Our Staff
The team at Gas Energy Australia is responsible for delivering the Board's strategic priorities and is dedicated to working proactively and constructively with governments, industry, community groups and the media to improve appreciation of the contribution the gas sector makes to modern Australia - economically, environmentally and socially...
Brett Heffernan - Chief Executive Officer
Brett was appointed CEO of Gas Energy Australia in January 2022. He is a Board Member of the Australian Gas Industry Trust and a Director of Gas Industry Education Pty Ltd.
He consulted for various industry bodies over 2020-22; was CEO of the Brewers Association of Australia, a Director of the Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code and a Council Member of Alcohol Beverages Australia, including stints as ABAC Chair and on ABA's Executive Committee (2017-20).
Brett served as Senior Press Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, Leader of The Nationals and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development (2011-16).
Early in his career he amassed extensive experience across a variety of fields, including as a metropolitan journalist in Melbourne before first foray into politics as Media and Political Advisor to a string of federal MPs.
Making the switch to industry strategy, advocacy, government relations and communications, he was General Manager - Public Affairs for the National Farmers' Federation (2006-11), Public Affairs Manager for the Australian Private Hospitals Association (2002-06) and Media and Communications Manager for the National Health and Medical Research Council (2000-02).
Over this period Brett won 13 state and national Awards for Excellence under the Public Relations Institute of Australia's annual Golden Target Awards, orchestrating highly successful national policy and issues-based campaigns.
He holds a Bachelor's degree from Deakin University with a double major in Journalism and Political Science, as well as sub-majors in International Relations, Economic and Social Studies, Policy Studies and History.
Darryl Ramm - Manager - Technical Development
Darryl has been with GEA for more than a decade, managing and coordinating the development of technical policies for the Association and its members, covering safety, industry practice, standards, regulation and training.
Armed with these policies Darryl advocates on behalf of the GEA with Australian governments at all levels, state authorities, industry and
statutory bodies, and the broader community.
Darryl has worked in the energy sector for over 40 years, including with ACTEWAGL (an energy provider based in the Australian
Capital Territory). He has amassed experience across all aspects of the electricity supply industry from generation, transmission, distribution,
and domestic electricity supply. Darryl also has project and policy experience in telecommunications, natural gas and renewable energy projects.
His career started with an apprenticeship as an electrical fitter mechanic with the Queensland Electricity Generating Board, before moving to Canberra to work as an electrical technician
with the ACT Electricity Authority.
Darryl holds a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Honours) degree from the University of Central Queensland.
Billy Moullakis - Policy & Research Officer
Billy joined GEA in August 2023. He brings several years' experience with the Australian Government Department Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.
Broadening his development into the private sector, his decision to join GEA reflects his determination to apply his experience to the dynamic world of gas fuels, where he aims to make a significant impact and contribute to a sustainable energy future.
With a background in government operations spanning multiple policy, parliamentary and analytical roles, Billy brings important insights to aid the industry's ability to drive positive change.
Complementing professional achievements, Billy is dedicated to academic excellence. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of International Relations and Politics at the University of Canberra.
Tahnee McElligott - Office Manager & Communications Coordinator
Tahnee joined GEA in 2018 in the Communications Coorodiantor role, bringing a highly creative, dynamic and professional approach with a forward-thinking mindset and extensive experience in Graphic Design.
In 2022 she also took on the Office Manager role.
Committed to understanding the latest trends to provide the Association with excellence in design services. She is highly proficient in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat, Aftereffects and Dreamweaver.
She has worked on a range of projects at GEA, assisting with the LCC27 promotional material, improving social media communications, and designing various documents, such as our Annual Report.
Tahnee holds a Bachelor of Graphic Design and Honours in Arts and Design from the University of Canberra.
