About O2E
Behind the Organisation
Ownership
Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers is a family-owned and operated, not-for-profit organisation. We have no shareholders, no investors, and no profit-sharing arrangements. All revenue is reinvested into the organisation to support our programs, partners, and mission. This means your money goes where it’s needed most—directly to the ethical, conservation-based work we do.
Charity & Legal Status
- Legal business name: Oceans2Earth Foundation – Oceans2Earth Volunteers Ltd
- Entity Type: Australian Charity
- ABN: 66 1538 96023
- Registered with: Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC)
- Tax Status: We are not a DGR-registered charity
- Governed by: A formal Constitution, Board-approved policies, and strict wildlife welfare and ethical standards that guide all decision-making and program delivery.
- Operating since: 2011
Governance & Oversight
We are governed by a voluntary Board of Directors who bring diverse experience across not-for-profit governance, conservation, finance, education, and risk management.
Day-to-day operations are overseen by co-founders Cassie Smith and Tracy Leske, who are actively involved in the administration and management of the organisation. Their hands-on approach ensures every aspect of the business – from volunteer support to partner relationships – reflects our mission and values.
Our governance practices include:
- Quarterly board meetings with full minutes
- Strategic planning and program oversight
- Risk assessments and compliance reviews
- Conflict of interest register and Board policy adherence
- Governed by a formal Constitution, Board-approved policies, and strict wildlife welfare and ethical standards
We follow ACNC and ATO requirements and welcome accountability.
Transparency in Finance
We prioritise financial transparency to maintain the trust of our volunteers, partners, and supporters.
Key practices include:
- Annual financial statements prepared and independently audited each year
- Responsible budgeting aligned with program delivery and long-term sustainability
- Clear allocation of volunteer contributions to direct and operational costs
As a registered charity, we comply with all financial reporting obligations and are committed to responsible stewardship of every dollar received.
Why It Matters
Our governance model is designed to protect our mission – not profit from it. In an industry where for-profit voluntourism companies are driven by revenue, they often prioritise volume over value and must answer to shareholders and investors, not the animals, ecosystems, or communities they claim to support.
As a not-for-profit charity, Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers answers only to our mission and the people who believe in it. This means we can:
- Focus on quality over quantity
- Prioritise ethical outcomes over financial returns
- Invest directly in conservation, education, and partner support
- Stay accountable to transparency, impact, and long-term change
This structure ensures every decision we make is grounded in purpose – not profit.