Our People

"With more than 175 years of combined business management experience, Global Aqua Ventures' team has proven project planning, implementation and delivery results."

PETER CARTER
Managing Director
Peter has enjoyed a life-long passion for business, marketing, branding and entrepreneurship. He has more than 40 years of experience in developing, owning and managing a range of successful businesses.
Peter was born and raised on the North West Coast of Tasmania. He commenced his early working years as a builder before progressing to a construction estimator and project manager.
He worked in the design and development of manufacturing businesses for 15 years before being appointed as operations manager, marketing and facility management, for an international glass business for 12 years. Peter also developed patented equipment in the glass and building industries.
He has a unique ability to visualise opportunities to improve process to achieve more productive outcomes and higher returns. Peter owned and operated a statewide service business for a national insurance underwriter, and now owns and operates a construction maintenance business. Peter is happiest when he is immersed in high level projects managing multiple facets to achieve sustainable outcomes.
MIKE DONTSCHUK
Director
Michael Dontschuk is a finance professional with over 35 years’ experience in investment, finance, treasury and financial risk management.
He currently is a professional NED and sits on a number of company boards including Grange Resources Limited, Motor Accidents Insurance Board (Tasmania), Australia Ratings, Eticore and Public Trustee (Tas).
Previously he has been an executive with Grange Resources Limited, Group Treasurer of ANZ Bank, Managing Director of Treasury Corporation Victoria, President and Director of the Finance and Treasury Association of Australia and Manager at Bankers Trust. Mike has worked extensively in corporate financial advisory and investment banking.

SARAH HIRST
Strategy + Marketing
Sarah has 30 years’ experience in business management, strategy, branding, marketing, media, reputation management and government relations. She grew up on a farm in northern Tasmania before embarking on her journalism career at the Launceston Examiner, the Weekly Times in Melbourne and the Herald Sun in Canberra’s Federal Press Gallery. She worked in PR and event management in London, before returning to Australia as the PR Director for the National Farmers’ Federation, CEO of the Wine Industry Association of WA and Brand Manager for Gunns Limited. Sarah and her husband have owned and managed the multi-award-winning Leaning Church Vineyard for the past 10 years, as well as Lilydale Larder. She is a Member of the Regional Development Australia (Tasmania) Board, Director and Co-Founder of Tasmania Invest, Chair of the Tasmanian Cycling Investor Group and an Australian Institute of Company Directors graduate. Sarah is also CEO of Sarah Hirst Strategy – a boutique consultancy focused on communication, branding and business strategy.
NOEL CARTER
Non-Executive Director
Noel grew up in Tasmania and moved to Victoria in the early 1970s to pursue a banking career while playing football for the Richmond Football Club.
He was a member of the 1973 VFL Grand Final winning team and then moved to Western Australia and continued to work in finance and insurance through the 1980s and 1990s in his own businesses.
For the past 20 years, he has concentrated on his general insurance portfolio.
His passion for people and the challenges and interesting nature of his work provide him with the excitement and drive required for success. Through his interactions and communications, he has built many solid and long-lasting relationships.
In the early 2000s, Noel was elected to the Western Australian Turf Club Board where he served for 14 years. He has Life Memberships of both the Richmond Football Club and the South Fremantle Football Club, and holds a place in the Tasmanian Hall of Fame.