Meet the Executive Team
Voices of Bradfield is an independent community organisation.
At VoB we are united by our shared purpose in returning respect, integrity and trust to politics. We are building a voice in our democracy for the people of Bradfield.
Be Heard. Be Represented.
Committee members
Ian Palmer
Committee Member
Ian’s connections to Bradfield date back to 1987 as a lecturer for some years at Kuring-gai CAE. Later, he moved to Lindfield and his two children attended Killara High. His teaching, research and industry consulting was on managing organizational change. Ian recently returned to Lindfield from Melbourne where he was a Vice-President at RMIT University and managed the College of Business. He remains a Professor Emeritus, RMIT.
Ian has a strong focus on achieving change for the better and his recent pro bono activities include mentoring, designing a post-prison employment program, advising businesses and bike building for a disability organisation. He is naturally aligned to the changes Voices of Bradfield is championing and was excited to see the strong support in Bradfield for the recent referendum.
Nick O'Brien
President
Nick has lived in Sydney’s north shore for 17 years, having moved here from Melbourne (via Canberra and northern-NSW). He has a PhD and degree in forest science, and has worked in the research and funds management sectors with a focus on sustainable plantation management and climate change mitigation. Nick strongly believes that a key focus on mitigating climate change impacts is to change the way we produce and use energy, and feels that the current major political parties have not displayed the necessary urgency in this area.
Madeleine Hobbs
Treasurer
Madeleine has lived in Bradfield for over 20 years after emigrating from South Africa with her husband and two children, who went to local public schools. Madeleine has worked in IT and project management across a number of industries and is now taking a Master of History degree. She believes in thoughtful, pragmatic and evidence-based action on climate change, gender equity and integrity in government.
Danielle Zagel
Secretary
Danielle has lived in Bradfield with her family for over a decade, following a long stint in London, and her children are studying in local schools. Danielle has degrees in Law and Asian Studies and has been working as a commercial lawyer in senior positions in Australian and global organisations for many years.
Danielle is excited about the potential for a grassroots organisation to harness the many skills and talents found in the residents of Bradfield and use them to change our community and our world for the better.