The ARRC Organics Board provides strategic oversight, governance and accountability for the organisation.
Appointed by the City of Gold Coast, our board brings together experienced leaders from government, infrastructure, waste, engineering, finance, environment and corporate governance. Collectively, our board members ensure robust stewardship of public resources and strong organisational accountability. Each Director brings expertise that will help shape a cleaner, smarter and more resilient future for the Gold Coast.
Mayor Tom Tate
City of Gold Coast Mayor and Board Chair
Tom was elected Mayor of the Gold Coast in April 2012 and was re-elected for a fourth term in March 2024, making him the City’s longest serving Mayor. A civil engineer who graduated from the University of NSW in the early 1980s, he began his career in construction before moving into tourism and hospitality. As Mayor, Tom has focused on economic growth, investment certainty and broadening the City’s economic base. He is guiding the Gold Coast toward opportunities linked to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, while prioritising infrastructure, jobs and cost-of-living reform.
Councillor Mark Hammel
City of Gold Coast Deputy Mayor, Division 1 Councillor, Planning Chair and Board Director
Mark is Deputy Mayor of the City of Gold Coast, Chair of the Planning and Regulation Committee, and Councillor for Division 1. A lifelong resident of the northern Gold Coast, Mark advocates for sustainable growth, strategic infrastructure investment and protection of the City’s natural environment. With the Gold Coast projected to reach one million residents by the mid-2040s, he plays a leadership role in long-term planning. Mark’s professional background includes waste management, surveying, business development and commercial real estate.
Brett Brogan
City of Gold Coast Executive General Manager of Environment, Heritage and Resilience and Board Director
Brett is Executive General Manager of Environment, Heritage and Resilience at the City of Gold Coast. Previously, he was General Manager, Major Projects at the Queensland Department of Housing and Public Works, overseeing policy, contract strategy and major infrastructure delivery, including the Cairns Convention Centre and Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre. Brett’s executive career spans state and local government roles, including environmental leadership positions supporting the Northern Territory Environmental Protection Authority and Townsville City Council. He is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, an Executive Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG), and a recipient of the National Emergency Medal.
Claudia Bels FAICD
Non-Executive Board Director
Claudia is a Non-Executive Director and board and committee chair focused on long-term financial and governance sustainability. She spent 20 years as a corporate executive structuring and negotiating international finance deals and managing risk, drawing on expertise in law, financial and risk management. Claudia is Independent Board Chair of Australia and New Zealand Recycling Platform Limited and a Non-Executive Director of Endeavour Energy. She chairs board committees and supports governance processes to enhance strategy and performance. Chair of ARRC’s Audit and Risk Committee, Claudia holds BEc/LLB (Hons), a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Executive), and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Dr Raj Aseervatham
Non-Executive Board Director
Raj is an engineer with nearly four decades of industry experience. His executive career spans engineering, project development and corporate roles with BHP, Rio Tinto and Origin Energy, alongside international consulting across multiple continents. Raj has extensive experience in capital risk management, regulatory approvals and securing social licence to operate. For 25 years, he has audited responsible production practices covering labour rights, environmental performance and governance. The Chair of ARRC’s People, Culture and Remuneration Committee, Raj has a PhD in engineering and an MBA. He is a Fellow of Engineers Australia and the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has served as Chair and National President of Engineers Australia.
Geoffrey Webster
Non-Executive Board Director
With more than 25 years of experience in the waste sector, Geoffrey has built a distinguished career across engineering project delivery, waste management and resource recovery activities. His expertise spans strategic planning, governance, operational performance and business development, alongside senior leadership roles with national organisations. He leads a South Australia-based consultancy supporting waste asset design and project delivery and has served on local government waste boards, providing governance and strategic oversight. Geoffrey is a Chartered Professional Engineer with Engineers Australia and holds an MBA from La Trobe University.