Meet the faces at Act for Peace

We're a small but passionate team of listeners, thinkers,
advocates and doers.

We come from different walks of life, and believe that all people are created equal, and should be treated that way. Each day we turn up because we’re committed to making the biggest difference we can to create a more just and peaceful world where everyone has a safe place to belong.

Leadership team

Janet Cousens

CEO

“Collectively, motivated by Christ’s love, we partner with uprooted people to end the injustice of forced displacement and realise peace, with dignity, for all.”

Janet was appointed as our Chief Executive Officer in June 2017 after 6 years as our Programs and Policy Director where she built a team passionate about supporting local partners to take leadership in addressing protection and resilience issues. With a background in psycho-social health and refugee resettlement and a past life in documentary television, Janet combines people focused management skills with a passion for community led change.

Head shot of Janet Cousens, CEO of Act for Peace

Tricia Keys

Head of Operations

“I am inspired by the communities and partners whom we work with at Act for Peace, in supporting and enabling the millions of people around the work who are asylum seekers, refugees and displaced people.”

Tricia joined Act for Peace in November 2021, to lead the Business Services and Operations team. She comes from an allied health background and has been working in the not-for-profit and international development sector for over 15 years, including in leadership positions within Australia for UNHCR and the Brien Holden Vision Institute. She has a thorough understanding of development and extensive experience in regulatory compliance; plus has a special interest in effectiveness and shaping organisational culture.

Sonia Mar

Head of Finance

“I believe by working together we will bring about substantial change to the lives of millions of displaced people impacted by conflict & disaster and make the world a better place for all of us.”

Sonia joined Act for Peace in December 2019 as Chief Operating Officer. She is a qualified CPA with over 25 years’ not-for-profit and commercial international experience in Business Services. Prior to joining Act for Peace, Sonia held a number of senior executive and management roles where she was responsible for leading and developing robust resources operations in the Asia Pacific Region.

Other contacts

Geoff Robinson

Senior Program Manager & Disaster Risk Resilience Manager

“We all have a role to play when it comes to confronting injustice, working with Act for Peace gives me an opportunity to do my part and support others with lived experience tackle the challenges they face.”   

Geoff joined Act for Peace in 2014 and currently oversees our Resilience and Emergencies and Sustainable Development programs. He has worked in community-based, partner and government focused programming, including climate change adaptation, land use and environmental management, disaster risk reduction and emergency response for over twenty years.

Sharon Edington

International Programs Manager - Protection Programs

“I am constantly impressed by the strength and resilience of the communities and partners that we work with, it’s a privilege to support their efforts to create positive change.”

Sharon has worked in a variety of international development and humanitarian settings including in the Middle East, Africa and Papua New Guinea. Prior to joining Act for Peace, Sharon held roles with ActionAid Palestine, CARE International in the Caucasus, and UQ International Development as well as other placements and volunteer work. Sharon manages a team working on international protection programs, including oversight of programs related to protracted displacement and conflict.

Andy Corkill

Relationship Fundraising Manager

“We are all called to make a positive difference in the world, and working with Act for Peace helps to do this.”

Andy joined Act for Peace in 2017, after returning home to Sydney from years of living in Perth, Melbourne and New York. He brings experience working closely with Churches, community groups, and refugee families, as well as extensive knowledge in relationship fundraising and estate planning. Most recently, Andy was the Executive Secretary – Major Gifts and Planned Giving at the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church, which includes UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, another Act Alliance Partner.

Interested in joining our team?

As our team and portfolio expands, exciting challenges lie ahead; new partnerships, projects and innovative ways of working to achieve greater impact. We’d love for you to join us.