Emma Watton Chairperson
Emma has 25 years in brand purpose and change strategy in Sydney, London and Perth. She has committed to only working with purpose driven organisations who are prepared to improve the impact they have in the world, and move beyond just thinking of customers they sell to. Emma has a Masters in International and Community Development and a Bachelor Commerce (Marketing). She has been involved with Circle Green since inception and has been on not-for-profit boards since 2016.
Dave Robinson Vice Chair
Dave had an extensive career in the union movement and was an accredited mediator at the Fair Work Commission for 10 years before retiring in 2019. He has contributed to several boards and committees and has led major campaigns through negotiation, social activism and collective action throughout his career. He has been a board member of Circle Green since its inception in 2020 and was previously a board member of the Employment Law Centre of WA.
Nina Wild Treasurer
Nina joined Circle Green in 2021 as Treasurer. She has worked in business, consulting and finance roles for 20 years and has amassed global experience across a range of corporate and government organisations. Nina is a Fellow of the Chartered Practicing Accountants Australia (FPCA), is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), and has a Bachelor of Arts (Literature).
Cecily Court Secretary
Cecily has extensive Community Legal Centre board experience and has advocated for the sector for over 30 years. She supports dynamic initiatives that maximise resources and drive sector sustainability to ensure the community can access the services they need. Her career spans the community sector, government agencies and most recently Legal Aid WA where she worked for over 20 years across client and corporate services. Cecily has experience in project management, policy development and review, budget development and management, and organisational risk management. Her strengths lie in communication, relationship building, and organisational skills, along with her ability to solve problems and collaborate effectively.
Chanda Parmar-Bonta Member
Chanda is a dedicated and experienced advocate for worker justice with over 24 years of experience in the Union Movement, both in the UK and Australia (Perth). As a British-born Australian of Indian descent, Chanda is proud of her roots and is committed to promoting equity and inclusion in the workplace. To her, the principles of equality and inclusion are only meaningful when workers have the power and agency to affect change. She is passionate about the concept of solidarity and is a firm believer that the ‘magic’ of social justice happens when we work together.
Courtney Fiddian Member
Courtney is a lawyer with experience in workplace relations and employment law. She has held various leadership positions, including Associate Director of Workplace Relations and University Employment Lawyer at the University of Western Australia, and currently serves as the Head of People, Social Impact and Sustainability and General Counsel at Perth Festival. Courtney’s skills and experience cross learning and development, community engagement, and cultural change initiatives. Courtney joined the Circle Green Board in 2022.
Melissa De Abreu Member
Melissa is a senior lawyer with an extensive background in litigation, dispute resolution, commercial law and human rights. She has made significant contributions to pro bono legal services and facilitating greater access to justice, having provided substantial legal advice and representation to vulnerable members of the community. Melissa holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a Bachelor of Science (Medical Science), was a medical scientist with the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, and was the Associate to the Hon. Justice Owen and, subsequently, to the Hon. Justice Allanson in the Supreme Court of Western Australia. Melissa joined the board of Circle Green in 2022 and currently works as a senior lawyer in human rights.
