Why I created Ellara Group

I created Ellara Group to help organisations put their vision into practice through the way they work.

My career has been focused on creating greater sustainability - from starting out as a field engineer working on recycling and organics processing facilities, to helping deliver greener hospitals and sports stadia as a senior project manager, to leading the operations of an urban policy charity.

Throughout all these roles I have found how organisations need clear and sustainable practices and processes to have a meaningful impact in their outer work. Intentional ways of working are needed to sustain the ongoing, full-hearted commitment that can create real and lasting change.

Ellara Group is designed to help organisations create and sustain these operational, governance and project management systems. I help organisations “walk their talk” in how they work internally, so they can have the greatest impact externally.

My charity experience includes:

  • Serving as the Interim Director of Operations and Transition for a volunteer-run non-profit, helping establish a stronger financial foundation and developing the processes needed to support an international volunteer team in working together around the world.

  • Working as a Governance Secretary, advising Trustees and staff on governance, policies and regulatory requirements.

  • Serving as Managing Director and Acting Executive Director of a national urban policy charity, leading operations through a leadership transition and developing new work in sustainable resource management, climate resilience and sustainability planning.

  • Supporting small charities with governance, policy development, Board processes, budgeting, financial planning, delegated authority, action tracking and organisational systems.

Earlier in my environmental and infrastructure career, I:

  • Managed the procurement and delivery of $1.5 billion in major public infrastructure projects and helped embed sustainability and energy-efficiency requirements into government infrastructure procurement.

  • Developed and convened conferences and knowledge-sharing events bringing together 300+ people to address complex urban sustainability issues.

  • Project-managed a sustainability framework establishing a vision for low-carbon, climate-resilient development across 2,000 acres of urban waterfront.

  • Helped develop and secure funding for initiatives addressing district-scale energy, water and transportation emissions, sustainable resource management and urban resilience.

My training includes:

  • B.A.Sc. and M.A.Sc in in Civil and Environmental Engineering

  • Certificate in Financial Analysis & Investment Management

  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification

I now bring these different aspects of experience together to help smaller organisations focused on human and environmental health put their vision into practice through their operations, governance and programmes.

Testimonials

S. Barbour, Non-profit Founder

“Amanda’s competency is up there, in literally, the highest level I’ve encountered. Her competency is in her ability to step into a situation, take in all the pieces, stay open to all the parts, present possibilities, adapt to the listening, adapt to what’s capable of being received, and match that, not coming from a position, but from an intent to support something coming forward that has yet to be articulated.

Amanda has this particular talent to forward the best of what is possible in any situation, no matter how chaotic it may be.”

L. Lestander, Community Events Organiser

“I have had the delight of working with Amanda while creating retreats, community events and programs together. She sees the highest potential in the projects, organisations and people she is working with and has a remarkable capacity to sense what areas are out of alignment and how to move them forward. Her organisational skills are exceptional and I trust her completely."  

Charity Board of Trustees Chair

“Amanda, Thanks again for the excellent support of this process. It has been wonderfully helpful and organised us all well.”