The Australia office is led by Daniela Gavshon, Australia Director, who is focused on Australian advocacy and media work. Our Australia Researcher is Annabel Hennessy and our Australia Associate is Eliza van der Sman. On the development and outreach side, Lisa Cole is the Director and Ryza Vargas is the Associate. Gillian McGregor is the Operations Manager.

Human Rights Watch in Australia is supported by like-minded organisations and individuals who support us to expose tyranny, empower victims, and to tell their stories to the world.

If you want to get involved contact: ausoffice@hrw.org

The Australia Foundation in Support of Human Rights Watch Board

Penny Gerstle Director – 05/2018
Marusya Lazo Director - 11/2023 
Laura Thomas Director – 10/2011 
Daniela Gavshon Secretary 
Global board members can be found here.

Australian Committee

Human Rights Watch is represented in Australia by the Australia Committee, whose members raise awareness of local and global human rights issues, generate support, and mobilise the public and policy makers to recognise basic freedoms for all.

Australia Committee
Penny Gerstle AM Chair
Sheena Polese Deputy Chair
Michael Allison, CFA 
Joanna Beecher 
Sally Breen 
Georgie Bright 
Daisy Burley
Thomas Calma 
Jane Clifford 
Therese Cochrane
Monique Corah 
Annie Crawford AM
Elizabeth Dibbs 
Lyndell Droga 
Craig Foster AM
Kathleen Gilbert 
Ian Hamm 
Penny Hanan 
Amanda Laing 
Emma Maple-Brown
Angus McDonald
Tempe McMinn 
Francoise Michel
Professor Cav. Simon Mordant AO 
Adriana Pesavento
Marc Polese 
Chloe Quigley
Stephen Roberts
Joseph Skrzynski AO 
Ann Sloan
Tracey Steggall
Sam Stewart 
Laura Thomas 
Anna Wade 
Michael Williams 
Prue Williams

Honorary Committee 
Wendy Brooks
Maria Farmer
Andrew Kaldor AM 
Julian Knights AO 
Daniela McMurdo
James McMurdo 
Morna Seres 
Malcolm Spry 
 

Dinner Committee

A network of supporters who attend our events, help promote the work of Human Rights Watch, and assist with organising and promoting our annual Voices for Justice Dinners.

Sydney
Marc Polese Chair
Jane Clifford 
Annie Crawford AM
Monique Corah 
Lyndell Droga 
Penny Gerstle AM
Kathleen Gilbert 
Penny Hanan 
Catherine Loy
Francoise Michel 
Sheena Polese
Stephen Roberts 
Michael Williams

Melbourne
Joanna Beecher
Daisy Burley
Adriana Pesavento
Chloe Quigley
Daisy Slade 
Bianca Wachtel