Our Staff

Chief Executive Officer – Doug Humann

BA (Hons), DipEd  •  Doug has been CEO of Bush Heritage since 1997. Before coming to Bush Heritage, he spent 8 years as Director of the Victorian National Parks Association, Victoria's largest member-based nature conservation organisation. Prior to that he worked for 10 years as a secondary school teacher. 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. In 2008 Doug was listed as one of the 100 most influential people in Melbourne by The Age. Doug has been a member of various state government advisory bodies and has 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.

Executive Assistant to CEO – Diane Oakley

Diane has had many years of experience in office administration in organisations ranging from state government (Alpine Resorts Commission), publicly listed companies (Equity Trustees Executors and Agency Company Ltd) to medium-sized companies (John Danks and Son, owners of the brands Plants Plus, Home Hardware and Thrifty Link Hardware). Her desire to work in a positive and proactive role within a respected organisation led her to Bush Heritage. In Diane's spare time, she is a keen organic gardener. Appointed 2009.

Conservation Team

Chief Conservation Officer – Dr Nicki Markus

BSc (zoology and psychology) Hons (juvenile chimpanzee behaviour), PhD (flying fox ecology)  •  Before starting at Bush Heritage, Nicki spent 18 months writing On Our Watch, a book on Australia's current conservation landscape (Melbourne University Press, 2009) and working as a contract sustainability consultant to a global IT firm on a short-term contract. Before that, she worked as a senior manager for the World Wildlife Fund – Australia for 5 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 also had a 4-year term in the zoo industry, writing management plans, advising on wildlife conflict issues, initiating a large community-based revegetation project in south-east Queensland (Food for Wildlife), and acting as an advocate for flying fox conservation on behalf of the Australasian Bat Society. Appointed 2008.

  Science and Monitoring

Science and Monitoring Manager – Dr Kate Fitzherbert

BSc (Hons), PhD (Ornithology)  •  Kate 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.

Ecological Monitoring Coordinator – Dr Jim Radford

BSc (Hons), PhD (Applied Ecology)  •  Jim manages the ecological outcomes monitoring program on Bush Heritage's reserves and partner properties, and also manages Bush Heritage's research partnerships. In 2002, Jim completed a PhD on the ecology of white-browed treecreepers. He then spent 6 years researching the effects of land-use change on avifaunal communities in northern Victoria. His research interests include understanding the interplay between behavioural responses to landscape change and the ecological processes that determine the distribution and abundance of fauna. He is passionate about transferring this understanding into principles and guidelines for ecologically sustainable landscape management. Appointed 2008.

Property Assessment Coordinator – Paul Foreman

B(For)Sci, MSc (Botany)   •  Paul has extensive experience in state and local government, as well as botanical consultancy and with other NGOs. He has a particular interest in grassy ecosystems and worked with Trust for Nature (Victoria) from 1999 to 2002. Appointed 2005.

Conservation Project Officer – Jen Grindrod

BA/BSc  •  Jen started at Bush Heritage as a volunteer in 2006, both in the office and on reserves, to complement her university studies in environmental science and politics. After finishing her degrees Jen took off on a 6-month Kombi adventure around Australia to immerse herself in our unique environment and culture. On returning to Melbourne, Jen filled a number of short-term contracts at Bush Heritage in the areas of volunteering and Indigenous training and employment. Now settled into her role as Conservation Project Officer, Jen is passionate about making sure Bush Heritage's conservation efforts are as effective as possible through the coordination of regional strategies. She has also trained as a coach for Conservation Action Planning, a tool used for planning effective ecological management. Appointed 2008

Ecologist (Gulf to Lake Eyre and North Australia) – Max Tischler

BSc (Hons), PhD (Community Ecology) in progress  •  Max has been working in the Australian arid zone for the past 12 years, on a range of projects focused on the ecology of small mammals, reptiles and birds. He is particularly interested in the dynamics of bird communities. He also works with the Pastoral and Indigenous Partnerships Program, and sees the integration of conservation and production as essential for future land management in semi-arid and arid Australia. Appointed 2009.

Ecologist (Queensland Uplands and Brigalow Belt) – Murray Haseler

BSc (Ecology), Grad Dip Tropical Ecology  •  Murray previously 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 (Kosciuszko to Coast and South-East Grassy Box Woodlands) – Sandy Gilmore

BSc (Hons), PhD in progress  •  Sandy 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 works on selecting properties for acquisition, and management planning and research on reserves in temperate Australia. Appointed 2005.

Ecologist (Tasmania) – Dr Matt Appleby

BSc (Hons), PhD (Environmental Studies)   •  Matt has extensive experience 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 2007.

Ecologist (Gondwana Link, Western Australia) – Angela Sanders

BSc (Environmental Science)  •  Angela has worked in a variety of conservation-based fields over the past 25 years, including as ecologist in the Fitzgerald Biosphere Reserve, assessing the conservation value of remnant vegetation and providing management guidelines, conducting vertebrate fauna surveys across Western Australia, and collecting environmental oral histories of wetlands and waterways in southern Western Australia. She is based in Albany and is the ecologist for the Gondwana Link Fitzgerald to Stirling operational area. Appointed 2008.

Freshwater Ecologist, Edgbaston Reserve – Adam Kerezsy

BEnvSci (Hons), BA, Grad Dip Aquaculture, Grad Dip Ed, PhD in progress  •  Having completed an Honours project on fish in outback New South Wales, Adam is currently finishing up a PhD on fish in outback Queensland. Obviously, studying fish in the outback is a recurring theme in Adam's life! Fittingly, he now works at Bush Heritage's Edgbaston Reserve, looking after endangered fish that live in artesian springs. Adam has also worked on contracts for government agencies such as the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Department of Primary Industries in rural New South Wales, and as a journalist and teacher. Appointed 2009.

Investment Proposals Coordinator – Annette Stewart

MBA, MSc Env Man Restoration  •  Annette Stewart has over 20 years of 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 Bush Heritage achieve its mission. Appointed 2004.

Spatial Information Coordinator – Richard MacNeill

BA (Hons), DipEd, BAppSc, MAppSc (Land Information)   •  Richard has worked in the field of cultural heritage management and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for over 20 years. A qualified surveyor, he has extensive experience in designing and managing spatial systems, with a focus on cultural heritage. Richard's previous employment was as Coordinator – Heritage Information on behalf of Aboriginal communities in Victoria. Appointed 2005.

 Conservation Partnerships

Conservation Partnerships Manager – Stuart Cowell

BSc (Hons) Env Sci  •  Stuart previously 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 Bush Heritage's current and future activities. Appointed 2001.

Indigenous Programs Team Leader – Sarah Eccles

BA (Hist & Indigenous Studies), Dip Nat Res Manag  •  Sarah is of Watharung descent, and 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 Programs Officer (National Partnerships) – Don Bell

BA (Anthropology), Assoc Dip Community Development, Australian Institute of Management Business Certificate  •  Don Bell is a traditional owner of the country of the Ngunawal people, which encompasses Canberra and surrounds. Don has extensive knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal issues gained by working at the community level, and in local, state and federal government with various agencies. Don brings his experience in dealing with Aboriginal issues and concerns in social, economic and conservation roles to his position at Bush Heritage Australia. His role entails providing avenues for Indigenous people to contribute their knowledge and skills in conserving, protecting and caring for country and to ensuring Indigenous connections to country remain strong in and through Bush Heritage conservation projects. Appointed 2008.

Indigenous Programs Officer (North Australia) – Emma Ignjic

BA (Hons) Anthropology  •  Emma has experience working to support Indigenous governance and participation in conservation management with community-based Aboriginal land and sea management programs (Aurukun Land and Sea Management program), peak regional Indigenous organisations (Balkanu), non-government conservation organisations (The Wilderness Society) and the tertiary education sector (James Cook University). Her position involves facilitating partnerships with Indigenous people to support ‘caring for country' and conservation outcomes. Appointed 2009.

Regional Strategy Team Leader – Ben Carr

BSc  •  Ben grew up on a farm in the Western Australian sand plain, where he learned 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 natural resource management 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. Appointed 2007.

Gondwana Link Landscape Manager – Simon Smale

BHortSc (Hons), Postgrad Dip Landscape Architecture  •  Prior to taking up a job with Bush Heritage, Simon worked for a year with Greening Australia (WA) as its Gondwana Link Program Manager, and for 21 years as a landscape architect with the Department of Conservation in New Zealand, with built projects on the ground the length and breadth of the country. He had close involvement with development and delivery of Maori training packages for Department of Conservation staff, and with the development of collaborative conservation partnerships with Maori. Simon was the first non-Maori front person for a series of bilingual television programs on New Zealand''s Maori Television channel. He has undertaken conservation projects for The Nature Conservancy and other NGOs in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, China and Lao PDR. Allied with his training and experience as a landscape architect, he has a keen interest in landscape ecology, and in particular in the management of indigenous biodiversity and ecosystems in the context of working rural landscapes. Appointed 2009.

 Operations Team

Chief Operating Officer – Barry Toll

CPA, Dip Bus Studies (Accounting), MBA (Uni Western Sydney)   •  Barry has extensive commercial experience in accounting, finance, bid management, general management and chief operating officer roles in a diverse range of organisations, including food manufacturers (Red Tulip and Rosella), defence manufacturers and contractors (ADI and ATA), construction (Hornibrook), information communications and technology (Getronics), and environmental not-for-profits (Greening Australia) throughout Australia and overseas. Barry's current role involves developing the business and commercial acumen of the organisation, with a view to allowing Bush Heritage supporters to have confidence that we operate in an effective and efficient manner in delivering ecological outcomes. Appointed 2009.

 Governance

Governance Coordinator – Linda Thomas

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. Bush Heritage has enabled her to further her interest in the environment and conservation, as well as become more familiar with Australia and its many habitats. After filling the CEO Executive Assistant role for 3 years, Linda moved across to the Governance Coordinator position. Appointed 2005.

 Information Services

Information Services Manager – Greg Love

After beginning his career in engineering, Greg moved into the information technology field, where he has worked for the past 20 years. Greg is Microsoft Certified MCP and MCSE, is a member of the Project Management Institute, and is currently studying towards an MIS/MBA. Before joining Bush Heritage, Greg worked for IBM, Bendigo Bank and St John Ambulance Australia in senior information technology and management roles. Greg has previously served as a committee member and active tree-planter for several Landcare groups, in addition to being a keen propagator of indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses of the Otway Ranges and the Western Victorian Volcanic Plains. Appointed 2009.

 Finance

Finance Manager – Nihal Gunawardena

CPA  •  Nihal has more than 15 years of experience working as a senior finance person in project-based work environments. In addition to studies in accounting, he has completed postgraduate studies on Financial Information Systems improvement. Nihal brings a wide range of skills and experience to help Bush Heritage achieve its mission. Appointed 2008.

Accountant – Rahul Gupta

BCom, MAcc, CPA qualification in progress  •  Rahul has more than 6 years of experience working in audit firms servicing large corporates such as General Electric. Rahul's current role involves compiling and preparing grants and project reports, and preparing and distributing monthly financial reports. He also assists the finance manager in financial analysis and planning of budgets and forecasts to meet the strategic objectives, and trains all staff in relevant finance procedures, including use of reports and principles of sound financial management. Appointed 2008.

Accounts Officer – Joy Dobie

Before joining Bush Heritage, Joy worked at the Fawkner Memorial Park for many years as assistant to the accountant/finance manager. She has also worked as a temp/contract finance assistant. Appointed 2008.

Finance Officer – Sue Chen

 Reserve Management

National Reserves Manager – David Whitelaw

BSc (Environmental Management)  •  David has worked extensively in the south-west and Pilbara regions of Western Australia and most recently in Tasmania, primarily engaged in protected area management within state government. He brings to Bush Heritage leadership and management skills in the field of operations as well as his previous experience working with staff and communities in remote areas. Dave is particularly interested in working with all Bush Heritage colleagues, partners and supporters to bring about sustainable, on-ground conservation outcomes on the reserves that we currently manage. Appointed 2009.

Conservation Business Systems Coordinator – Chantal Fowler

BParkMan (Business Management)  •  Chantal 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

BSocSci(Env), DipEnvMan, DipVisArts  •  After working in the environmental field both in local government and in big business, Clair saw the light and moved into the not-for-profit sector. Clair previously spent several years as a furniture designer, and has a particular interest in using sustainable materials. She has also trained as a coach for Conservation Action Planning, a tool used for planning effective ecological management. Appointed 2007.

Safety (Occupational Health, Safety and Environment) Manager – Geoff Nevard

Dip OHS, Cert IV in Training and Assessment  •  Geoff has a passion for environmental health and safety, with over 20 years of 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 Manager: Southern Australia and WA - Alistair Dermer 

Appointed 2010.

Reserve Manager: Boolcoomatta Reserve (job-share) – Emma Ashton

BA (Communication Management), Cert III Conservation Land Management  •  Emma began her career in the communications field, working in marketing and public relations roles for almost 10 years. Emma grew up in country Victoria, and has always enjoyed working and living in rural communities. Emma and Peter share their position at Boolcoomatta, allowing Emma to teach their children through Broken Hill School of the Air. Appointed 2008.

Reserve Manager: Boolcoomatta Reserve (job-share) – Peter Ashton

BSc (Environmental Management)   •  Peter has over 14 years of experience in the protected land management field, principally as a ranger with Parks Victoria in locations including Eastern Melbourne, Kerang, Tallangatta/North-East Victoria and the Otways region. Peter's more recent work was in the application and planning of ecological burning principles. Peter also has well-developed skills in GIS mapping and remote sensing techniques associated with land management. Appointed 2008.

Reserve Manager: Bon Bon Reserve – Glen Norris

Originally from country NSW, Glen has an extensive background in earthmoving, soil conservation and project management in the telecommunications, civil construction, and agricultural industries, which has seen him involved in a wide array of remote and metropolitan projects. Glen spent two and a half years as National Operations Officer at Bush Heritage headquarters in Melbourne, developing the operational capacity of the organisation. Appointed 2007.

Reserve Manager: Eurardy Reserve (job-share) – Matthew Warnock

Appointed 2005, commenced at Eurardy in 2008.

Reserve Manager: Eurardy Reserve (job share) – Elizabeth Lescheid

MSc (Deep Ecology)   •  Over the past 10 years, Elizabeth has worked in the outdoor and environmental education field, leading expedition-style courses for the National Outdoor Leadership School and Outward Bound. Her lifelong passion for nature and the outdoors has combined with a love of travel and she has travelled and lived in many different countries. She moved to Australia from Canada in 2003, and from 2006 to 2008, Elizabeth lived and worked (mostly in a volunteer capacity) on Carnarvon Station Reserve. During that time, she contributed in many ways to the successful running of the property. That experience was also valuable for her staff position on Eurardy Reserve, where since her arrival she has worked in a role primarily related to tourism. Her work has been vital in providing strategic direction regarding a more sustainable approach to the tourism operation on this reserve, and potentially for the organisation in general. In October 2009, Elizabeth officially became part of the Reserve Management team on Eurardy Reserve. She is also currently following her passion for birds by studying ornithology at Charles Sturt University. Appointed 2007, commenced at Eurardy in 2008.

Reserve Manager: Charles Darwin Reserve – Dale Fuller

Dale has an extensive background in natural resource management, having worked with Parks Victoria in the Otways region and inland Victorian mallee country, where he also grew-up. Dale has done ranger work in the Anglesea heath area of the eastern Otways under a unique co-management approach with the local mining industry. Appointed 2009.

Regional Manager: Northern Australia – Steve Heggie

AssocDipAppSc  •  Steve completed studies in Parks and Wildlife at the University of Adelaide, before building a career and extensive experience in the management of conservation reserves during time as a ranger in Victorian, South Australian and Kakadu National Parks. In 2001 he was appointed as the first full-time Bush Heritage reserve manager on Carnarvon Station Reserve. He became the Reedy Creek Reserve Manager in 2004 and took up the Regional Manager for Northern Australia position in 2008. Appointed 2004.

Reserve Manager: Cravens Peak and Ethabuka reserves – Mark Lithgow

Mark moved across the Tasman Sea to Australia in the 70s to take up viticulture in the cool climate of the Yarra Valley of Victoria. In the mid 80s he established a vineyard with Nella and grew award-winning chardonnay. Over a 22-year period Mark held two senior positions in both viticulture and winemaking. Mark is an experienced fire-fighter and a qualified 4WD instructor, has a love for remote travel, and is hooked on deserts and survival. Appointed 2008.

Field Officer: Cravens Peak and Ethabuka reserves – Nella Lithgow

BEd, Grad Cert Traffic Safety  •  Nella grew up in country Victoria, which led to her love of the bush. She later spent 25 years as a high school teacher in both remote and populated areas. A sense of adventure has taken her to many parts of the world. Her fascination for red sand has led her on many isolated desert trips throughout Australia, and ultimately resulted in her appointment at Bush Heritage's largest red sand-pit, Cravens Peak! Appointed 2008.

Reserve Manager: Carnarvon Station Reserve – Chris Wilson

Chris has an extensive knowledge of practical conservation management across a range of semi-arid landscapes. He worked with Queensland National Parks for 8 years as a Natural Resource Ranger and Ranger in Charge. Chris has a strong background in on-ground conservation practices, including weed control, fire management and feral animal control. A rural upbringing in the grazing industry and his experience as owner/operator of a rural contracting business gave Chris his close association with the land. Chris lives at Carnarvon station with his wife Alison and three children. Appointed 2009.

Field Officer: Carnarvon Station Reserve – Cathy Zwick

Cathy has a degree in Natural Resource Management and has worked for three different state government park management agencies over the last 15 years, as a ranger and senior ranger in Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. On joining Bush Heritage, she moved from the World Heritage Area at Shark Bay in Western Australia to Carnarvon Station Reserve in Queensland. Appointed 2008.

Reserve Manager: Yourka Reserve (job-share) – Leanne Hales

BA (Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science)   •  Leanne has a strong background in environmental education, and visitor and natural resource management. Leanne spent 8 years working for Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service in a range of roles throughout national parks in central Queensland. 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. Appointed 2005, commenced at Yourka in 2008.

Reserve Manager: Yourka Reserve (job-share) – Paul Hales

Paul grew up on properties in central Queensland and has extensive skills and experience in natural resource management. Paul's natural resource management roles have included running weed control programs for the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of the Environment, and 10 years with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. His last position was Ranger-in-Charge at Diamantina Catchment, covering over 400 million acres of arid channel country. Paul has extensive practical fire management experience, including coordinating emergency services at fires. Paul is also an accredited firearms trainer. Appointed 2005, commenced at Yourka in 2008.

Reserve Manager: Reedy Creek – Mat McLean

Matt grew up in country Victoria in a family of dedicated campers and outdoor enthusiasts. He then settled into a travelling lifestyle that saw him working and travelling around Australia and overseas for 15 years. In 2000 he settled in Jabiru, working for Parks Australia as a field ranger in Kakadu National Park. In 2006 Matthew and his young family relocated to Agnes Water, where he took up a ranger position with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. His appointment as the Reedy Creek Reserve Manager sees Matthew progress his dedication to preserving Australia's natural heritage. With solid practical conservation land management skills and enthusiasm, he hopes to advance the work of Bush Heritage Australia. Appointed 2009.

Regional Reserve Manager: South-East Australia – Peter Saunders

Peter manages conservation and infrastructure work across Bush Heritage's New South Wales and Victorian reserves (Scottsdale, Tarcutta Hills, Brogo, Burrin Burrin, ‘Nameless' Sylvan and Nardoo Hills). Formerly working as a Chartered Aircraft Engineer, Peter changed his career some years ago when he worked to develop management systems and compliance regimes for environmental management within a major federal department. This work ran concurrently with the management of his own 110-ha property focusing on native grass seed production and a low-intensity grazing enterprise. This work developed into his own small business in rural contracting and natural resource management services and the formalising of his experience with postgraduate study at the Australian National University prior to taking up employment with Bush Heritage Australia in 2009. Living in Gundaroo, New South Wales with his wife and two daughters, Peter is a keen sailor and an active member of the community, being on the Commons Trust, the Yass Area Landcare Network committee and an active Rural Fire Service member. Appointed 2009.

 Volunteers and Visitation

Conservation Partnerships Team Leader – Katrina Blake

Dip Nat Res Man  •  Katrina has a strong love for the environment, with a background in outdoor adventure tourism, outdoor education and a diploma in Natural Resource Management. Katrina first started at Bush Heritage as the Visitation Coordinator, and then moved into the role of Conservation Partnerships Team Leader. Currently she is also acting as the Supporter Services Manager. Appointed 2005.

Volunteer Recruitment and Training Officer – Heidi Fisher

BA  •  Heidi is from rural New South Wales, where she developed a connection to the land through involvement on the family farm. After completing a Bachelor of Arts (Anthropology) at the Australian National University, Heidi worked in production and retail horticulture. She later studied health science and undertook roles in the community sector, where she operated a Neighbourhood Centre and a range of volunteer-supported services and events. Immediately prior to being appointed, Heidi led and managed volunteer teams for Conservation Volunteers Australia. Appointed 2008.

Visitation Officer – Eve Jani

Adv Dip Business Marketing  •  After graduating from a business marketing course, Eve headed off to travel extensively throughout the world, living and working in Dublin, London and more recently in Nepal. Eve has worked predominantly in the corporate sector, in process management, event management and people management. Eve has also sat on the Executive Council, as Special Events Coordinator for the Able Management Group charity out of Melbourne. In 2007, Eve took a career change after being offered the role of Volunteer Coordinator with Volunteer Service Nepal, in Kathmandu. Since returning, Eve has been keen to continue on this career path and believes her love for travel, love for the Australian bush and experience in the corporate and not-for-profit sectors align well with her current role at Bush Heritage. Appointed 2008.

Visitation Officer – John Deer

John comes to Bush Heritage with a strong outdoor background, having lived and worked in one of Australia's most biodiverse and culturally significant areas, Kakadu National Park. More recently, John returned from a year of volunteering in various conservation projects throughout South America, where he spent time studying and working to conserve threatened species. John's experiences have given him a passion for the natural environment, and by working with Bush Heritage he feels he can have greater positive impact on a national scale. Appointed 2009.

 Marketing Team

Chief Marketing Officer – Michael Fogarty

Michael comes to Bush Heritage after eight years' experience as the Director of Marketing and General Manager with the Australian Conservation Foundation. He has been a board member of the Roundtable of Non-profit Organisations, Chair of EarthShare Australia and a member of The Wilderness Society's National Finance Committee. He's also worked in the film industry and consulted to a range of non-profit organisations. Michael is inspired by the outstanding beauty, diversity and richness of the Australian landscape and is proud to be working for its protection with Bush Heritage. Appointed 2009.

 Community Engagement

Campaign Manager – Cheryl Pultz

CFRE. Cheryl has worked as a professional fundraiser for 20 years. Her broad background includes work in the social services, cultural, scientific, political and environmental sectors. Her past experience includes the development and implementation of major gift, annual and capital campaigns, and the integration of relationship fundraising into the mix. Cheryl is a graduate of The Fundraising School and has been recognized for her achievements in fundraising with the designation of Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). Appointed 2008.

Anchors in the Landscape Campaign Coordinator – Liz Headland

BA (Television Production), MA (Broadcasting and Electronic Communication), Nursing and Management of Australian Wildlife  •  Liz has a background in television production, information technology and administration, including many years at IBM Australia as Digital Media Sales Lead/Knowledge Manager. A lifelong environmentalist, she has produced her own nature documentary on the mountain pygmy possum, worked as a volunteer with Conservation Volunteers Australia since 2004, and was awarded Earthwatch Australia's Volunteer of the Year in 2008 for her research work investigating climate change in the Arctic. Liz plans to see all species of penguin during her lifetime: ten down, seven to go! Her passion for the environment led her to join Bush Heritage. Appointed 2009.

Campaign Officer – Toona Berwick

In her role at Bush Heritage, Toona provides important support to the Campaign Team, with a focus on grant reporting and donor research. She came to Bush Heritage from the Mineral Policy Institute, an Australian NGO specialising in advocacy, campaigning and research. Toona is fluent in English, Spanish and Norwegian and is a graduate of Queensland University of Technology and the University of Queensland. She has previously worked as a volunteer for Oxfam Australia. Appointed 2008.

Campaign Officer – Kristal Maio

Since completing a degree in business marketing, Kristal has worked as a sales and marketing coordinator. Whilst studying, Kristal volunteered at Prahran Mission, where she made the decision to work in the not-for-profit sector. Appointed 2008.

Philanthropy Executive – Roewen Wishart

BA (Hons), LLB (Hons), MPubPol, CFRE  •  Roewen has worked as a professional fundraiser for over 15 years, and before this as a policy analyst and lawyer. He has completed a Master of Public Policy and the internationally recognised Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). Until 2007 he was responsible for overall fundraising at Bush Heritage Australia, and now specialises in major gifts, with a special interest in innovative structures for philanthropy and not-for-profit project financing. He is a member of the Fundraising Institute of Australia's national Ethics Committee, and a Board member of Diplomacy Training Program. Appointed 2001.

Philanthropy Executive – Bronwyn Street

BA, DipEd, MBA (Melb), CFRE, FFIA, MAICD  •  Bronwyn has many years of fundraising experience in Melbourne, working in sectors as diverse as health, education and culture. She trained originally as a geography and English teacher before moving to the not-for-profit sector and completing an MBA from the University of Melbourne and the internationally recognised Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) qualification. She and her extended family spend holidays visiting wilderness parts of Australia, photographing birds and other wildlife. Bronwyn also serves on the board of APS Benefits, a non-profit financial institution. She loves working with donors to achieve their philanthropic dreams. Appointed 2009.

Philanthropy Executive – Angie Smashnuk

BA, Assoc Cert Fundraising Management  •  Angie has fundraising experience in both the health and education sectors. Originally from Canada, her passion for animals, the environment and sustainable living led her to work at Bush Heritage Australia. Appointed 2009.

Philanthropy Executive – Anna Crago

BA  •  Anna spent eighteen months producing Bush Heritage's print publications and marketing materials before joining the Community Engagement team. Prior to joining Bush Heritage, she spent fifteen years in the publishing industry, where she commissioned, edited and published a wide range of fiction, non-fiction and specialist books. Her skills in relationship building combined with an interest in conservation led her to this new role at Bush Heritage. Appointed 2008.

Philanthropy Executive: Planned Giving – Merrilyn Julian

BA (Hons), MA Dip Ed  •  Merrilyn has worked in the conservation movement for 20 years, in both Britain and Australia, principally as an environmental editor, before moving to bequest work. She is passionate about the preservation of natural habitat. Appointed 2005.

Bequest Officer – Liz Balogh

BAppSci (Environmental Management), Dip Library and 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) 2007.

 Fundraising and Communications

Communications Team Leader – Annette Ruzicka

Annette has a strong marketing background, having previously worked for corporations such as Caterpillar and Visy across various branding and campaign activities. A compelling need to ‘do her bit' to protect the natural environment led her to join the Bush Heritage team. Appointed 2008.

Web Content Officer – Catherine Hunt

BA/BSc, Adv Dip Multimedia Design  •  Catherine is responsible for Bush Heritage's online presence. An experienced science communicator and publications professional, she comes to Bush Heritage after working as a content developer of online and interactive media for museums and other interpretive institutions. Before specialising in online and interactive media, she worked in the publishing industry for many years as an editor, project manager and publishing consultant, with stints in China and Japan. Appointed 2009.

Publications Team Leader – Bron Willis

BA (English), Dip Professional Writing and Editing  •  Bron brings to Bush Heritage experience in engaging audiences through print and online publications, and a passion for the Australian bush. Previously Bron was Associate Editor for not-for-profit organisation Bicycle Victoria, editing their member magazine Ride On and other publications. She has also worked in a marketing agency as a writer and copyeditor for a range of clients on their print and digital communications, and as a freelance writer for Wild magazine. She also has a background in film and TV production. Bron inherited a love of the Australian bush at a young age and hikes regularly in the national parks of Victoria and Tasmania. Appointed 2010.

Direct Marketing Officer/Analyst – Ira Sivasubramaniam

Ira has expertise in direct mail, online and telemarketing and looks after data analysis of records. Appointed 2008.

Direct Marketing Contractor - David Lee

Appointed 2010.

 Supporter Services

Supporter Services Team Leader – Jaime-Lee Webster

OCD ENVR  •  After completing her certification in Environmental Technologies, Jaime-Lee left her native Canada to commence an intensive internship with Bush Heritage in mid 2008.  Since that time she has worked in varying departments of the organisation, finally settling into her role as Team Leader of Supporter Services.  This position has enabled her to work in the environmental sector that is near and dear to her, while making use of her varied education and the project and account management skills that obtained throughout her many years within the consumer goods industry. Appointed 2008.

Supporter Services Officer – Roger de Zylva

Appointed 2008.

Supporter Services Officer – Kate Jennings

Originally from Gippsland in country Victoria, Kate moved to Melbourne to complete an agricultural science degree. Following this, she began working with the Bush Heritage Supporter Services team in May 2007. In 2009 she spent the year volunteering in East Africa on several placements, notably in Kenya on a 20 000-hectare wildlife conservancy in the Rift Valley. This placement made obvious the devastating effects of unsustainable use of natural resources, which has motivated Kate to continue pursuing a career in environmental conservation and management. Appointed 2010 (to this position).

Receptionist - Gen Smith

Appointed 2010.

 People Team

Chief People Officer – Phil Dwyer

MBA  •  Phil has worked across numerous industries, including the service, manufacturing, distribution, and arts sectors, primarily in the people and organisation development fields. Phil joined Bush Heritage after working with the Arts Centre as Organisation Development Manager from 2000 to 2008. Before that, Phil consulted on human resources, 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 2008.

People and Organisation Development Officer – Lisa Wollermann

BSocSci (Psych)   •  Lisa began at Bush Heritage through a work placement during studies. In her current role, she is responsible for supporting the organisation through providing front-line human resources services and advice, and contributing to organisation development initiatives. Appointed 2007.