Our Team

  • Leslie Allan

    DIRECTOR, EVENTS COORDINATOR

    "Let's work together to build a world that promotes justice for all, help for the less fortunate, compassion for all sentient life and the application of reason to public affairs. That's the noble goal that humanists are striving towards."

  • Drew Wolfendale

    Drew Wolfendale

    DIRECTOR

    “Humanism, to me, is the inevitable conclusion of a compassionate rationalism that recognises the unavoidable truth: that people will be as they are. Rationalism looks at that and asks whether everyone really deserves dignity and respect... Humanism's answer: Yes. It is the only rational way to both celebrate and respect our humanity.”

  • Richie Clarke

    Richie Clarke

    DIRECTOR, ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM MANAGER

    “I joined Humanists Australia because I’m passionate about living a life guided by reason, empathy, and shared human values. Connecting with others who prioritize kindness and critical thinking helps me grow personally and contribute meaningfully to society. Being part of this community inspires me to advocate for a more inclusive and thoughtful world.”

  • Manu Prakaash

    Manu Prakaash

    DIRECTOR, HUMANISTS AT RISK

    "Humanism is my compass for navigating the complexities of leadership and life. After nearly a decade-and-a-half working across government and industry, I've learned that the most meaningful change happens when we combine rigorous thinking with genuine compassion for others. Whether I'm advising on policy, managing campaigns, or simply raising my young children, I'm guided by the belief that reason and empathy must work together. Humanism reminds me that we each have the responsibility to contribute to a world where everyone can flourish with dignity and equal opportunity."

  • Mary-Anne Cosgrove

    CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

    "Humanism is the guiding compass in my life. When I ask myself "How should I behave?", humanism gives me the answer. Starting with respect and compassion for all humans and other animals, I build from there using evidence based rational thought."

  • Brian Gervaise

    Brian Gervaise

    CAMPAIGNS PROGRAM MANAGER,
    CREATIVE DIRECTOR

    “I see Humanism as a Holistic worldview.
    It encompasses almost everything I believe to be necessary in striving for a brighter future for all.
    I have found it to be relevant on a personal level, globally and even spiritually in a secular sense.
    Humanism is a label I whole heartedly identify with and my goal is to contribute something worthwhile to society as a representative of Humanists Australia.”

  • Dr Vincent Giuca

    MAGAZINE EDITOR

    "We have one life to live and, as a humanist, I want us to all realise our potential. As part of the global community, we are all responsible for and need to act on solving the big problems – especially those arising from poverty, disease, climate change and war.”

  • Steph Cheung

    E-NEWS EDITOR

    “There is no inherent meaning in life; it is up to us to find and create meaning for ourselves. I believe everyone has the right to live a meaningful and fulfilling life. I believe in the strength of reason, in the value of leading an ethical life, in reducing suffering in the world, and in caring for others — their dignity, their well-being, and their aspirations. I believe in Humanism.”

  • Ajmal

    Ajmal

    MEMBERSHIP MANAGER

    “What inspires me about Humanism is its focus on compassion, reason, and equality without relying on religious or supernatural beliefs. Humanism encourages us to take responsibility for making the world better through kindness, rational thought, and respect for human dignity. For me, it represents a philosophy that empowers people to live authentically while building communities based on shared values of fairness, empathy, and progress.“

  • Chahak Nagpal

    Chahak Nagpal

    MARKETER, IT SUPPORT

    “I’m a marketer deeply inspired by humanist values—reason, compassion, equality, and a commitment to human rights and dignity. At Humanists Australia, I contribute to a movement that promotes critical thinking, ethical living, and social progress. Through my work, I aim to amplify these values by supporting inclusive events, engaging campaigns, and meaningful conversations that encourage a more compassionate, evidence-based world.”

  • Matthew Venamore

    Matthew Venamore

    IT SUPPORT

    “Once a believer, I had my first deep reckoning with faith at 16, leading me toward atheism. But over time, I realized that reason alone wasn’t enough—I wanted a worldview rooted in compassion, inclusion, and ethical action. Discovering humanism was like coming home: a philosophy built on logic, kindness, and the power of humanity to shape its own future.”

  • Kimo

    Kimo

    EVENTS ADMINISTRATOR

    “To be human is to fight for it. To earn it. It isn’t about you having enough empathy, But you speaking out, refusing silence, and standing for the rights of the planet, and every single creature on it. Because we all deserve to live a decent life, free from fear and from our rights to be taken away in the name of any belief or system. Being human is about choice.”

  • Hein Htet Kyaw

    Hein Htet Kyaw

    IT SUPPORT

    “I look forward to a world where the intersectional social justice is served. I believe that struggling for Universal Human Rights is one way of securing intersectional social justice. I urge every humanist to stand together in solidarity.”

  • Manqi Rao

    Manqi Rao

    RESEARCH ASSISTANT

    “Respectfully viewing and treating everyone else as an unique individual with independent thoughts and personality living in this splendid planet is somehow a commonplace concept but often overlooked or misapplied in practice. Humanism patiently and consistently reminds me of how to relate to a vivid individual with full respect and as much compassion as possible.”