Rachel joined us in early 2024, charged with the delivery of our ambitious 2030 strategy to deepen and double before the end of the decade. Known for her strategic approach and ability to deliver extraordinary outcomes for conservation and those who work in conservation, Rachel was a natural fit for the role.
About Rachel Lowry
Prior to this, Rachel spent five years as Chief Conservation Officer at the World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature Australia, leading its Species, Oceans, Food Security, Climate, Innovation & Impact Investing and Social Development (Equity) portfolios.
She has previously worked as Director of Wildlife Conservation and Science for Zoos Victoria, where she led the organisation’s environmental sustainability, conservation, animal welfare, community conservation, volunteer, and research portfolios over nine years.
Rachel holds a Bachelor of Science, with a double major in Zoology and Australian Wildlife Conservation and Environmental Science co-major, a Bachelor of Education, a Diploma in Lean Practitioner Program and several certificates including a Certificate in Conservation Psychology.
“In an uncertain world, and during such uncertain times, I remain certain of the fact that we all need more of what Bush Heritage protects, for today’s generations, and tomorrow’s.”.
Rob has over 30 years’ experience in the conservation and land management sector and joined Bush Heritage in 2013 as the Executive Manager for North Australia.
About Rob Murphy
Prior to this, Rob was a Director of Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, responsible for over 45% of Queensland’s protected areas. Today Rob leads our passionate and dedicated Conservation Operations team across Australia. This includes the protection of some of Australia’s most iconic landscapes and species on our reserves and working with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships. Rob also leads our national fire management program.
“I'm privileged to be working with passionate people on exciting projects in some of Australia’s most spectacular Country”.
Mark is a highly experienced finance leader with a track record of consistently delivering business and stakeholder outcomes in large, complex organisations.
About Mark Dwyer
Prior to joining us, Mark spent more than 20 years in senior roles across global organisations.
He has financial expertise across multiple industries, as well as a background leading IT, People, Assurance and Risk functions.
Michelle is a Human Resource executive with a proven track record in many disciplines, across a diverse portfolio of experience. She has managed various roles in the tourism, sport and entertainment industries in both government and corporate sectors.
About Michelle Jacobs
Michelle is motivated by conquering new challenges, and displays a natural tendency for negotiating successful outcomes.
“I actively sought a role in a for-purpose organisation that genuinely cares about its people”
Dr Rebecca Spindler oversees an extensive Conservation Science Program, which informs everything we do. She has over 20 years' conservation science experience, working to improve the reproduction, health and conservation of rare and endangered species.
About Dr Rebecca Spindler
Dr Spindler has managed extensive science programs in China, Brazil and the United States through the Smithsonian Institution and led an active, multi-disciplinary team at Taronga Conservation Society for 10 years.
"I joined Bush Heritage to be part of the solution and work with passionate conservation experts. The things Bush Heritage achieves on a daily basis has given me new hope and renewed commitment to protecting our natural landscapes.”
Vibeke brings more than 20 years’ international experience across marketing, communications, fundraising and partnerships.
About Vibeke Stisen
She works with a talented team of specialists, focussed on sharing the stories of our work and why it matters, and on raising the funds needed to reach our 2030 strategy ambition of deepening and doubling our impact by the end of this decade.
“I joined Bush Heritage because I wanted to have an impact on something that matters. Our work matters. It’s a real privilege to be part of the Bush Heritage story”
A 5th generation beef producer, Ian's career path has focused on sustainable development in agriculture.
About Ian McConnel
Ian began his career as an Extension Officer in remote western Queensland where he pioneered innovations in extension delivery and led the trialling and development of remote animal management systems and sustainable rangeland management.
He then spent a decade as WWF’s Global Lead for Livestock supporting sustainable development in the beef industry across 22 countries before joining Tyson foods as their International Director of Sustainability. He led the company’s efforts to ‘Feed the Future’ within their global supply chains and production operations through efforts to combat climate change, improve animal welfare, ensure positive land use and protect people.
Quinton has over 25 years’ experience working in government and Parliaments in Australia and the Pacific, and in leading policy advocacy in the charity sector.
About Quinton Clements
Quinton has worked with World Vision Australia, and in conservation with the World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia, where he led advocacy on issues including environmental law reform and the development and implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity framework.
"My focus is to build partnerships with government at both federal and state/territory levels to help fund acquisitions, manage the challenges we face that government can help mitigate, and for Bush Heritage to help deliver on government commitments such as 30x30 and no new extinctions."
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders
Three representatives from our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff are part of our Senior Leadership Team. They represent the viewpoints of their regional communities and our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce, and report these perspectives to the CEO and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Committee.
This ensures that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives are central in decisions relating to all areas of our work. It also acknowledges the nuanced cultural obligations and priorities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia. Our geographically disparate team with lived connections to different regions, help grow a deep knowledge of this diversity.
Tiahni is an Australian wildlife conservation biologist and proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman descended from the Kaurareg Nations. She is a dynamic speaker and advocate on the intersection of Indigenous justice, climate change, and environmental conservation, was the young South Australian of the Year in 2024 and has been nominated for Young Australian of the Year.'
About Tiahni Adamson
Tiahni has led significant projects as the Lead Community Engagement Officer at CH4Global, a climate change solutions company. In this role, she ensured Indigenous knowledge was integrated into CH4Global’s mission to combat climate change through sustainable aquaculture. She also developed and implemented a National Indigenous communication and engagement plan to foster respectful, collaborative relationships with First Nations communities.
Her extensive experience also includes being a Green Adelaide board member, Premiers Climate Change Council member, and running her own business in Science Communication. Previously, she worked with the CSIRO on Indigenous education programs and helped establish the Indigenous Girls in STEM Academy. Tiahni has served as a lecturer at the University of South Australia, embedding First Nations knowledge into STEM subjects and careers.
Ross is a Kooma man with over 30 years of experience in legal advocacy, community engagement, and leadership roles.
About Ross Mitchell
He serves as Chairperson on the Board of Kooma Traditional Owners Association Inc., which owns and successfully manages Murra Murra and Bendee Downs Pastoral Stations. He's a Director and Founding Member of Paroo Nebine Aboriginal Corporation (Cunnamulla), Director of Bidjara Yumba Aboriginal Corporation (Charleville) and Director of 4RRFM Radio Station, Charleville.
“My focus is to ensure Aboriginal people fully engage, have input into projects, and are supported to address important issues. Being open to conversations and working together creates more opportunities.”
Bruce is a Southern Tanganekald, Eastern Arrernte man with ties to Country in the lower South East region of South Australia and Central Australia.
About Bruce Hammond
“I'm lucky enough to have connections to a rare mix of 'Salt Water' and 'Desert' peoples and to appreciate and respect the obligations and responsibilities of each.”
Bruce has a range of professional experiences from working in the South Australian public service, Aboriginal Affairs, Policy Development, the Arts, Records Management and Information Technology. He has worked for the Federal Department of the Environment, Indigenous Land Management and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, and has established private sector companies supporting community development.
Vikki is a Yuin Walbunja Murramarang Wiradjuri woman who grew up on the South Coast of NSW. With over 25 years’ experience Vikki has worked with NSW National Parks & Wildlife service, Catchment Management Authorities and in Heritage Consultancy supporting Aboriginal communities towards culturally led conservation practices.
About Vikki Parsley
She has a keen passion for looking after country using Cultural heritage and mapping techniques, oral histories, geographical mapping systems, language revitalisation and cultural revitalisation to ensure the protection and management of Indigenous knowledge systems for future generations. Vikki is also a strong advocate for Indigenous women’s knowledge and equity.
Recently with the devastating wildfires of 2019-20 Vikki has been supporting the renewal of traditional cultural burning practices in NSW.
“It is my hope to reconnect and heal our people supporting opportunities on country and for future generations.”