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Board
Chair, Executive Committee
Geoscience Manager, Santos Ltd
Board Member Since 2020
Natasha is a scientist, volunteer, adventurer, mentor and advocate for women in leadership. She has her PhD in geophysics and is the recipient of a Rhodes Scholarship and Churchill Fellowship. In 2024 Natasha was invested as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her service to youth and geosciences. Natasha has 25 years’ experience working in technical and leader roles across the energy industry, and currently leads the geoscience team for Santos’ WA, NT and TL assets. She has served on the World Board for Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting as Vice Chair, and acted as a Board Advisor and leadership facilitator for Women Who Code. In 2021 she joined the Homeward Bound global leadership initiative for women in STEMM, and is a co-founder of b.bold – an organisation focused on helping women in STEMM step boldly into leadership to help solve humanity’s most pressing challenges.
Parisa De Jonge
Deputy Chair, Executive Committee
Finance, Risk & Audit Sub-Committee Member
Senior Marketing Officer, UWA
Board Member Since 2024
Parisa is a senior marketing officer at the University of Western Australia with over 10 years of experience in marketing across FMCG, mining, resources, and clothing industries. Before transitioning to marketing, she practiced as a commercial lawyer in the UK for more than a decade, representing mid- to large-value clients in financial and commercial matters. Parisa holds a law degree, a diploma of legal practice, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). Her diverse background combines legal, commercial, and marketing expertise, bringing a unique perspective to the Australian Earth Science Education Board.
Dr Erin Gray
Secretary, Executive Committee
Senior Geologist, Geological Survey of Western Australia, Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration
Board Member Since 2025
Erin is a senior geologist at the Geological Survey of Western Australia, with over 20 years of geoscience experience. Erin has a Bachelor of Science (Applied Geology) with first class honours and a PhD, both from Curtin University. Erin’s research interests span from rocks in the Earth’s mantle to heavy minerals in soil at the surface, and even to translating geoscientific knowledge for a digital age. Erin also has a background in elite sports/sports leadership and combines these skills with a passion for science communication and a drive to have a positive impact.
Damien Beng
Treasurer, Executive Committee
Finance, Risk & Audit Sub-Committee Chair
VP of External Environment, Woodside Energy
Board Member Since 2022
Damien is the VP of External Environment at Woodside Energy, Australia’s leading natural gas producer, committed to providing sustainable energy solutions. Damien has a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) with first class honours and a Bachelor of Science (Information Technology and Applied Mathematics) from the University of Western Australia and a Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance & Investment from the Securities Institute of Australia. Since joining Woodside in 2001, Damien has held a number of Strategy, Marketing and Commercial before leading the Woodside Treasury team in 2018. Damien now leads the External Environment team at Woodside.
Joanne Thompson
Board Member
Finance, Risk & Audit Sub-Committee Member
Committee Member, Science Teachers’ Assoc. WA
Science Teacher, Department of Education, WA
Board Member Since 2022
Joanne Thompson is a secondary science teacher, specialising in Environmental Science and Chemistry. Prior to joining the teaching profession, she worked as an environmental scientist and consultant and has more than 15 years’ international experience in all stages of mine life, from exploration to mine closure and reclamation. She serves on the committee of the Science Teachers’ Association of Western Australia and is a member of the WA School Curriculum and Standards Authority’s Earth and Environmental Science Curriculum Advisory Committee.
Gareth Wright
Board Member
Governance and Strategy Sub-Committee Chair
Woodside Energy
Board Member Since 2024
Gareth is the Head of Climate Strategy & Engagement at Woodside Energy and is responsible for providing strategic leadership on climate-related matters and disclosures, as well as engaging with key stakeholders on the energy transition across its global business.
During a 20-year career in the energy industry with Woodside, he has worked in various technical, strategic and leadership roles across the company’s value chain. In addition, he’s led the development and implementation of global industry initiatives and projects through the likes of the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP).
Before joining Woodside, Gareth started his professional career at the Geological Survey of Western Australia and has a passion for the role earth scientists will play through the energy transition.
To compliment his experience, Gareth holds a BSc from Curtin University and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).