What motivated you to pursue a career in land management and conservation?
I’ve loved being in nature since I was a kid, getting my hands dirty, questioning why something happens a certain way and working with community groups and volunteers to achieve amazing outcomes. I have seen a lot of great comback stories from the control of invasive plants and animals, native animals that are just waiting for us to give them an opportunity to come back and thrive. I love being in nature, its healthy for all of us, and often we dont have to go far to find something special and unique to Australia. I think its fantastic that I can conserve a forest that thousands of people visit and love as well, this happens all over Victoria
What drives your passion for environmental conservation, and what values do you think are essential for this work?
Waking up and hearing kookaburras, seeing yellow tailed cockatoos fly overhead or that unique aussie bush smell are things we can only experience here. It is a unique landscape, I love living in it, working in it and learning about it. We are learning more everyday. Being open minded, willing to work with a range of people, a learning mindset and finding ways to stay positive are essential.
What are your aspirations for the next 5-10 years?
I want to see a statewide Victorian Deer Action Network that replicates what the Victorian Rabbit Action Network has achieved. A one stop shop, backed by science and experience that Victorian community members can access training, grants and support for their local deer management goals. I will continue to volunteer my time in this space, attending landcare meetings and listening to the needs of Victorians and assisting where possible.
What do you think people should pay more attention to?
Get involved, you cant love what you dont know and sometimes our wildlife can be very cryptic, download apps such as iNaturalist, take photos of all the wild things you see and a whole community will identify it for you.
Give back a little time to a conservation program in your area, either learn about a special place in your area, join a one off conservation effort, share your experience with young and old people. Parks Victoria has a range of volunteer opportunities on Park Connect, but your local council also lists friends and volunteer groups too.
I’d say set yourself a target to learn something unique about a really cool species such as a wombat – its a great conversation opener at your next gathering. Field Naturalist groups will share their knowledge too – groups such as Field Naturalist Club of Victoria hold info nights on a range of cool topics from Fungi to Frogs.
