Kathryn Maxwell has been President of the Southcoast Health and Sustainability Alliance, or SHASA, in the Eurobodalla Shire, since 2018.

Under Kathryn’s leadership, SHASA has been a practical contributor to improved resilience and sustainability in the Eurobodalla. With the mixed experience of her first project, a solar bulk buy scheme, under her belt, Kathryn set out to be more strategic in how SHASA would pursue opportunities. After the 2019/20 bushfires, she became the driving force behind a strategy to help a dozen community organisations fully electrify with solar, battery and clean air installations, so they could better shelter residents from smoke and heat in the next event. These upgrades also reduce operating costs, enabling organisations to better serve their community. In addition, and among other things, she established a food service for vulnerable families, organises regular shows promoting EVs and is now working on upgrading even more community facilities. SHASA secured over $8 million in grant funding under her leadership.

Importantly, Kathryn has created a culture in SHASA that welcomes new volunteers in the organisation and motivates everyone to contribute to their ability. Her tireless volunteer work has had a great and positive impact on the local communities.