Our Staff
Departments
Chief Executive Officer - Doug Humann
Doug Humann has been the Chief Executive Officer of the Bush Heritage Australia since 1997. 
Doug has a BA (Hons – Geography) and Diploma of Education from Melbourne University. He previously spent ten years as a secondary school teacher and eight years as the Director of the Victorian National Parks Association, Victoria's largest member-based nature conservation organisation. Doug is a member of the World Conservation Union - Commission of National Parks and Protected Areas.
In 1997 Doug won Wild Magazine's Australian Environmentalist of the Year and in 2005 was a finalist (Significant Innovation) in the Equity Trustees Not for Profit CEO of the Year Awards.
Doug has been a member of various state government advisory bodies and provided advice to governments on a range of issues connected with protected areas and conservation management. His interest in the outdoors and nature conservation has led to extensive travel with his family throughout Australia and abroad.
CEO Personal Assistant - Christine Austin
Appointed 2008
Conservation
Chief Conservation Officer - Nicki Markus
PhD in zoology (flying fox ecology) , BSc (zoology and psychology), Honours (juvenile chimpanzee behaviour)
Nicki is responsible for the conservation team that operates in three sections – strategy, policy and evaluation of Bush Heritage conservation work, the assessment and servicing of all of our reserves and our conservation stakeholder partnerships, and the operational aspects of managing our properties.
Nicki spent 18 months writing a book on Australia’s current conservation landscape (to be published by Melbourne Uni Press in February 2009) and working as a sustainability consultant to a global IT firm on a short-term contract. Before that, she worked as a senior manager for WWF-Australia for five years and oversaw the organisation’s national Species Conservation Program, including the Threatened Species Network, the Shorebirds Conservation Program and the Rio Tinto Frogs! Project. During that time, she had a particular interest in recovery and conservation planning and in the role of legislation in conservation.
Nicki had a four-year term in the zoo-industry , writing management plans; advising on wildlife conflict issues, initiating a large community-based revegetation project in SE Queensland (‘Food for Wildlife’), and acting as an advocate for flying fox conservation on behalf of the Australasian Bat Society. Appointed June 2008
- Conservation Projects Officer - Jen Grindrod
Appointed May 2008
Strategy, Policy and Evaluation
Strategy, Policy and Evaluation Manager - Stuart Cowell
BSc(Hons) Environmental Science. Stuart worked as a Research Scientist with CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems on issues of integration in natural resource planning and management. He has extensive experience working with Aboriginal people and organisations and has worked across the Top End, on the Great Barrier Reef and in Tasmania. He is experienced in natural resource management issues applicable to our current and future activities. Appointed 2005.
Evaluation and Reporting Officer- Jim Radford, PHD
Pastoral Programs Coordinator - Ian Watson
Indigenous Programs Manager- Sarah Eccles
BA (Hist & Indigenous studies), Dip Nat Res Manag. Sarah is of Watharung descent. She has experience working with Aboriginal people both within non-government organisations such as Greening Australia, where she worked alongside the Indigenous Land Management facilitator, and in State Government roles. Her position involves facilitating co-management agreements on Bush Heritage reserves and greater conservation or ‘Caring for Country’ on indigenous held lands. Appointed 2005.
- Indigenous Partnership Officer, Nth Australia - Lyndall McLean
Lyndall was born in country Victoria and spent most of her childhood in Mildura. She completed a degree in Outdoor Education at Bendigo University in 1987. A few years after arriving in Darwin Lyndall got job as a ranger in Kakadu National Park where she then spent the next 15 years.
In 2006 Lyndall took an opportunity of a secondment to the Northern Land Council where she worked as a Sea Country Facilitator in the Caring for Country Unit and got to know many of the community rangers around the Territory Coastline. Lyndall then took a position with the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) as the remote area coordinator with the opportunity to greatly expand Indigenous engagement in Quarantine related work in the Top End through funding aimed at reducing the quarantine threat from illegal foreign fishing vessels.
Most coastal ranger groups are now involved in providing services to AQIS on an annual contract basis and the program continues to develop and strengthen with the support of the rangers and the AQIS remote area team.
Lyndall joined the NAILSMA team in May 2008 and her main roles are to work with NAILSMA and Indigenous people to support the purchase of ecologically and culturally significant country, to support conservation management on land already owned and managed by Indigenous people; and to support the participation of Indigenous people in the management of Bush Heritage reserves. Lyndall's initial focus is on regions and projects where Bush Heritage already has partnerships (Cape York and North West Queensland, Kimberley and West Arnhem), but her role is also to work on development of new project areas in collaboration with NAILSMA staff. Appointed May 2008 - Indigenous Partnership Officer, SWBP, WA - Ken Haywood
Regional Strategy Team Leader - Ben Carr
Ben grew up on a farm in the Western Australian sand plain where he learnt to love the bush. He has a background in ecological research and management, reserve management, environmental consulting, environmental impact assessment and native vegetation policy in Western Australia and Victoria. Ben has worked with volunteers, non-government conservation organisations, private industry, farmer groups, government departments and regional NRM groups. He has a commitment to understanding, protecting and restoring natural habitats and resources. Ben’s interest is in forming partnerships to achieve conservation objectives across Australia. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from Murdoch University.
Appointed in February 2007.
-
K2C Coordinator, NSW - Lauren van Dyke
-
midLANDscapes Coordinator, TAS - Daniel Sprod
-
Director of Gondwana Link, WA - Keith Bradby
Assessment and Property Services
Assessment and Property Services Manager- Dr Kate Fitzherbert
BSc (Hons), PhD in Ornithology. Kate has worked in ornithological research, principally on threatened species and their management, before moving into environmental fundraising. She has been instrumental in raising the funds for, and helping establish, privately-owned habitat reserves in Australia. Appointed 2001.
Property Assessment Coordinator- Paul Foreman
Paul Foreman has a background in Forestry (B(For)Sci. - Melb University) and Botany (MSc. - La Trobe University) with extensive experience in State and Local Government, as well as botanical consultancy and with other NGO's. He has a particular interest in grassy ecosystems and worked with Trust for Nature (Victoria) from 1999 to 2002. Appointed 2005.
Covenanting Support officer - Rowan Ewing
Appointed June 2008
Information Systems Team
- Spatial Information Coordinator - Richard MacNeill
BA(Hons), DipEd, BAppSc, MAppSc (Land Information). Richard has worked in cultural heritage management and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for over 10 years. He has extensive experience in cultural heritage management in the field and as spatial data coordinator and manager within Aboriginal communities in Victoria. Appointed 2005.
Ecologist, QUBB - Murray Haseler
BSc Ecology; Grad Dip Tropical Ecology. Murray has worked with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service on wildlife issues and habitat surveys and assessments throughout the Brigalow and south-east Queensland bioregions. Prior to that he worked in Tasmania on wildlife issues. Appointed 2003.
Ecologist, K2C and SEGBW - Sandy Gilmore
Sandy Gilmore has joined Bush Heritage as the ecologist for southern Australia. He has worked extensively on bird communities and their ecology throughout eastern Australia and has a special interest in integrating our knowledge of ecology with how we manage the land. Sandy will work on selecting properties for acquisition, and management planning and research on reserves in temperate Australia. Appointed 2005.
Ecologist, SWBP - Hugh Pringle
Dr Hugh Pringle has nearly twenty years of experience as a landscape and wildlife ecologist in outback Western Australia. Since joining Bush Heritage, he has also returned to the landscapes of his undergraduate studies in the south-west of WA. He is now getting involved in agricultural impact issues (such as secondary salinity and eutrophication) and die-back, as well as issues relating to Charles Darwin and Eurardy Reserves in WA. Appointed 2006.
Ecologist, Tasmania - Matt Appleby
BSc(Hons), PhD (Environmental Studies). Matt has extensive experience at assessing and negotiating conservation covenants with landowners across Tasmania. Prior to this work, he completed a PhD and several research projects in the field of restoration ecology. Matt’s interests have been focused on the native grasslands and woodlands in Tasmania’s Midlands. His current position involves ecological assessments of land for the Beyond the Boundaries program. Appointed April 2007.
Ecologist Gondwana Link, WA - Angela Sanders
Appointed 2008
Planning and Operations
Planning and Operations Manager - Ray O'Halloran
BSc Environment, Trade Qualified Fitter and Turner. Ray has worked within the Occupational Health, Safety & Environmental Industry for the past 7 years with multiple blue chip organisations managing compliance and implementing change management strategies. Prior to this he worked for 10 years in an Operational Management capacity within the steel manufacturing and packaging industry. Appointed 2007.
- Operations Officer - Glen Norris
Glen is currently studying his final year of a Soc Sci (ENV) degree. Originally from country NSW, Glen has an extensive background in earthmoving and project management in the telecommunications and civil construction industries, which has seen him involved in a wide array of remote and metropolitan projects. Appointed June 2007.
Planning and Operations Supervisor - Chantal Fowler
Chantal has completed a Bachelor degree in Park Management, majoring in Business Management. She has extensive and varied experience gained from volunteering and working for Parks Victoria and Parks Canada, working in a range of areas including field research, volunteer management, interpretation and education, visitor services, customer service and business administration. Appointed 2006.
- Property Planning Coordinator - Clair Dougherty
Appointed 2007
OHSE Manager - Geoff Nevard
Geoff has a passion for Environmental Health and Safety, with over 20 years experience in production, engineering, logistics and safety roles with a number of manufacturing organisations. Prior to joining Bush Heritage he was responsible for the Health and Safety programs of one of the Australian divisions of General Electric. Appointed 2007
Regional Operations Manager QLD and NT - Steve Heggie
Steve was the first reserve manager at the Bush Heritage Carnarvon Station Reserve, Qld. he has extensive experience in the management of conservation reserves and in working with reserve visitors from his time with Bush Heritage and as ranger at Kakadu National Park. Appointed 2004.
- Cravens Peak Reserve, QLD - Mark Lithgow
- Ethabuka Reserve, QLD - Mark Lithgow
- Carnarvon Station Reserve, QLD - Darren Larcombe, Matthew Warnock
Darren worked for the Parks and Wildlife Service of the Northern Territory for 22 years. During this time he gave technical support to the Wildlife Division on projects such as Vegetation Survey & Mapping and Rare & Endangered Species Management. The last 10 years were spent as a ranger conducting fire, weed, visitor and feral animal management within Nitmiluk, Gregory and Watarrka National Parks. Appointed 2005. - Carnarvon Station Reserve Trainee, QLD - Matthew Warnock
- Carnarvon Station Reserve Indigenous Trainee, QLD - Richard Mailman
Richard is a Bidjara person being employed and trained in land management on his traditional lands at Carnarvon Station and Mt Tabor Station, a neighbouring station managed by the Bidjara people. His role also includes facilitating the sharing of knowledge and practices between Bush Heritage and the Bidjara people. His position is supported by the Rick Farley Memorial Scholarship. Appointed 2007. - Reedy Creek Reserve, QLD - Contact Steve Heggie
- Yourka Reserve, QLD - Appointment to be announced
- Goonderoo Reserve, QLD - Thornton Kerr
- Edgbaston Reserve, QLD- Steve Heggie
- Fan Palm Reserve, QLD - Siggy Heise-Pavlov
Regional Operations SWBP/SA
- Boolcoomatta Reserve, SA - Emma and Peter Ashton
Appointed July 2008 - Bon Bon Reserve, SA - Paul and Carolle Spencer
Appointed June 2008
- Kojonup, Chereninup, Monjebup, Yarabee, Peniup Reserves WA - Mal Graham
- Charles Darwin Reserve, WA - Kurt & Andrea Tschirner
Kurt brings many years worth of experience in natural resource management through his upbringing and career in the Northern Territory. He has been employed by the N.T. Parks and Wildlife Service for 21 years, with his last position being Senior District Ranger at the West MacDonnell National Park.
Andrea originally hails from SA where she grew up on a sheep and cattle property. She has also undertaken much work in the NT including property based research & rangeland fire management projects. Andrea’s background brings experience in liasing with various stakeholder groups, and a sound practical knowledge of rangeland ecology. Appointed 2006. - Eurardy Reserve, WA - Paul & Leanne Hales
Paul grew up on properties in central Queensland and has excellent Natural Resource Management skills and experience. Paul's NRM roles included running weed control programs for the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of the Environment, then 10 years with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. His last position was Ranger-in-Charge with Diamantina Catchment, over 400 million acres of arid channel country. Paul has extensive, practical fire management experience including the coordinating emergency services at fires. Paul is also an accredited firearms trainer.
Leanne has a BA Psych, Geography & Enviro Sc. and has a stong background in environmental education, visitor and natural resource management. Leanne spent eight years working for Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service in a range of roles throughout central Queensland national parks. She began as a trainer with the Youth Conservation Corps, then moved on to regional safety coordinator and a business management position. She also has a background in social work and social planning and brings with her good communication and facilitation skills. Both appointed 2005.
NSW Operations
- Scottsdale Reserve, NSW - Owen Whitaker
- Tarcutta Reserve, NSW - Owen Whitaker
- Brogo Reserve, NSW - Owen Whitaker
- Burrin Burrin Reserve, NSW - Owen Whitaker
- Nameless Reserve, NSW - Glen Norris / Ray O'Halloran
- Nardoo Hills Reserve, VIC - David Baker-Gabb
- Liffey Valley Reserves, TAS - Stu Cowell
- East Coast Reserves, TAS - Stu Cowell
Marketing
Chief Marketing Officer - Pamela E Sutton
Pamela is an experienced marketer and fundraiser, having worked in the international advertising industry in London and Melbourne. For the past 9 years, Pamela has worked in the Australian charity sector, with Oxfam Australia and Plan Australia, where she initiated the first ever charity partnership with the Commonwealth Games. In 2006, Pamela won a scholarship to complete her MBA at the Australian Graduate School of Management and was awarded the title of Victorian Telstra Busineswoman of the Year for the Community & Government sector 2006. Appointed January 2007.
PA / Supporter Services Assistant - Freda Lisgaras
Community Engagement
Philanthropy Executive- Roewen Wishart
B.A (Hons), LL.B. (Hons), MpubPol. Roewen has worked as a lawyer and policy analyst, including with the National Parks and Wildlife Service. He subsequently spent many years fundraising for overseas social and economic justice programs before joining Bush Heritage. He is based in Sydney. Appointed 2001.
Philanthropy Executive - Paul Evans
Dip. Eng, Dip. Sales Mang. Paul has a very eclectic background with extensive experience in customer relations, sales and tourism. His love for the environment has seen him involved with on-ground operations at the Eyre Bird Observatory and Newhaven Reserve, where he also had the opportunity to indulge his passion for wildlife photography. Before arriving at Bush Heritage in late 2005, he had been actively fundraising for other not-for-profit organisations overseas. Appointed 2005.
Philanthropy Executive - Lea-Anne Bradley
Lea-Anne comes from a corporate background, with many years of experience in administrative and project management roles, in Australia and the U.K., with companies such as Ansett Australia. A lifelong interest in the environment, and volunteer roles with her local ‘Friends’ group and the Sustainable Living Foundation, led to a move into the not-for-profit field. After a number of years with Landcare Australia, Lea-Anne moved to Bush Heritage and was Campaign Director of the recently completed $20m Anchors in the Landscape campaign. Appointed 2005.
Campaign Team
- Campaign Officer- Jodie Fraser
Jodie has a background in Psychology and Community Development, and is currently studying a Masters in Environment and Sustainability. She is highly dedicated to environmental conservation. Over the past six years Jodie has been involved in a number of environmental non-government organisations, including the Sustainable Living Foundation and Friends of the Earth, which are focused on environmental sustainability and social justice issues. She constantly strives, both on a personal and professional level, to ensure that the planet and its many irreplaceable species are healthy and abundant. Appointed August 2007. - Campaign Officer - Barbara Joffe
Appointed May 2008
Supporter Services
Supporter Service Manager - Mark Johnston
Mark has spent the last 6 years managing a Blood Service Call Centre. Previously he spent 13 years in Customer Service and Sales Management. He has tertiary qualifications in Management and Insurance. He is currently studying a Bachelor Of Environmental Science at Charles Sturt University. Appointed July 2008
- Customer Service Officer- Kate Jennings
B.Ag.Sci (Melbourne University). Appointed 2007. - Customer Service Officer- Yee Huynh
Appointed 2007. - Supporter Services Assistant - Hannah McCarthy
Appointed May 2008
Conservation Partnerships Team Leader- Katrina Blake
Katrina has worked for many years in outdoor education and as a leader in the adventure tourism industry. She also has a background in the allied health field and works as a volunteer ski patroller. More recently she completed a diploma in conservation and land management. Appointed 2005.
- Visitation Officer - Belinda Coutts
Belinda has a background in outdoor based education, recruitment, customer service and events management. She has worked with volunteers in an outdoor arena and has conducted training programs for youth at risk, school students and for the corporate sector. Belinda’s interest in conservation has grown over the many years she has spent working in the bush. She has a Diploma in outdoor leadership. Appointed February 2007. - Volunteer Recruitment and Training Officer - Heidi Fisher
- Eurady Tourism Officer, WA - Leanne Hales
Fundraising and Communications
Publications Team
Production Officer - Melissa Postma
After many years working in various administration and marketing roles within the corporate sector, this is Melissa’s first time working for a not-for-profit organisation. A love of the Australian landscape and a strong belief that we must act now to protect it has led to Melissa joining the Bush Heritage team. Appointed 2006.
Direct Marketing Team Leader - Ivars Draguns
B.Sc.(Hons), Grad Dip Mktg, M.Mktg (DrktMktg). Ivars has a marketing background from a wide variety of industry sectors, including pharmaceutical, FMCG, retail, financial services and customer contact centres. He brings to Bush Heritage experience in managing acquisition and retention campaigns utilising direct mail, telemarketing and online channels. For many years, Ivars has been involved in not for profit community organisations, with an emphasis on developing cost effective communication outcomes. Appointed 2007.
Bequest Team Leader - Merrilyn Julian
BA (Hons) MA Dip. Ed. Merrilyn has worked in the conservation movement for 20 years, both in Britain and Australia, principally as an environmental editor, before moving to bequest work. Merrilyn covers inquiries about bequests from our supporters in the Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. She is passionate about the preservation of natural habitat. Appointed 2005.
- Bequest Officer Sydney - Anne Peedom
BA Dip. Ed. Anne has broad experience in fundraising, spanning two decades. She is a bequest specialist and has worked for organisations concerned with overseas aid, public health, social and disability welfare, education and also the church. Anne covers inquiries about bequests from our supporters in the ACT, New South Wales, Queensland and overseas. Appointed 2003. - Bequest Officer Melbourne - Liz Balogh
B. App. Sci. (Environmental Management), Diploma Library & Information Management. Liz has worked in environmental, administrative and library positions. Her love of nature and desire to do something proactive and positive led her to work with Bush Heritage. She has worked in various roles within Bush Heritage, combining her knowledge of environmental issues with her skills in information management. Appointed (to this position) September 2007.
Web and Online Communications
Communications Producer - Peter Houghton
Peter started his career in advertising photography and then moved into directing television commercials. He has worked in the Internet industry for the past 15 years. Now working as a Multi Media Consultant, Peter has extensive experience in leading creative and technical teams for interactive and multimedia web production and media strategy. Peter is a member of Film Victoria's Digital Media Fund Evaluation and Assessment Committee. Appointed September 2006.
People and Finance
General Manager - Annette Stewart
MBA MSc Env. Man & Restoration. Annette Stewart has over 20 years' experience in information technology and financial services, as well as a passion for all things environmental. She has a Masters degree in both business administration and environmental management, and brings a wide range of skills and experience to help us continue our mission. Appointed 2004.
Governance
Linda Thomas - Governance Co-ordinator
Linda spent a number of years in analytical roles in the finance and retail sectors before choosing to take up administrative roles with non-profit organisations. Her interest in the environment and conservation has grown through voluntary work undertaken with Friends of the Zoos during the last 12 years. Appointed 2005.
IT Systems
Information Technology Manager – Richard Alcorn
Richard likes being in the bush and is interested in the science that illuminates the processes of the living world. He is a computer programmer, and has been a teacher, but right now believes he has the best job he has ever had, working with Bush Heritage to improve the efficiency of our IT systems. He says, ‘Why is it the best? Because the cause is right, the people fantastic, and the organisation efficient and effective. What more could one want?’ Appointed 2006.
Finance
Finance Manager – Lucky Hewagama
MSc (Management), ASA, FCMA, FCCA. Lucky is an accountant with many years of industrial, commercial and business experience, having held senior management positions in the UK, Africa and Australia. He has carried out various assignments as a volunteer for the indigenous community, and also lived and worked as a consultant operating indigenous businesses in the Cape York, Far North Queensland. Appointed 2006.
- Projects Officer - Geraldine Ellis
Appointed June 2008
People and Organisation Development
People and Organisation Development Manager - Phil Dwyer
Phil has worked across numerous industries in service, manufacturing, distribution, and the arts primarily in the people and organisation development fields. Phil joins us after gaining an MBA from Monash Mt Eliza Business School and working with the Arts Centre as Organisation Development manager from 2000 to 2008. The previous 7 years Phil consulted in HR, business improvement and change management projects. Phil began his career as a teacher before moving into small business retail as an owner operator followed by a stint with a division of Brambles as Training and Quality Manager. Appointed March 2008.
- People and Organisation Development Officer- Lisa Wollermann
Appointed 2008