arrangements, to enter and attend the ALGA event.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings and of other event participants.
  • Alert ALGA and event venue staff if you notice a problem situation or someone in distress.
  • Take all reasonable steps to ensure your own safety, including in relation to the responsible consumption of alcohol.
  • Notify ALGA staff if you or other delegates are subjected to unacceptable behaviour.
  • Follow recommended precautions to prevent transmission of infectious diseases including, not attending the event if experiencing symptoms of an illness such as fever, persistent cough, sore throat, etc.
  • Speakers shall avoid using materials, titles and thematic creations originated by others, either orally or in writing, unless all appropriate permission has been granted or recognition in compliance with the laws of copyright is given to the author.

ALGA’s Events Code of Conduct does not accept:

  • Harassment in any form that is hurtful or interferes with any other participant’s experience.
  • Sexual harassment, unwanted or inappropriate conduct, unwanted sexual attention, comments, jokes, or advances.
  • Discriminatory jokes and language based on sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, gender identity, religion/creed, national origin, or political views.
  • Violence, threats of violence, or violent language directed against another person.
  • Inappropriate photography or recording within the event environment for any use including on social media, without the prior permission of the individuals or owners of the content therein.
  • Failure to obey any rules or regulations of the event venue, including any destruction or vandalizing of personal or event property and materials.
  • Inability or unwillingness to conduct oneself professionally, including as a result of the consumption of alcohol.

ALGA reserves the right in its sole discretion to determine what constitutes unacceptable behaviour and what actions it will take to address incidents that occur.

Use of Logo

Permission to use the ALGA logo or title is provided as a service to partners who share ALGA objectives.

To ensure that ALGA is not seen to be endorsing any particular product or company in preference to others, permission to use the ALGA logo or make reference to the ALGA in promotional material (printed and electronic ) is provided under the following conditions and guidelines:

  • Any use of the Australasian Land & Groundwater Association title or ALGA logo will be discreet and less prominent than the company or product name, logo or banner.
  • The use of the ALGA logo or any reference to ALGA must clearly imply that the company or organisation is representing itself simply as a partner of ALGA. The words “partner” must be used (as applicable) in conjunction with the use of the ALGA logo or title.
  • Preferably all references to ALGA (logo or name) will be at the bottom or lower margin of the page or promotion, or at least presented in such a manner as to not appear as the promoting organisation or sponsor of the product.
  • If a logo is to be used, this must be obtained from ALGA and used without modification of the colours or font styles. In providing this approval to use the ALGA logo or acknowledgement of ALGA partnership, the Australasian Land & Groundwater Association (ALGA) Ltd, in so doing, assumes no responsibility or liabality for the opinions or statements of facts expressed by the company using the ALGA logo or name in its advertising, promotion, letterheads or other printed or electronic communications and material.

Disclaimers

Website Disclaimer

Information contained within this website may contain inaccuracies or typographical errors. Information may be changed or updated at any time without notice.

Information on this web site is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, either express or implied representations, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties or conditions of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. ALGA makes no representations warranties or guarantees as to the quality, accuracy, or completeness of any materials contained on this site.

The statements, analyses, opinions, information and conclusions in any presentation, webinar, symposium, conference, course and/or any other speaker event are those of the author/presenter and not of the Australasian Land & Groundwater Association (ALGA) Ltd, which only acts in the capacity as host/convenor of such events. This disclaimer extends to communications with ALGA Branch, Specialist Interest Group and Event Committee members.

No part of such events and/or communications can be regarded as legal advice.  Although care has been taken in preparing such events and/or communications, neither ALGA nor the author/presenter/Committee member represent or warrant that the information supplied is current, complete or accurate. To the full extent permitted by law, the author/presenter/Committee member and ALGA do not accept any liability, or owe a duty of care, to any person in respect of any such information. No person should rely in any way on the content of such events and/or communications and are encouraged to seek independent legal or other professional advice, if required.

ALGA shall not be liable to any party or any direct, indirect, special or other consequential damages for any use of this website, or on any other hyper-linked website, including, without limitation, any lost profits, business interruption, loss of programs or other data on your information handling system, equipment or otherwise, even if we are expressly advised of the possibility of such damages.
Links to third party sites are offered as a convenience and are controlled by the third parties independently of ALGA. ALGA accepts no responsibility for the use of these third party sites. These links do not imply endorsement and the responsibility, to take precautions to ensure that whatever you choose to select and use is free of viruses and other harmful items, is the users’.

ALGA maintains links to other web sites but makes no representations as to the accuracy of the material therein, and is not responsible for the content and conduct of these sites, nor of any goods purchased on these sites.

Privacy Policy

Click here to view our full website privacy policy.

Terms & Conditions

These terms and conditions constitute an agreement between Australasian Land & Groundwater Association (ALGA) and the Corporate Partner, Delegate, Member, Sponsor or Advertiser.

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