Do Something

We are a new type of not-for-profit organisation that brings together the resources of the business community and the goodwill of the Australian public. We work to create and promote positive social and environmental change.

Rather than talk about the problems, we seek to "do something" by building alliances between businesses, government and the community. We identify problems and then find answers that achieve measurable benefits for the environment and our community.

As part of our work, we campaign on environmental and social issues. Sometimes on our own, but more often in partnership with others. See our Campaigns section on this website for more detail on our work.

Who's behind 'Do Something'?

'Do Something' was established by Planet Ark founders Jon Dee and Pat Cash in association with Tina Jackson, former Executive Director of the National Trust of Australia.

Jon Dee, Managing Director

Jon Dee is the Managing Director of Do Something and was its founding Chairman. He is the 2010 NSW Australian of the Year and one of Australia's most influential environmental campaigners. Since 1992, he has inspired millions of Australians to make positive environmental and social change. In 1991 Jon and Pat Cash founded the environment group Planet Ark. In his 15 years heading up Planet Ark, Jon instigated National Recycling Week, the National Recycling Hotline, and RecyclingNearYou.com.au which is used by over a million Australians every year. He also founded National Tree Day with Olivia Newton-John, an event for which 2 million volunteers have planted over 15 million trees. Jon founded World Environment News, the world's leading environmental news service used annually by eight million people. In a personal capacity, Jon initiated the successful lobbying campaign for Australia's three year phase-out of incandescent light globes.

In 2008, Jon joined with Pat Cash and Tina Jackson to found Do Something. Since its inception, the organisation has established a series of innovative campaigns to bring about real and measurable change.

Tina Jackson, Chair

Tina Jackson is the Chair of Do Something and was its founding Managing Director. Tina has over 20 years experience as a manager and director of organisations spanning the environment, architecture, arts, culture and media. As Executive Director of the National Trust of Australia NSW Tina led a range of campaigns to protect and save Australia's endangered natural and built heritage. Prior to running the National Trust she was Practice Manager of Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp, Manager of the NSW Institute of Architects and CEO of Arts Training Australia. She has held senior positions in the ABC and ABC Staff Association, was a management consultant with firms such as Cullen Egan Dell and has managed her own consultancy practice. She began her career at the University of Sydney where she studied and taught Industrial Relations.

Pat Cash, Board Director

Pat Cash first came to the tennis world's attention as a junior player in the early 1980s. The crowning moment of his career came when he won Wimbledon in 1987. He continues his international involvement in tennis as a respected player, coach and TV commentator.

Together with his friend, Jon Dee, Pat founded Planet Ark in June 1991. He fronted a range of Planet Ark campaigns and was active as a roving ambassador for the organisation. In November 2008 Pat joined with Jon and Tina Jackson to found Do Something. The Pat Cash Foundation contributed significant start up funds to help establish Do Something. Over the years, Pat has also helped a number of other charities including the 'Orchid Cancer Appeal' (to help the fight against male cancers) and the charity 'Goal' who work to ensure that the poorest and most vulnerable have access to the fundamental needs and rights of life.

Ben Kearney, Board Director

Ben Kearney was the director of the campaign to establish Coles Bay as Australia's first plastic shopping bag-free town in 2003. He was Tasmanian of the Year in 2005 and was Australian of the Year - Local Hero in the same year. He has extensive experience in small business and tourism in various roles including President of the Freycinet Tourism Association, Board Member of the Baking Industry Association of Tasmania and has also been a Churchill Fellow. Ben is currently National Policy Manager of the Australian Newsagents Federation, Executive Officer of the Lottery Agents Association of Tasmania and is also a member of the Tasmanian Climate Action Council that advises the Tasmanian Government on meeting its legislated emissions targets.

Our Staff

Annemarie Jonson

Annemarie is Do Something's Director of communications. Previously, she was Head of communications at the National Trust. She successfully worked on major issues campaigns including one that helped stop a 900-home development threatening the heritage town of Catherine Hill Bay. She also devised flagship creative campaigns, including the 'Messages to the Future' time capsule and 'I love this place...". These recruited the support of media partners including the ABC and VIPs from the Governor to Russell Crowe. Annemarie has written widely, including for Good Weekend, SMH, Financial Review, and The Australian. Earlier, she was research communications manager for a national industry training council and a lecturer in communications. Annemarie has a BA and MA in Communications (UTS), and PhD on digital life (Sydney).

Fionnuala Maye

Fionnuala Maye is Do Something's Communications and Online Coordinator. She holds a Bachelor of Business and a Master of Arts in Communication Management from the University of Technology, Sydney. With previous experience in finance and accounting in both Sydney and London, Fionnuala is shifting her career to focus on communications in the not-for-profit sector. She loves travelling and is concerned about the impact human activity is having on the world. Other interests include reading, film, playing football (soccer) and going to live music and sports events with friends.

Melanie Hardwick

Melanie Hardwick has extensive experience in office management, accounts, media and research. She worked with Jon and Tina on a range of social and environmental campaigns prior to becoming Do Something's Office Manager in 2008. Melanie recently returned from maternity leave to resume her position as Office Manager.

Helena Sivric

Helena Sivric has a diverse background from travel, fashion to journalism. She was a journalist with Cumberland Newspapers and having traveled extensively both around Australia and overseas is passionate about the world and what we are doing to it. Helena is Jon Dee's Executive Assistant.

Got a question? Like to know more?

Please email us or call during office hours on +61 2 9516 8766.

For partnership, sponsorship or media enquiries please email Annemarie Jonson here or call her on 0428 278 880.