Meet the Board
Julia Cockram
Board Chair and Managing Director
Julia Cockram joined the Gumtree Greys Board in January 2018 and has served as Board Chair since 2020. She brings decades of experience in business management, having spent many years as Business Manager of an architectural practice with responsibility for governance, finance, human resources, systems and day-to-day operations. In addition to her Board role, Julia is closely involved in Gumtree Greys’ operations as Behaviour Coordinator, helping ensure that strategic decisions are practical, ethical and firmly in the best interests of both dogs and volunteers.
Julia is the Managing Director of Confident Hounds, a behaviour consulting practice, and a Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant (CDBC) through the IAABC. She is passionate about strong, transparent governance in the charity sector and about bridging the gap between strategy and hands-on delivery. Known for her calm and practical leadership style, Julia has a strong focus on sustainability, ethical decision-making and volunteer wellbeing. She is a passionate advocate for greyhounds and is very happily owned by greyhound Timmy and staghound cross Freya.
Will Sarah
Treasurer
Will joined the Gumtree Greys Board in 2025. He is a CPA and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), bringing strong financial governance and strategic oversight to the Board of Gumtree Greys. He has experience in senior accounting and finance roles across the defence and software sectors, providing expertise in risk management, compliance, budgeting, and organisational sustainability. His professional background supports Gumtree Greys’ commitment to transparency, accountability, and long-term viability.
A lifelong dog lover, Will is deeply passionate about animal welfare and rescue. He shares his home with two German Shepherds and has a strong appreciation for responsible breeding, training, and rehabilitation. His blend of professional expertise and personal commitment to dogs makes him a valued contributor to Gumtree Greys’ mission of improving outcomes for dogs in need.
Jeanette Danos
Company Secretary
Jeanette joined the Gumtree Greys Board in 2024. She is an experienced people, culture and organisational capability executive with over 30 years’ experience across banking, resources, energy and facilities management. Jeanette has held senior leadership roles with ANZ and BHP Billiton, City FM, and CitiPower and Powercor, leading people, culture and organisational development initiatives grounded in strong governance and ethical practice.
Her expertise includes leadership and succession planning, workforce capability development, performance and engagement, wellbeing programs and organisational change. She brings a thoughtful, values-led approach to governance, with a strong focus on sustainability, volunteer wellbeing and responsible decision-making.
Jeanette is deeply passionate about animal welfare and considers it a privilege to work alongside the compassionate volunteers, foster carers and Board members of Gumtree Greys, whose shared commitment ensures greyhounds are treated with care, dignity and respect.
Gareth Kidd
Director
Gareth joined Gumtree Greys in 2026. He brings extensive experience in marketing, with a focus on digital channels and content.
Having consulted with dozens of not-for-profits, he brings a strong understanding of communications strategy and how it applies to cause-based organisations.
After meeting Tilly, Gareth adopted his best mate, Yogi. Both rescued racers, they have helped build Gareth’s deep connection with greyhounds and his desire to see these wonderful souls find loving forever homes.
Emma McCashney
Company Secretary
Emma is a not-for-profit leader who brings a mix of strategic thinking, practical know-how and genuine care for community-led work. She is currently Chief Operating Officer at a national financial literacy organisation, where she helps guide strategy, operations, partnerships and sustainable growth to support better financial outcomes for First Nations communities.
Emma has also worked as a Festival and Events Director and served as President of a Melbourne-based Chamber of Commerce, giving her hands-on experience inbringing people together, building local partnerships, fundraising, marketing and making things happen with limited resources.
With a Bachelor of Business in Event Management and Music Industry from Victoria University, Emma brings skills across project management, financial oversight, communications and organisational planning. She is delighted to join the Board of Gumtree Greys and support its heartfelt work rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming greyhounds into loving forever homes.