About Us

Pacific Aid Australia is a non-sectarian, independent, not-for-profit, non-governmental organisation. We support the Ecologically Sustainable Development of the Pacific Islands

Our Vision

‘Economic, social and cultural prosperity founded on the ecological integrity of the Pacific Region now and into the future.’

Mission Statement

“Pacific Aid Australia’s (PAA) mission is to develop and implement practical environmental management initiatives, economic, cultural, health and education programs and projects that promote ecologically sustainable development and self reliance for Pacific Island communities.

Activities of PAA are undertaken in collaboration with local, regional and national governments, civil society organisations, businesses, universities and non-government organisations in the context of protecting and enhancing Pacific Island ecosystems, cultures and economic wellbeing.”

We Value

Ecologically based sustainable development, cooperation between government, business, international and regional bodies and the community, practical responsiveness, cultural integrity, empowerment of the individual and community access to quality education and health services.

What is Ecologically Sustainable Development?

Among the many appropriate definitions of ecologically sustainable development (ESD), we accept the definition of ecologically sustainable development as meaning, ‘to use, conserve and enhance resources in a manner that ecological processes on which life depends are maintained, as well as enhancing social equity, so as to continuously improve present and future quality of life’ (after Brundtland 1987, Australian Commonwealth Government 1990 , Mark Diesendorf 1999).

Our Committment to Human Rights

Pacific Aid Australia supports the Full Declaration of Human Rights and works to implement it where application to our constitution and principles of ESD. We support a human rights based approach to combating poverty and injustice, as being integral to the four pillars of Ecologically Sustainable Development ( economy, environment, social, and cultural).

We support our fellow national and Islander NGO’s who work in areas that complement our work. Like them, we believe that everyone should have the right to:

A Clean Environment

We believe that human economic activity cannot sustain livelihoods if they are not based in the principles of ecologically sustainable development. If current and future generations are to have the right to livelihoods, shelter, healthy food , clean water and clean air and all the other basic human rights, current generational economic activities must allow for the plentiful regeneration of resources, remediate damage done to resources and the environment, and replant and enhance the earth’s ecosystems. Our activities are focused on raising awareness around these critical issues and implementing projects and programs that demonstrate them, including supporting family planning.

A Sustainable Livelihood Based on Renewable Resources

Pacific Aid Australia works to support activities that create sustainable employment business that support the economic aspirations of Pacific Islanders. We work with partners and communities to implement programs that lead to self-sustaining livelihoods, with a strong focus on green jobs and engaging women.

Education and Health Care

Education and Health are fundamental to understanding one’s owns rights and freedoms. We support preventative health care in non communicable diseases and capacity building with training in Australia or on island and we work to implement water treatment and supply programs.

Life, Liberty and Security of Person

The Pacific Islands are highly vulnerable to natural disasters which put Islanders at greater risk of personal danger. We work with local partners and in public awareness campaigning in climate change mitigation and adaptation where possible.

Freedom of Opinion and Expression

Our program implementation process has built in systems that ensures we are responding to the desires of Islanders and offering solutions they are seeking rather than imposing a development model.

Be Treated as Equal

When Pacific Aid Australia implements programs and projects, Pacific Islanders are our equal partners, and they drive activities.You can read the Full Declaration of Human Rights here.

The Board

The Board of Pacific Aid Australia’s is responsible for our overall corporate governance. The Board, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer each have terms of nce that define their responsibilities.

The composition of the Board seeks to provide a relevant range of experience, skills, knowledge and perspective to enable it to carry out its obligations and responsibilities. In reviewing the Board’s composition and in assessing nominations for appointment as non-executive directors, the Board uses external professional advice as well as its own resources to identify candidates for appointments as directors. The Chief Executive Officer has the responsibility for managing, directing and promoting the successful implementation of Pacific Aid Australia’s programs and is accountable to the board.

The matters reserved to the Board for approval and the authority delegated to management are clearly defined in Pacific Aid Australia’s Policy on Exercise and Delegation of Authorities. The performance of the Board, its committees, individual directors and key executives are regularly evaluated according to our performance evaluation protocol.

The Board’s responsibilities include appointing the Chief Executive Officer; succession planning, approving major strategic plans; monitoring the integrity and consistency of management’s control of risk; agreeing business plans and budgets; approving major program expenditure; approving funding plans and capital raising; agreeing corporate goals and reviewing performance against approved plans.

Pacific Aid Australia maintains a majority of non-executive directors on its Board, although their professional skills are frequently called upon. The role of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer are not separated due to the small size of the board. The Board currently comprises three directors. The Board meets six times a year, holds extraordinary meetings and communicates regularly for approvals, comments, updates and other general matters relating to our activities. Neither the board nor its executors are remunerated.

The Board has in place a range of formal processes to evaluate the performance of the Board, Board Committees and executives. At the conclusion of the year, the Board carries out a review of its performance. The non-executive directors are responsible for regularly evaluating the performance of the Chief Executive Officer. The evaluation is based on specific criteria, including Pacific Aid Australia’s performance and short and long-term strategic objectives.

Board Members

Founding CEO, MEM, MScTech, M.A., M.BA (candidate) Dip. Quality Auditing, Dip. Project Management (PYMBOK), Cert IV Carbon Management, MAICD, MMEAA, MEIANZ, MCMIANZ, CEnv.P

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Petra Campbell is a communications and environmental specialist with a lifelong commitment to environmental sustainability and humanitarian aid. With four master’s degrees in Environmental Management, Science and Technology (Environmental), Development Studies, and Business Administration, Petra combines academic rigor with hands-on expertise. Her work spans continents and decades, from investigating the aftermath of nuclear testing in Kazakhstan for 60 Minutes to coordinating development aid programs across Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe. Petra's deep understanding of global development issues was forged in disaster zones like post-Chernobyl Ukraine and post-genocide Rwanda, where she worked as both an aid worker and a journalist, capturing stories of resilience and advocating for change.

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In 1998, Petra founded International Help Fund Australia, now Pacific Aid Australia, focusing on sustainable development in the Pacific region. Under her leadership, the organisation has harnessed Australian expertise and generosity to address pressing regional challenges. Recognised by the United Nations Environment Program as an Asia-Pacific leader in Education for Sustainable Development, Petra also served as a Visiting Research Associate at the University of New South Wales. Through her leadership and advocacy, Petra continues to champion environmental stewardship and community-driven development across the Pacific and beyond.

Claire Hanley is the Operations Director at Pacific Aid Australia, where she brings over 25 years of experience in international development and project management experience to deliver sustainable aid solutions across the Pacific region. Originally trained as a chartered accountant and auditor, her career encompasses roles with non-governmental organizations and government agencies, including Save the Children International and The Wilderness Society, focusing on program implementation, strategic planning, advocacy, and capacity building.

As well as being a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales, Claire holds a Master's degree in Environmental Management from the University of New South Wales and a BSc (Econ) from the London School of Economics. She is recognised for her leadership in cross-cultural team environments and her commitment to community-driven development initiatives. A founding Director at Pacific Aid Australia, Claire oversees operational strategies and finance, ensuring that projects align with organisational goals and effectively address the needs of the communities served.

Brett Hurly is both a lawyer and a doctor. He has a Bachelor of Commerce, a Bachelor of Laws, a Bachelor of Medical Science and a Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery. He has vast experience in both professions and is currently working in several large hospitals in Australia. Brett helps Pacific Aid Australia to develop sound and relevant health programs and provides legal advice by monitoring our compliance and risk exposure.

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It is with deep sadness and a sense of profound loss that we acknowledge the passing of Professor Grant McCall, an internationally esteemed anthropologist whose work left an indelible mark on the study of Pacific Island cultures and societies, especially in Easter Island. We will fondly remember him for his warmth, generosity, and mentorship, which inspired countless early-career scholars in anthropology and island studies. Grant was Pacific Aid Australia's greatest fan and gladly accepted a board position on Pacific Aid Australia when invited in 2004. His contribution to our work has been invaluable and without fail, positive and fruitful. He even said once our CEO deserved an AOM. That's how encouraging he was to ensure that we sustained our endeavours, despite being volunteer executives with full time work and the usual life challenges.

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Grant's life was dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of island communities, emphasising their unique contributions to global cultural heritage. He earned his academic credentials in anthropology from leading institutions, including the University of California, Berkeley, and the Australian National University. Over his illustrious career, he held academic positions at the University of New South Wales, the University of Sydney, and the University of the South Pacific. His pioneering research on Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and broader island studies—through his coining and promotion of the term nissology—defined his intellectual legacy. Beyond his academic achievements, Grant was a founding figure in professional organisations like the International Small Islands Studies Association (ISISA) and served as an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Sydney, and of course as a board director for Pacific Aid Australia, after his retirement.

Grant's unwavering commitment to Pacific communities extended to initiatives like professional development programs for Pacific Island educators and the advancement of local histories. His influence reached far beyond academia, reminding us of the critical importance of island perspectives in addressing global challenges. Professor McCall’s legacy lives on through his extensive publications, including one with our our CEO, Petra Campbell, the communities he supported, and the many individuals whose lives he touched. We honour his contributions and extend our condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues around the world.

May his memory inspire us to continue his work with the same dedication and passion. He will live on in our memories on our website.

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