The Zoological Parks Authority Act states that the Authority’s Board of Management shall comprise eight members appointed by the Minister. The Board is the governing body of the Authority.
Members may be appointed for any term not exceeding four years and are eligible for reappointment.
The Board meets monthly and carries out its responsibilities in line with an approved Code of Conduct for Government Boards and Committees.
The current membership of the Board is:
Mr Brian Easton, Chairperson
Mr Brian Easton has had a distinguished career in the Public Service spanning three decades. Mr Easton served as CEO at Perth Zoo from 1999-2003 during which time he also served as Vice President of the Executive Committee of the Australasian Zoos Association. In 2003, Mr Easton became a Director of Melbourne Zoo assisting with strategic planning, designing new displays and visitor facilities and in the importation of elephants from Thailand. Currently, he operates a rural property based on sustainable living practices, encouraging community involvement through innovative displays and educational programs. Mr Easton was appointed as Chair of the Zoological Parks Authority commencing on 1 August for a three-year term.
Dr Pam Garnett, Deputy Chairperson
Dr Garnett is a member of the Western Australian Science Council and Dean of Curriculum at St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls. In 2003 Dr Garnett was awarded the Prime Minister’s prize for excellence in Science teaching. Dr Garnett has a PhD from Edith Cowan University and a Masters degree from Curtin University of Technology. She has been active in curriculum development and is a past President of the Science Teachers’ Association. Dr Garnett was appointed to the Zoological Parks Authority Board as Deputy Chair on 23 September 2010 for a three-year term.
Mr Eric Ball OAM, Member
Mr Ball is a Senior Associate of the ANZ Institute of Insurance and Finance in private practice as a Financial Consultant. He was a foundation member of the Perth Zoo Animal Ethics Committee, is a member of the Animal Ethics Committee at Curtin University and deputy member at the Department of Agriculture. Mr Ball was on the Board of RSPCA WA from 1984 to 2006, Chairman and President from 1985 to 2004, and a member of RSPCA Australia National Council until 2004. He received the prestigious National Outstanding Service Award from RSPCA Australia in 2005. He has sat on a number of advisory committees including the State Animal Welfare Advisory Committee. Mr Ball was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2008 for his service to the community in the field of animal welfare. Mr Ball was re-appointed to the Zoological Parks Authority Board on 9 December 2009 for a second three-year term.
Mr Kevin Harrison, Member
Mr Harrison is a past Commissioner, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Western Australian Tourism Commission. He has served on government boards at a state, national and international level including roles as Chairman of the Rottnest Island Authority, Eventscorp and Rally Australia. He has been a board member of over 60 companies in 17 different sectors of the tourism industry including managing director of a national hotel chain and vice president of an international hotel chain of over 500 properties. Mr Harrison was re-appointed to the Zoological Parks Authority Board on 9 December 2009 for a second three-year term.
Ms Susan Harrington, Member
Ms Harrington is the WA Health Department’s Medical Entomologist and an experienced biologist and researcher, having worked in a range of ecosystems around Australia, Christmas Island, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, the Sahara and the Antarctic. She is an active participant in community issues including being the spokesperson for the Leighton Action Coalition, working for a sustainable coastal planning outcome at Perth’s Leighton Beach. Ms Harrington is the recipient of several community service awards, including the Prime Minister’s Centenary Medal for services to the community. Ms Harrington was appointed to the Zoological Parks Authority Board on 23 September 2010 for a three-year term.
Professor John Edwards, Member
Previously Dean of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences at Murdoch University, Emeritus Professor John Edwards is currently consulting in the fields of biosecurity, public health and veterinary education. He is a member of the Biosecurity Council of Australia and has more than 30 years of experience in veterinary science, education, research and the management of animal health programs in Australia and overseas. He is also currently a Director of One Health Solutions and in this role works to integrate animal, human and wildlife health activities. During nine years in the roles of Chief Veterinary Officer and Chief Quarantine Officer of Western Australia, Professor Edwards has been closely involved in the development of national policy on animal health and quarantine matters. Professor Edwards was appointed to the Zoological Parks Authority Board on 23 September 2010 for a three-year term.
Ms Nicole Moody, Member
Ms Moody is a senior public relations adviser with more than 20 years experience across the fields of journalism and public relations. In her current role as General Manager of Western Australia’s largest PR agency, Professional Public Relations, Ms Moody provides leading communications counsel and strategy to a diverse group of clients as well as manages the day-to-day operations of the business. Ms Moody also has extensive experience and expertise in developing and implementing strategic public relations and marketing campaigns, issues and crisis management, government relations, media relations and community consultation. In 2008 and 2010, Ms Moody received national Public Relations Institute of Australia awards. Ms Moody was appointed to the Zoological Parks Authority Board on 1 September 2011 for a three-year term.
Mr John Knowles, Member
Mr Knowles is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Good Samaritan Industries. Prior to his appointment in 2008, Mr Knowles was Chief Executive Officer of the Cerebral Palsy Association. He has also served in senior commercial development and financial management positions with the Disability Services Commission, Sir Charles Gairdner and Princess Margaret Hospitals. Mr Knowles was appointed to the Zoological Parks Authority Board on 14 November 2011 for a three-year term.
