MEET THE COMMITTEE!
The Committee was elected by Trust members at the 2025 Annual General Meeting.
Ross Walker OAM
President
Ross was awarded his OAM for many years of community Service. Ross is a retired public servant involved in property management, with qualifications in surveying and town planning. Ross has lived in Beecroft for 30+ years. Apart from his continuing work with the Trust, Ross continues to actively volunteer with Bush Care, Beecroft Probus and The Garden Club. He is a member of the Sydney North Planning Panel and on the Hornsby Council Bushland Management Advisory Committee.
Tim Abrams
Tim’s parents built an American Colonial home in Fiona Road Beecroft in 1945 after WW2.
He was born in Poplars Private Hospital Epping in 1954. His professional career as a Industrial Relations advocate saw him represent both sides of the divide. This sense of a “fair go” allows him to ensure balance when applying to new developments and renovations. Tim’s passion is to ensure the Federation character and charm is not only maintained but is applied to any new development in the Beecroft Cheltenham catchment. Tim has a MBA ( Industrial Relations ) and is a local Justice of the Peace.
Bill Rankine
Secretary and Treasurer
Bill has lived in Beecroft for almost 30 years. He has been involved in the local Neighbourhood Watch and the Beecroft Probus club. He has an MBA and is a retired oil company executive. Bill provides the Police reports for the Trust’s newsletters and liaises with the local Police Area Command on behalf of the BCCT.
Nina Mital
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Nina is active in the Beecroft-Cheltenham community, with management committee positions in NFPs like the Beecroft Garden Club. Her professional background is consumer insights, with special interest in analytics and behavioral economics. Her favourite natives at the moment are from the genus Corymbia, particularly ficifolia, among the red/pink flowering gums. Nina loves her yoga and can be found practising her sun salutations any time of the day.
Brian Shirley
Website, eNews, IT
Brian has lived in Beecroft for 25 years. He is a retired Electrical Engineer. Brian spent 5 years in the Advertising Industry and then 45 years working in the Audio Visual industry. Brian looks after the Trust's Website and eNews, He is also a volunteer Instructor at "Computer Pals for Seniors" in West Ryde.
Gail Crossley
Vice President
Gail has lived in Beecroft for more than 40 years and her children and grandchildren have attended KU Cheltenham Memorial Kindergarten and Beecroft Public School. Gail enjoys gardening and walking and has served as Vice President of the Beecroft and District Garden Club. Gail commenced her career as a research scientist in the USA and UK, then became a university academic in senior management roles and a higher education consultant. Gail values the natural beauty of the environment of our area and is committed to supporting the preservation of its bushland and the work of the Civic Trust.
Ray Gerke
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Ray moved to Cheltenham in 1978 and has lived in the same house since then,
Ray enjoys the wonderful trees and bushland and peaceful setting in Cheltenham and Beecroft. Ray was a senior executive in Government until he resigned in 1993 to create a management consulting firm in North America. He was CEO and the business operated in Canada, USA and Australia for many years. Ray sold the business and retired about 10 years ago. He and his wife (Lindy) are active participants in the local community.
Carol Liston AO
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Carol is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Western Sydney University. She is currently president of the Royal Australian Historical Society. Her research covers early colonial history in New South Wales, with interests in people (convict, colonial born and free immigrant), local history, heritage and the built environment. Her particular interest is the colonial development of the greater Sydney region.
Neil Maniar
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Neil has been living with his young family in the Beecroft Cheltenham community for the last decade. Mechanical Engineer by trade and Commercial & Contracts Manager by profession, he brings a refreshing perspective of a present day multicultural and vibrant community of Beecroft and Cheltenham. Neil is passionate about promoting in-person connectivity within our community and creating a sense of belonging. As a new committee member, Neil is keen to continue with the trust's legacy in preserving the cultural and environmental heritage of Sydney’s best suburbs to raise families.
Bindi Shah OAM
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Bindi has lived in Cheltenham for 26 years and has been actively involved in the local community for many years. She raises funds through the initiative WISEkidsWORLD and serves as a Justice of the Peace and is Treasurer of the NSWJA Hornsby Branch. Bindi also volunteers with The Dish, Days for Girls, and Lifeline, assisting by collecting stamps and completing puzzles for fundraising activities. In recognition of her extensive community service across a range of roles, she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). A retired analyst/programmer, Bindi has recently joined the committee and is pleased to contribute to protecting and preserving the suburb she proudly calls home
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