The Glennie Project was founded by Louise Glennie, PhD, in 2023 out of a deepening desire to further Reconciliation and provide meaningful experiences for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to support a stronger community and environment.
The Glennie Project
Healing Country, Healing People
How the Glennie Project came to be
Louise became passionate about Indigenous issues after having a life – changing experience with an Aboriginal lecturer, Prof Bill Jonas in her undergraduate years at University of Newcastle in the 1990s which eventually led to the creation of Nutrition Plus Ltd in 2008, being the forerunner to the Glennie Project.
There are two linked pathways in the Glennie Project story.
Firstly, we are driven to look after Mother Earth by connecting people to her through the wisdom of our Aboriginal Elders. By deepening the awareness and love we have for our environment, we increase the likelihood of a healthier relationship with our planet.
Secondly, through this process, we aim to expand self-awareness, empathy, and leadership skills for individuals to progress in collective well-being.
The Glennie Project
Healing Country, Healing People
WHY WE DO IT
It is our belief that until there is greater trust, understanding and respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, the present health, and social issues that Aboriginal communities and individuals presently experience will continue to worsen.
There is much to be learned by tapping into Indigenous wisdom, evolved over many millenniums.
This long-term collective memory and knowledge can help us all to address today’s issues, such as climate change and its impacts of fire and flood, preventing animal extinctions, and increasing biodiversity.
By understanding and doing more, we help ourselves and each other become stronger and more resilient and have greater well-being and mental health.
The Glennie Project is managed by an inclusive, dedicated and passionate Board of Directors who are driven by our purpose to strive towards building healthy futures with Indigenous and other disadvantaged people.
MEET OUR INCREDIBLE TEAM
Dr Louise Glennie (PhD)
Chairperson
Louise has had a life-time passion and concern for environmental and Human Rights issues. This interest turned into a 20-year career as she studied and then taught at The University of Newcastle NSW in Geography, Environmental Science and Environmental Management.
Her interest in Aboriginal and Torres Straight people turned into another passion with the privilege of having Prof Bill Jonas, a Worimi man, as a lecturer as an undergraduate. He planted a seed that was not realized until Louise and her husband Peter, bought The Juice Plus Company Australia and New Zealand Pty Ltd in 2005.
More about Louise
Shortly after, she founded Nutrition Plus, a charity dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of Indigenous and disadvantaged people, particularly children in both Australia and New Zealand. During the 15 years of running Nutrition Plus, Louise formed close friendships and partnerships with Aboriginal people and developed greater understanding of the importance of cultural training and education for all Australians. She believes this is an important way to improve Indigenous health and wellbeing, as well as positively impacting the environment. The Glennie Project – Healing Country, Healing People launched May 2023 and is an organisation that Louise sees as both the continuation of the work of Nutrition Plus and a redirection of purpose to ensure its longevity, authenticity, and succession.
As well as CEO and Founding Director of The Glennie Project, Louise is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and the Sydney Chapter of the Global Entrepreneurs Organization where she holds a position on their Inclusion and Diversity Committee. Louise is an advocate for “business for good” as source of skill, innovation and funding to help look after Mother Earth and all who reside here.
Cheryl Newton
Director
Cheryl is a Githabul Bundjalung Woman living and working on Worimi Country all her life. She has over 30 years of experience working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Higher Education and Community Organisations where she has held senior administrative and management positions. She is currently the Aboriginal Engagement Officer for Reflections Holidays. Her cultural and work experience has enabled her to respectfully engage and form strong, meaningful relationships with Aboriginal communities across Reflections’ 38 parks in New South Wales.
Passing on her knowledge to her three children and six grandchildren is a passion of hers, and in this regard, she us currently undertaking a Certificate III in Gathang language so I can pass these learnings to them. Cheryl believes Language is about connection and identity and who she am as an Aboriginal woman. Reawakening our languages shows respect to our Elders.
Wherever Cheryl works it is of utmost importance to her that she ensures Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are empowered through knowledge whilst maintaining cultural voice, values and traditions.
Elsie Stuart
Director
Elsie Stuart is a proud Aboriginal woman from the Biripi Nation located in NSW, North of Taree. Elsie is a former Indigenous liaison Officer for the Australian Government and was also a support officer for Indigenous people affected by natural disasters.
Elsie has a Bachelor of Design from the esteemed Whitehouse School of Design where she majored in Marketing. During her studies, Elsie established her flair for creating engaging content for the social media space.
During her professional career, Elsie has worked as an editorial food and prop stylist for high-end clients such as Donna Hay, Delicious and MINDFOOD.
In 2018, Elsie started working as part of the Sales and Marketing Team for The Juice Plus Company Australia and was asked to join the Nutrition Plus as Project Manager in an additional capacity and later that year as a valued Director on the board for Nutrition Plus - now renamed to The Glennie Project .
Geraldine Moran
Director
Geraldine Moran has worked as a lawyer, a public servant, a manager and a company director. She studied law and psychology. She founded and for 10 years was CEO of a charity that supported at-risk and disadvantaged young people to reach their potential.
With a wealth of life experiences under her belt, Geraldine is also an author, speaker and coach. She is a wife and mother, who recently released a children’s book, written for her daughter. She is inspired when she works with and supports First Nation Peoples. Geraldine loves to learn about her country and the people that first walked on the land.
Geraldine has been acknowledged for her community work and has been given a number of awards. She also sits on the boards of SEEDS Newcastle, and Hunter Adults Financial Collaborative.
Garth Russell
Director
To say that Garth Russell has continued to enjoy a versatile professional career would be an understatement. Apart from a radio career which spanned almost 40 years, Garth has pursued other areas of entertainment, including acting professionally on stage, in TV and Film. He has also worked continuously as a presenter, emcee, and voice over artist.
In amongst all that Garth has run his own company, Gen Wise, incorporating his love of interviewing and passion for the power of storytelling to help literally hundreds of individuals and organisations get their messages out to the world.
In 2019 Garth, along with his wife Susie embarked on a new project, Wellbeings & Co which combined their skills of teaching, relationship building and storytelling. It cemented their commitment to spreading the message of holistic health and wellbeing, and lead to a lifelong friendship with Louise and Peter Glennie.
Garth remains proud to serve on TGP Board and is full of anticipation and excitement at the prospect of helping shape the future of The Glennie Project.
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