Joan Phillips
For outstanding public service in environmental governance and stewardship
Joan Phillips has shaped Victoria’s natural resource and environment sectors over 4 decades of public service. She has demonstrated visionary leadership, innovative policy development and a deep commitment to inclusivity while consistently delivering excellence in program implementation.
In 1998, as the project leader for the Environment Conservation Council’s Marine, Coastal and Estuarine Investigation, she transformed contentious public discourse into landmark legislation. This resulted in the establishment of Victoria’s no-take marine national parks and sanctuaries, becoming the first representative system of its kind in Australia and setting a global benchmark in marine conservation.
Joan's leadership has fostered diversity and inclusion within the Victorian public sector. As the first woman to lead the secretariat of the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) in its 54-year history, she championed gender representation and created a thriving professional environment for her team. Under her stewardship, VEAC completed 18 major investigations and over 30 reports, shaping critical decisions on public land and environmental policy.
The broader impact of Joan's work is evident in the transformation of Victoria’s parks and reserves system, strengthened environmental stewardship, and a more inclusive public service culture. Her legacy is reflected in the policies she has shaped, the teams she empowered, and the enduring protection of Victoria’s natural heritage.
Kate Gavens
For outstanding public service in leadership and innovation in environmental policy and legislation
Kate Gavens has dedicated over 20 years to public service in environmental policy and regulation, delivering transformative reform that has strengthened the protection of Victoria’s biodiversity, wildlife and forests. As Victoria’s inaugural chief conservation regulator, she led the establishment of the Conservation Regulator, building it into a transparent, best-practice regulator for wildlife, forestry and public land. Her leadership has delivered measurable improvements in environmental outcomes and accountability across the sector.
Kate has driven significant reform throughout her career, including the creation of Victoria’s first publicly available contaminated land database and the modernisation of the state’s environment protection legislation. As interim chief conservation regulator from 2016 to 2019, she reshaped regulatory practices, leading a major organisational restructure to establish an independent regulator overseeing timber harvesting, biodiversity, public land use and fire prevention.
Kate built a skilled workforce of 120 staff across Victoria and delivered key frameworks including the Conservation Regulator’s enforcement policy, engagement strategy and transparent reporting regime. Her commitment to regulatory excellence extends beyond her immediate portfolio.
Kate has worked closely with Better Regulation Victoria to advance best-practice regulation across the public sector. She also led the creation of the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action’s Regulators Community of Practice, which she continues to chair, bringing together regulators from Agriculture Victoria, Recycling Victoria and Earth Resources Victoria to embed consistent, high-performing regulatory approaches.
Kate's leadership has reshaped environmental regulation in Victoria, embedding transparency, cultural safety, and community engagement into core practice. Her work has strengthened public trust, improved environmental protection, and positioned Victoria as a national leader in regulatory innovation. Her legacy is reflected in the systems she has built, the culture she has fostered, and the enduring impact of her work on Victoria’s natural environment.
Page last updated: 26/01/26