Rob Murphy
Joint acting CEO / Executive Manager Conservation Operations
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. 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 Dwyer
Joint acting CEO / Executive Manager Corporate Services & CFO
Mark is a highly experienced finance leader with a track record of consistently delivering business and stakeholder outcomes in large, complex organisations.
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 Jacobs
Executive Manager People, Safety and Culture
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.
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
Executive Manager, Science and Conservation
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. 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.”
Nick Mogford
Executive Manager, Strategy, Innovation and Business Development
Nick brings diverse experience in strategy and innovation in Australia, Europe and North America in large, small and consulting organisations (including Lion Dairy and Drinks, Coles and PWC). His work is focused on developing our 2030 Strategy, bringing new business innovations to life and building values-aligned partnerships in the agriculture and corporate sectors.
“The increase in collective intent and action towards environmental and social goals in the last few years has been significant. The opportunity for Bush Heritage Australia to play a growing role in achieving these outcomes is very exciting and I'm delighted to be part of it.”
Vibeke Stisen
Executive Manager, Engagement
Vibeke brings more than 20 years’ international experience across marketing, communications, fundraising and partnerships.
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”
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.
Stephina Salee
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Coordinator
Steph is an aboriginal woman from the Kaantju clan in Cape York and the Argan clan from Badu Island in the TorresStraits. She lives in Nhulunbuy (Northern Territory).
Stephina has over 20 years’ experience in areas such as Health, Education, Training, Business Development and Consultancy, is a qualified Health Worker, Cultural Awareness Facilitator and is completing a Double Diploma in Business and Leadership Management. She's a fellow for the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity, where she's been selected on scholarship to complete a Masters of Social Change Leadership.
“Culture is who I am and what makes up my identity. I was raised in community and lived most of my life in community.”
Bruce Hammond
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Manager, South Australia
Bruce is a Southern Tanganekald, Eastern Arrernte man with ties to Country in the lower South East region of South Australia and Central Australia.
“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 Parsley
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Manager, South East
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. 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.”
