Senior Leadership Team

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. 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.”.

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”.

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.

Dr Webber has led transdisciplinary science programs in Australia and overseas focused on conserving biodiversity across tropical, temperate and arid biomes. He has previously worked with the CNRS in France and with the CSIRO and the WA Biodiversity Science Institute in Australia. Bruce holds an Adjunct Professor appointment at the University of Western Australia.

“I feel fortunate to be part of an organisation that makes a critical contribution to the agenda we all need for conserving biodiversity across our Australian landscapes. I’m committed to delivering the ambitious goals required to ensure that our natural landscapes get the help they need to survive, and indeed thrive, for many generations to come.”

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”

Ian began his career as an Extension Officer in remote western Queensland. 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. Later he joined 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 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."

Melissa is a values-driven leader, who is passionate about driving impactful change and shaping progressive cultures. Her qualifications include a Masters of Business Administration, Masters of Human Resource Management, and she is a Fellow of the Australian Human Resources Institute. Recognised for her commitment to diversity and inclusion, she has been a Judge of the Women in Industry Awards, Winner of the Australian Human Resources Institute’s Indigenous Engagement Award and Finalist Gender Equality Award. Melissa has also held multiple board and advisory roles.

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.

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.”

“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. He's also established private sector companies supporting community development.

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.”