Vision
HEALTHY, BEAUTIFUL AND RESILIENT COMMUNITIES WHERE CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE AND THEIR FAMILIES ACHIEVE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL.
About
Material Institute Lutruwita/Tasmania is a Tasmanian charity with a vision for connected communities shaping regenerative futures. We work to challenge the status quo to nurture healthy, thriving communities through creativity and collaboration.
We do this through programing in our natural beauty lab, onsite kitchen and market garden where we host workshops and events for young people and their community. Our 24 Carrot Kitchen Garden program is in 24 schools around the state, teaching children how to grow, prepared and share real food. We believe working with children can bring about about the regenerative change the world needs.
We’re a sister organisation to Material Institute NOLA.
Our Board
Founder and Chair
Kirsha Kaechele
Experience and Expertise
Kirsha is an artist, curator, designer and philanthropist. Kirsha has been involved with charities and not-for-profits for over twenty years in both Australia and the United States. Kirsha is an experienced fundraiser and advocate for disadvantaged and impoverished communities.
Director, Secretary
Patrick Kelly
Qualifications
B. Com, CPA
Experience and Expertise
Patrick has nearly thirty years of financial and management experience. He’s worked for three state governments, large private enterprises and a publicly listed company, mostly on the financial side of things.
Social Responsibilities
Treasurer and Chair of the Finance sub-committee
Director
Kellyanne Williams
Experience and Expertise
Kellyanne has twenty years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, having worked for Save The Children and numerous other community associations. Kellyanne brings unique community passion and experience to the Board.
Director
Nic Whyte
Qualifications
B.Fine Arts
Experience and Expertise
Nic is a Creative Technologist with 25 years experience in systems and service design for the cultural sector. As the CTO and Co-Founder of Art Processors, he has led innovative projects that redefine how people from all backgrounds can engage with cultural narratives. Nic is committed to advancing the mission of Material Institute, fostering initiatives that empower students to create a sustainable future for themselves and their communities.
Director
Chloe Woolnough
Experience and Expertise
Chloe Woolnough is a proud Palawa woman and a dedicated leader in early childhood reform, committed to improving outcomes for Aboriginal children and families across Lutruwita/Tasmania.
With more than twelve years at the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, she brings deep cultural knowledge, community trust, and lived experience to her work, ensuring programs are grounded in Aboriginal self-determination and community priorities.
CEO
Sarah Proud
Experience and Expertise
Passionate about people, equity and the planet. Bit of a penchant for pondering ‘emergent systems and strategy’. Plans to sail to Fiji when she grows up.
Team
Beauty Lab Lead
Bodie Hooper
Bodie Hooper is a Cosmetic Formulator with over 15 years' experience working in the beauty industry. As Beauty Lab Lead at Material Institute, Bodie designs and facilitates Cosmetic Science Workshops, blending sustainability, education, and creativity to inspire kids and communities through hands-on exploration of ethical and innovative skincare formulation.
Junior Horticulturist
Connor Speechley
Connor has a deep love and appreciation for Tasmanian natural beauty which has fostered his career path to this day. Connor started working as a bush regenerator when he was 18 and this lead him to study forest science at University. Connor feels lucky to be part of the 24 Carrot Gardens team and enjoys diving down the horticultural rabbit hole. He is excited to continue his learning of the natural world.
Ceramic Artist / Potter
Georgie Vozar
Georgie makes it all. Big pots. Little pots. Pots that don’t look like pots. Pots that aren’t pots at all. Was literally raised in a pottery. Big believer in the therapeutic side of arts practice.
Head of Operations
Jordan Wright
Came across from the world of People and Culture (or HR). Jordan enjoys getting to wear many hats in a young, ambitious organisation. Likes enabling others, solving problems pragmatically, learning, and playing sports badly.
Head of Community Practice and Impact
Joselynn (Jos) Baltra-Ulloa
Jos joins us after 18 years as a social work academic. She brings her passions for whole systems thinking and decolonising practice to our storytelling efforts. She is drawn to community development and loves weaving together networks to build capacity for experimentation, expression and new ways of knowing, being and doing. In her spare time you'll find her somewhere in the Huon valley growing community.
Business Manager
Lisa Lods
With a tech and commercial background, Lisa has over 25 years in the personal care and essential oils industries. Lisa heads up our Beauty Lab and social enterprise aspects of Material Institute. She is passionate about transporting the curious through the journey of beauty, science, enterprise, nature, technology, sustainability and imagination.
Horticulturalist
Louise Sales
Originally from Scotland (and therefore suited to chilly Bridgewater mornings), Lou grows the veg and seedlings that make 24 Carrot Gardens tick. With a background in conservation and environmental advocacy, she’s excited to finally have her hands in the dirt full time.
Bond Place Coordinator
Marcia Travers
A regular visitor, we eventually asked Marcia to come aboard officially to share her skill and passion for sewing, arts and crafts, as well as help in the garden. In her spare time you’ll find her out in her kayak or getting away with her daughter and dogs.
Musicologist
Martin Blackwell
An old hand who shuffled across from Mona, Marty’s our resident musicologist—player, producer, general dab-hand organiser of anything that can carry a tune. Lover of the visual arts and possessor of an extensive instrument collection.
Senior Horticulture Manager
Tara Edmondson
Tara has spent a lifetime outdoors and deeply understands the power of our landscapes. Connecting communities, inspiring creativity and building resilience through food security. With more than two decades managing diverse gardens and food production Tara ensures our horticultural programs and services reach their full potential.
Head Chef
Vladimir Panevin
Joined us after more than a decade cooking in some of Tassie’s best restaurants. Big into seasonal produce, sustainability and ethically raised animals, so it feels like he’s in the right place. Responsible for all things food-y.
Content Manager
Yasmin Mund
Helps us look our best in all things visual, content and internet when she’s not studying permaculture, bush regeneration and general backyard food growing. Loves foraging seaside, roadside, or in the garden.
Graphic Designer & Social Media Coordinator
Zoe Rose
Zoe is wholeheartedly motivated by connecting with and serving the communities she belongs to. An observer and a creative, Zoe contributes with her detailed graphic design eye, love of storytelling and being on the ground capturing the real stories!