About the Port Environment Centre

The PEC is a hub where you can gather, learn, and collaborate to protect and enhance our environment.

The Port Environment Centre is a community driven organisation and ‘gathering place’ that supports the community in living sustainably, valuing, caring for, learning about and enjoying the experience of the natural coastal, marine and estuarine environment.

We believe that real change starts at the grassroots level. Our goal is to empower you with the resources, knowledge, and opportunities to actively participate in environmental conservation.

On this page

History & Operations

The Port Environment Centre has a history rooted in community collaboration and environmental advocacy.

The Port Environment Centre opened in March 2019. The centre was established with funding from the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management (AMLR NRM) Board and initially hosted by Keep South Australia Beautiful Incorporated (KESAB).

In April 2020, Port Environment Centre became incorporated (see our constitution here) and from 1 July 2020 now operates independently with foundational funding from Green Adelaide (formerly AMLR NRM).

The City of Port Adelaide Enfield have also provided ongoing support to the Centre. In November 2020 Port Environment Centre received a Partnership Grant from the City of Port Adelaide Enfield. This was followed by a City of Port Adelaide Enfield Living Environment Grant and additional funding from the Suzanne Elliott Charitable Trust in the years since.

The Centre is located at 27 North Parade, Port Adelaide. The site was provided by Renewal SA (opening – 2023) and now by the City of Port Adelaide Enfield.

Port Environment Centre is seeded by Green Adelaide and receives additional funding from the City of Port Adelaide Enfield and Suzanne Elliott Charitable Trust.

PEC Staff

The Centre is operated by a dedicated team of friendly staff.

Alfie Lem is the Centre Coordinator. Alfie is an environmental scientist with experience coordinating a local community not-for-profit and a passion for active transport and food sovereignty.

Janice Vaz, PEC Project Officer, is a wildlife biologist with skills in science communication and a passion for connecting people and nature.

PEC Committee

Port Environment Centre is governed by a Management Committee of local community members.

Current Management Committee Members:

  • JulieAnn Stoll (Chairperson)
  • Christine Gates (Secretary)
  • Karen Holland (Treasurer)
  • Alex Coombe
  • Tony Bazeley
  • Samantha Everett
  • Deidre Knight
  • Belinda Schultz
  • ex-officio member: Michael O’Brien (Kaurna representative)
  • ex-officio member: Aleisa Lamanna (City of Port Adelaide Enfield)
  • ex-officio member: Alfie Lem (Port Environment Centre Coordinator)

We thank past committee members for their contributions

  • Catherine McMahon (past Chairperson)
  • Steph Taylor
  • Karen James
  • Cavan Newble
  • Andrew Winkler
  • Stuart Gifford
  • Kirsty Darlaston
  • Neve Pratt
  • Maggie Hine (City of Port Adelaide Enfield)

Greater Adelaide Environment Network

The Port Environment Centre is part of GAEN

The Greater Adelaide Environment Network (GAEN) is an alliance of nine community-based Environment/Natural Resource Centres that operate across the Greater Adelaide region.

GAEN brings together a wealth of experience and local connections under a collaborative and coordinated framework.

Each centre has its own unique themes and programs, and we are united by our commitment to protecting and enhancing our precious local environments.