Josie Jones is an award-winning environmental advocate, creative director, and ocean conservationist dedicated to protecting marine and coastal ecosystems. With a deep passion for sustainability and coastal stewardship, she has spent over 14 years volunteering to reduce litter and promote community-driven environmental action. Her groundbreaking work in marine conservation has earned her numerous accolades, including the Order of Australia Medal (OAM), Australian of the Year Local Hero, and the Australian Good Design Award for Social Impact.
A designer by trade and environmentalist at heart, Josie seamlessly blends creativity with activism, pioneering initiatives such as the Beach Hand Bin project, which has significantly reduced litter along Victoria’s coastline. She has worked extensively in circular economy mapping, sustainability consulting, and community engagement, influencing policies on marine protection and single-use plastics and has recently studied Sustainable Business at Harvard University.
Josie’s expertise has led to collaborations with leading organisations, including Commisioner for Sustainabilty, Keep Australia Beautiful, government sustainability committees, and environmental NGOs. She has played a pivotal role in reshaping waste management strategies and advocating for low-impact coastal solutions,
Beyond her environmental work, Josie is a public speaker and educator, inspiring communities to embrace responsible stewardship of their natural surroundings. Whether through citizen science initiatives, policy advocacy, or hands-on conservation projects, her commitment to protecting the ocean remains unwavering.