Australian Threatened Species Commissioner

Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

As the Threatened Species Commissioner Fiona’s role is to lead the implementation of Australia’s Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032 along with other initiatives to recover our most imperilled plants and animals. Using the principles of science, action and partnership, Fiona works with First Nations people, conservation organisations, governments, communities, scientists and the private sector.

Fiona has a PhD in threatened species and fire ecology in northern Australia. She has worked for the Australian Government for over a decade playing lead roles in Indigenous caring for country and biodiversity conservation initiatives, international environment policy and emergency preparedness and response. Fiona is supported in her role by a small team that is equally committed to and passionate about threatened species recovery.

Vice President and Councillor

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Peter is Vice President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as well as the Regional Councillor for Australia. He currently chairs the boards of the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS), the Australian Tropical Herbarium and the National Benefit Assessment Committee of the Marine National Facility. He is also a Director of the SIMS Foundation and TierraMar Ltd.

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Peter is a Commissioner with the NSW Natural Resources Commission, a member of the Australian Heritage Council, a member of the External Reference Group on Nature for the Responsible Investment Association of Australasia, and an Adjunct Professor in the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science University of NSW.

Indigenous Knowledge Systems Laboratory

Deakin University

Dr Chels Marshall is a cultural systems ecologist belonging to Gumbaynggirr Jagun from the Baga Baga/Ngambaa (Northern NSW). Dr Marshall is a Senior Research Fellow in the Deakin University Indigenous Knowledges Systems (IKS) Lab of the NIKIRI Institute, implementing cultural ecological knowledge and First Nations science frameworks to Creating virtual and physical environments for sharing knowledge through art, science and Indigenous metaphysics.  She has extensive experience in environmental science and marine science and management a PhD, traditional knowledge systems and climate change in the Pacific, in International Governance (Australian National University). She holds a Masters in Marine Science and Management at the National Marine Science Centre /University of New England on Spatial Analysis of Indigenous Marine Associations in Gumbaynggirr Nation. Chels also has Degrees in Wildlife Management and Cultural Resource Management.

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Chels has worked as a Protected Area manager within the NSW and Australian Government for 28 years in private land conservation, coastal marine, karst, wildlife management, policy and protection development, operations and co-operative and integrated cultural landscape management.  Over 28 years Chels has also been actively involved locally and nationally in increasing the capacity of Aboriginal people to participate in land & Sea Country management, planning, research and monitoring.  Chels has sat on several ministerial councils that provide advice, analysis and direction to the Australian Government and Fisheries Senior Management regarding policy, legislation and initiatives that affect Aboriginal cultural values, providing advice and analysis on the Ecological and Cultural values of marine and terrestrial estate as it relates to technical, ecological, and cultural engagement of Aboriginal people and associated cultural values and issues 

Chief Executive Officer

North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance

Mr Barry Hunter is the Chief Executive Officer at NAILSMA. Barry is a descendant from the Djabugay speaking people of Cairns hinterland. He grew up besides the Barron River in the rainforest near Kuranda. Barry's experience includes employment in Government conservation agencies, mining and exploration industry, community and not–for-profit NGO’s, and recently as a consultant working around Aboriginal Land management, Carbon Industry and community economic development. Barry has over 30 years experience in Aboriginal affairs in the areas of land, natural and cultural resource management.

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Barry has a Bachelor of Applied Science from Charles Sturt University and a keen interest in the work community rangers do in looking after land, fire management and cultural heritage. Barry also has a real passion for building community capacity and planning that deliver sustainable social, cultural and economic outcomes within our communities. He is the former Chairperson of the Aboriginal Carbon Foundation, and the current Chairperson of Terrain NRM and Woongal Environmental Services. Barry ran a successful consulting business for 10 years, working in areas including Indigenous economic, community and social development, Indigenous land management and cultural heritage, reviews of government funded programs. 

VC Senior Indigenous Research Fellow

University of Wollongong

Dr Jodi Edwards is the Vice-Chancellor’s Senior Indigenous Research Fellow with the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS) at the University of Wollongong. This role builds on a distinguished thirty-year career across Australian Federal and State governments, in the fields of Aboriginal and History Education, Employment and Training, and Small Business ownership.

Throughout a career that spans multiple sectors, Jodi has held various positions within Education and TAFE, contributing to policy development, ministerial advice on Aboriginal Education, and programs focused on Social Justice, Employment, Housing, Youth Services, and Marine Science research. Their work is characterised by a deep commitment to both inward-facing and outward-facing functions. Internally, Jodi actively collaborates with colleagues, educators, and professional staff to embed Cultural Ecological Knowledges, competencies, and respect into institutional practices, teaching, and curricula. Externally, they maintain a strong record of influence in shaping legislation and policy at local, state, federal, and international levels.

A dedicated and enthusiastic researcher, Jodi has led a resilient and expeditious research trajectory focused on collaborative, co-designed, and culturally grounded inquiry. They have established meaningful pathways for cross-cultural research, fostering stronger connections between the University of Wollongong, the academic community, and both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.

With demonstrated expertise in research, governance, and teaching, [Name] continues to lead with vision and integrity, promoting culturally responsive methodologies and deepening the impact of Indigenous-led scholarship across disciplines.

Founder and Executive Director

Wildlife Trust of India 

Vivek Menon is a leading wildlife conservationist, environmental commentator, author, and photographer with a passion for elephants and birds. He has trained enforcement staff in more than 50 countries in the prevention of illegal wildlife trade and lectured in more than 30 countries, including addressing parliamentarians in the UK and Australia.   

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Vivek currently serves as a Councillor of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a member of the IUCN Species Survival Commission, and Chairperson of its Governance and Consultancy Committee and Asian Elephant Specialist Group. In addition, he serves as the Chairperson of the Amphibian Survival Alliance Global.  In India, Vivek advises the government on natural heritage conservation as a part of several national committees. He has been part of India’s delegations to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES); the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS).  

Vivek has authored or edited 10 books about wildlife, including the bestselling Indian Mammals: A Field Guide; scores of technical reports; and more than 250 articles in various scientific and popular publications. Vivek helped create five environmental and conservation organisations in India, and he has led the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) for more than 25 years. 

Chief Executive Officer

Zoos Victoria

Jennifer Gray is the CEO at Zoos Victoria. Jenny has been a powerhouse in the zoo and aquarium industry for more than 20 years. She has pioneered change in animal ethics, welfare and conservation, and initiated Reverse the Red – a global coalition committed to accelerating and amplifying successful species recovery strategies. Additionally, she served as president of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) for two years.

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Under Gray’s leadership, Zoos Victoria has become a world-leading conservation organisation dedicated to fighting wildlife extinction. Its four zoos are Healesville Sanctuary, Kyabram Fauna Park, Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo. Each zoo provides a unique and immersive experience that attracts visitors from around the world. Zoos Victoria has developed a model for the unique way that zoos are able to contribute to conservation in and through their zoo operations, by holding and breeding endangered animals, supporting field projects, and most importantly engaging visitors in measurable and meaningful conservation actions.

Jenny has a PhD in Ethics from Melbourne University and Masters Degrees in Ethics, Engineering, and Business Administration.  

Professor, School of Biosciences

University of Melbourne

Professor Andrew Pask heads the Evo-Devo-Repro group at the University of Melbourne. His research uses comparative mammalian genetics to identify critical and conserved networks driving key processes in development. His comparative genetics work has led to the sequencing of several marsupial genomes, including that of the extinct Tasmanian Tiger. He uses genome wide, cross species comparisons to define regions of the genome targeted by evolution to drive diversity and adaptation.

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Andrew established the Thylacine integrated genetic restoration research lab (TIGRR lab) to examine the possibility of de-extinction for this species as well as develop next-generation tools to help preserve and conserve current threatened and endangered marsupial species. In addition, he recently established the first Australian living cell biobank at Museums Victoria – to preserve current biodiversity. Together this work is focused on providing an integrated framework to preserve, conserve and even restore Australia’s unique biodiversity. 

Global Director, Strategic Partnerships

IUCN Species Survival Commission

Dr Kira Mileham is a science communicator with a focus on collaborative partnerships, human behaviour change and species conservation. Kira specialises in working with diverse global communities to identify shared visions, develop systems and unite action towards a more positive future for wildlife, wild places and people.

As the Director of Strategic Partnerships for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC), Kira is globally responsible for strengthening collaborative species conservation efforts of IUCN SSC’s extensive network of 10,000+ scientific experts by connecting them with NGOs, Corporate partners and Government Agencies. Kira holds degrees in Conservation Ecology, Public Relations and a PhD in human behaviour change and impact evaluation from the University of Newcastle, Australia

Director of Conservation

Zoo and Aquarium Association, Australasia

​James Biggs is a conservation practitioner with over two decades of experience supporting the translation of science into action for wildlife conservation. As Director of Conservation and Population Management at the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA), James leads programs that deliver tangible outcomes for species recovery, population sustainability, and biodiversity protection. He also serves as Director of the IUCN SSC Centre for Species Survival Australasia, working with governments, zoos, aquariums, and conservation partners to conduct extinction risk assessments, develop conservation plans and drive action.

James is an advocate for practical, proactive conservation, championing initiatives that integrate in situ and ex situ strategies to support species recovery. Through leadership roles with the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and the IUCN Species Survival Commission, and through his role as representative speaker for ZAA at the UN Convention on Biological Diversity and  James influences policy development and international conservation frameworks, ensuring that real-world conservation action remains a core focus of global strategies.

Chief Research Scientist

CSIRO & Threatened Species Scientific Committee

Dr Sheppard is a Chief Research Scientist in CSIRO based in Canberra Australia working on biosecurity and invasive species management. Since 2006 has been a CSIRO Research leader of three different programs on plant, animal and environmental biosecurity and terrestrial biodiversity management. He was Research Director in the CSIRO Health & Biosecurity business unit from 2015-2021.

Current primary role is a secondment into the Australian Department Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry as Co-Executive Director of DAFF-CSIRO Catalysing Australia's Biosecurity Initiative after instigating this partnership across both agencies. This $50-$100M Mission launched in early 2024. He is also the non-residential Director of CSIRO’s European Laboratory in Montpellier since 2002.

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Andy serves on a number of boards and advisory committees including the OECD Cooperative Research Programme Governing Board and the Scientific Advisory Body under the Trade and Agriculture Division, the Federal Government National Biosecurity Committee, and the Federal Government Threatened Species Scientific Committee. He is also the IUCN Species Survival Commission Focal Person for the IUCN National Committee (NC) of Australia. He has led a portfolio of research projects in weed and pest and invasive species management based on Australia, South Africa and France. He was elected to the Australian Academy of Technology & Engineering in 2019 and International Fellow of the Académie d'Agriculture de France in 2020.

Dean, School of Science

Western Sydney University

Professor Graciela Metternicht is an internationally recognised sustainability and environmental expert. Graciela's career includes roles in academia, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), as well as advisory roles with the Global Environment Facility, NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment and the Australian Academy of Science. This professional transition between academia and government has given her unique expertise in translational research and the science-policy interface related to environmental management and sustainability.

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Graciela's research interests are in the field of environmental geography, with a focus on geospatial technologies and their application in environmental management and policy, such as sustainable land management, land degradation, indicators, ecosystem services, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Through her prior professorial appointments at the University of New South Wales, the University of South Australia and Curtin University of Technology, and her ongoing association with the United Nations, she has developed a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities of influencing policy, together with the barriers and enabling conditions that countries confront in policy-making. In collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams, her work has improved national natural resource management databases, informed national and international policy reviews and has contributed to national and international debates on policy instruments for advancing sustainable development. As well as holding numerous professional memberships and advisory roles, Professor Metternicht is an Honorary Fellow of the International Cartographic Association, Fellow of the Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute of Australia and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Director of Welfare, Conservation & Science

Taronga Conservation Society Australia

Andrew is a leading conservationist who has worked in threatened species recovery, translocation, rewilding and restoration programs for more than 15 years and brings a progressive and innovative outlook to traditional conservation.  Much of his career has centred on threatened species recovery, and has evolved to focus on large-scale, ground-up restoration of critically endangered ecological communities, Andrew has experience with a diverse array of Australian fauna and landscapes and is an advisor to a number of national threatened species recovery teams and expert advisory panels.

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Andrew joined Taronga in 2016 where he leads Taronga conservation portfolio consisting of 16 native Threatened Species Recovery Programs, more than 30 international conservation partnerships, 24 multi-disciplinary conservation science research programs, Taronga’s sustainability and animal welfare programs. In his time with Taronga, Andrew has spearheaded the establishment of a 110ha predator-proof Sanctuary at Taronga Western Plains Zoo dedicated to breeding threatened species for reintroduction to protected wild sites, led Taronga’s role in the return of Greater Bilbies to Sturt National Park for the first time in 100 years, and overseen a 200% increase in Taronga’s direct annual conservation investment. Combining his expertise in habitat restoration and threatened species management with a passion for furthering conservation outcomes through innovation, Andrew was the instigator of Taronga Habitat Positive.

Taronga Habitat Positive is a new, multimillion dollar venture which will see Taronga rewild critically endangered Box Gum Woodlands across NSW and generate unique and high integrity Australian Carbon Credit Units with multi-layered value and benefits, leading Taronga's decisive, proactive action to contribute to a Nature Positive future as defined by ‘The Nature Positive Initiative’.

Head, Regenerative Country

WWF Australia

Darren Grover is the Head of Healthy Land and Seascapes at WWF-Australia, where he leads the Species, Oceans, Science, and Impact teams. With nearly two decades of experience in species conservation, environmental impact assessment, Indigenous education, and environmental policy, Darren is a trusted leader in Australian and Asia-Pacific conservation efforts. Darren oversees a geographically dispersed team delivering projects that aim to improve the conservation status of iconic species such as the black-flanked rock-wallaby and Carnaby’s black cockatoo in southwest Australia, the bilby and Gouldian finch in the Kimberley, southern right whales in the Great Australian Bight, and marine turtles along the Great Barrier Reef. These initiatives are grounded in strong partnerships—with universities, government agencies, environmental organisations, local communities, and empowered Indigenous ranger groups.

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Beyond Australia, Darren also leads WWF-Australia’s species and marine conservation efforts in the Asia-Pacific, with a focus on emblematic species like the tiger and snow leopard, and regions such as the Solomon Islands and Borneo.

An ecologist by training, Darren studied at Queensland University of Technology and James Cook University. Passionate about biodiversity and ecosystems, they bring a deep scientific understanding and collaborative approach to every aspect of their work.

When not working, Darren is most at home in the bush, enjoying birdwatching and bushwalking.

Chief Executive Officer

Australian Land Conservation Alliance

Jody is committed to the conservation of land, water and culture at national and international scales. She is a conservation scientist with executive level management experience spanning over two decades. Jody’s career has included academia, non-government and government organisations, with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Melbourne, Australia and a PhD from Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, UK. 

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Jody is the CEO of the Australian Land Conservation Alliance, and loves the incredible opportunity to bring people together around a common care for our unique land, water and sea. Prior to joining ALCA, Jody was an Executive Manager for Bush Heritage Australia, during which time she oversaw the expansion of Bush Heritage Australia’s Reserves and partnerships, the delivery and expansion of a private land stewardship program on agricultural land and strengthened Indigenous partnerships across Bush Heritage Australia’s portfolios across southeast Australia. Its her two young children that get her out of bed every morning and give her the drive to keep doing what she does – for their future. 

Aboriginal Partnerships Manager

Bush Heritage Australia

Bruce is an Eastern Arrernte / First Nations South East man with ties to Country in the lower South East region (Kingston S.E.) of South Australia and Central Australia. The people of First Nations South East have strong cultural connections to the Boandik, Meintangk and Tanganekald with First Nations South East tribal boundaries from Salt Creek to the Glenelg River bordering South Australia and Victoria. Bruce has Central Australian ties to Country with family connections in Alice Springs, Hermannsburg and Finke regions. He is fortunate to have a mix of “Salt Water” and “Desert” peoples and appreciates and respects the obligations and responsibilities of each.

 With a career spanning Local Government, Aboriginal Affairs, Policy Development, the Arts, Records Management and Information Technology support. Bruce has also worked for Federal Government establishing and supporting Aboriginal Ranger groups in regional and remote Australia, as well as supporting Aboriginal business and economic development, in remote and regional communities across Australia.

 Bruce currently works with Bush Heritage Australia supporting Aboriginal Partnerships both in South Australia and nationally and is a member of the Bush Heritage executive team. He is motivated and inspired to bring community, Government and NGOs together to protect country for our future generations.

Director

Biodiversity Council

James is an experienced leader, change maker and policy professional whose career has focused on developing and championing solutions to some of the major challenges facing nature in Australia. He has worked in the environmental advocacy and policy space for over 15 years, with roles spanning both the not-for-profit and public sectors. 

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Prior to joining the Biodiversity Council James worked as Conservation Director at the Invasive Species Council, leading the organisation’s conservation programs and campaigns, including its work to safeguard Australia’s unique alpine areas from invasive species. Prior to this he worked at the Australian Conservation Foundation and played an integral role in the campaign to strengthen Australia’s national biodiversity laws and has been closely involved in advocacy efforts to develop the global biodiversity framework. James has also held regulatory and policy roles within the federal environment department. James currently sits on the Research and Conservation Committee for Birdlife Australia and has tertiary qualifications in business and environmental management. He has previously served on the boards of the Australian Committee for IUCN and the ACT Conservation Council. James is a keen bushwalker and nature lover who lives and works on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people in Canberra

Chief Executive Officer

Centre for Invasive Species Solutions

Shauna Chadlowe is the Chief Executive at the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions (CISS). She brings extensive commercial, legal and entrepreneurial experience to the Centre. She joins after nearly two decades with Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC), most recently on the Executive Team as Chief Conservation Alliance Officer. AWC is one of Australia’s largest private (non-profit) conservation organisations, operating across millions of hectares of iconic Australian landscapes. Among Shauna’s achievements at AWC was negotiating an historic agreement among key partners and landholders to protect critically endangered Northern Hairy-nosed Wombats. She also led AWC's national fundraising, philanthropy, marketing and communications programs for many years. Prior to joining the environmental sector, Shauna practised law and worked in the commercial conference industry. 

Shauna is passionate about Australia’s biodiversity and the role of science in improving biodiversity outcomes. Her leadership is characterised by positive transformations and motivating teams while emphasising the importance of philanthropy, community engagement, education and making a positive impact.

School of the Environment

University of Queensland

Professor James Watson has spent over two decades involved with conservation planning efforts around the world, including Australia, working with conservation NGOs, governments and industry to try and get the best outcomes for biodiversity. He is currently a senior technical expert on spatial planning for the United Nations Development Program’s Global Programme on Nature for Development. James is passionate about understanding the impacts of climate change and he founded the International Union of Nature Conservation’s Climate Change Specialist Group in 2012 and was chair of this specialist group between 2012-2018. He was also a founding member of the IUCN’s offset policy Task Force (in 2010) and recently served on the United Nation’s International Panel for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Data and Knowledge Task Force. James has published more than 400 peer-reviewed papers on conservation related matters, often with a focus on spatial planning. He sits on scientific advisory committees of BirdLife Australia and is deputy chair of the Queensland government’s Landscape Restoration Fund. He was previously a member of Bush Heritage Australia’s science advisory board. He is a passionate birdwatcher and has 8 PhD students working on the conservation of Australia’s rarest birds.

Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

Deakin University

​Euan Ritchie is a Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at Deakin University. He completed his PhD in 2007 on the ecology and conservation of the Antilopine Wallaroo. His research is cross-disciplinary and focuses on broad but interconnected themes including factors that limit the distribution and abundance of species and those that are responsible for biogeographic patterns of species diversity; and the ecology and conservation of Australia's native mammals.

In answering these questions Euan spans a diverse range of fields of study including behavioural, community and evolutionary-ecology, conservation biology, landscape ecology and wildlife management. His aim is to better understand species' niches and their ecologies, species interactions, and ecosystem dynamics, and in turn, use this information to inform more effective conservation, policy and management of biodiversity. He is also dedicated to science communication and public outreach

Chief Value Officer

Value Australia

Rayne has a background in corporate finance and is a globally recognised pioneer in corporate sustainability and natural capital reporting. As a former CFO for Forico, Tasmania's largest private forest manager, Rayne helped to transform corporate decision-making to incorporate the cost of externalities and the value of natural capital. She witnessed the signing of the Global Biodiversity Framework in Montreal and presented the world’s first Integrated TCFD & TNFD Disclosure for Forico at Climate Week at the global launch of the Taskforce for Nature-related Financial Disclosures in September 2023. More recently, Rayne has just returned from the Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Centre where she was invited to participate in a global convening on How to put Nature on Balance Sheets.

From March 2025, Rayne will lead Value Australia, a regional Capitals Coalition hub for Australia focused on encouraging market confidence and supporting capacity building in Natural and Social Capital Valuation and Reporting.  The hub will build on global and regional momentum that accelerates decision-making by business, finance and policy on all capitals by mobilising the influential network into a collaborative space to shape the regional impact economy of the future

Head of the Research Centre for Ecosystem Resilience

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Maurizio Rossetto is the Head of the Research Centre for Ecosystem Resilience at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Driven by his passion for understanding the distribution and assembly of plant species, Maurizio is dedicated to protecting the unique biodiversity found in Australia. Maurizio's educational background includes a degree in Biology with Honours, a Masters in Biotechnology, and a PhD in Conservation Biology. Throughout his career, he has been recognised for his contributions and takes great pride in supporting and mentoring a growing team of diverse and brilliant young scientists. His initial focus as a zoologist shifted to plant DNA research when he discovered its significance in understanding species movement and responses to the environment. 

Manager, Biodiversity and Ecology

Minderoo Foundation

Matthew Fraser is a Manager of Biodiversity and Ecology in the Natural Ecosystems team at the Minderoo Foundation. With a background in marine ecology and the conservation of coastal marine ecosystems, Matt brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role.

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His current work is focused on integrating environmental DNA (eDNA) approaches into conservation decision-making processes. Matt is passionate about empowering local stakeholders to utilize eDNA methods to maximize management outcomes, ensuring that conservation efforts are both effective and sustainable. Additionally, he is a strong advocate for policy support that embraces innovative and adaptive strategies for marine conservation, aiming to protect and preserve our oceans for future generations. Matt has also been a member of the Blue Nature Alliance Science and Knowledge Team since 2023, helping provide scientific direction in the push towards achieving 30 x 30 in our oceans. 

Senior Director

ACT Government Environment Directorate | Office of Nature Conservation

​Rosie Cooney leads the Office of Nature Conservation in the ACT Government, responsible for nature conservation science, policy and strategic planning. Her background is as an ecologist and biodiversity policy specialist, with extensive international and national experience spanning the conservation science/policy interface. She has worked both in academia (ANU and UNSW) and for leading international NGOs, including IUCN and WWF International.

Chief Executive Officer

Invasive Species Council

Jack Gough is an experienced campaigner, policy analyst and environmental advocate who is passionate about the intersection between agriculture and conservation. Jack is alarmed about the loss of biodiversity across Australia and believes that harnessing the commitment and knowledge of those who live and work on the land is essential to meet our conservation challenges, particularly when it comes to invasive species.

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Jack previously worked as the National Pastoral Conservation Manager for the Pew Charitable Trusts, leading negotiation and advocacy on law reform, policy development and funding for conservation on pastoral and other private land. He was the policy and government relations lead for the NSW Nature Conservation Council and for many years worked in the NSW Parliament as a senior advisor to a number of cross-bench MPs, focussed on natural resource management issues including environment, agriculture, water, biosecurity, forestry and mining reform. Prior to this, Jack was a livestock and biosecurity policy advisor for the NSW Farmers Association. Jack works on the land of the Dharawal people.

Founder & Advisor

Ziranjiti + Pollination

​An ecologist by training Guy brings over 20 years’ working in the field of business and biodiversity. Guy has held global roles at some of the largest consulting and advisory firms, as well as being an integral part in the development of many nature-related frameworks and standards such as the Taskforce for Nature-Related Financial Disclosures and the Science-Based Targets Initiative.

Guy's work in nature finance has involved the development of emerging nature credit frameworks, including co-authoring the high integrity principles for the UNDP-led biodiversity credit alliance. Guy possesses a deep interest in primate conservation science, and the use of digital media and community-led storytelling to support effective conservation strategies.

Director

ACT Government Environment Directorate

​Renee is the current Director of Conservation Science and Programs in the Office of Nature Conservation, ACT Government, where she leads a team of specialised ecologists to conserve and recover biodiversity in the ACT. Her background is in terrestrial ecology, spanning a variety species and ecosystems, with an emphasis on threatened species management and recovery.

Renee has held previous positions in academia, state and federal government, as well as experience working internationally on the renown Kluane Project. She is a current member of the IUCN Conservation Planning Specialist Group and an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Canberra.

Professor, School of Science

Western Sydney University

Professor Ricky Spencer is a conservation biologist at Western Sydney University and a national leader in community-driven conservation. He heads the award-winning 1 Million Turtles program, which empowers citizen scientists, schools, and local councils to protect Australia’s freshwater turtle populations through hands-on engagement and data-driven action.

With a background in population ecology, environmental education, and science communication, Ricky has pioneered the use of innovative tools such as TurtleSAT to crowdsource ecological data at scale, transforming community participation into measurable conservation outcomes. His work has shaped national conservation policy, wetland restoration projects underpinned Nature Repair Market Initiatives, and inspired thousands of Australians to become active stewards of biodiversity. At the Symposium, Ricky will share insights into how community engagement is not just a complementary strategy but an essential pillar of modern species recovery and ecological resilience.

ACIUCN Chair and Director, International Environment

Federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water

Fleur leads the International Environment Section in the International Environment, Reef and Oceans Division of the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Fleur has previously worked as a qualified lawyer in private practice from 2001-2008. After completing a Master of Environmental Law in 2010 she joined the former Department of Environment and has worked primarily across the environment and water portfolio areas for the past twelve years.

Fleur is currently the Commonwealth Government Board member for the Australian Committee for the International Union for Conservation of Nature.  In 2021, she led the government’s engagement in the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s World Conservation Congress, was the National Convenor for the UN Food Systems Summit and was a delegate to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization Conference.  She also leads the government’s engagement with the United Nations Environment Programme and will be part of the delegation to the United Nations Environment Assembly in February 2024. Her section also leads on other cross-cutting international environmental organisations and processes, including the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, the G20 Environment track, and the OECD Environment working groups

Postdoctoral Researcher

School of Geosciences, University of Sydney

Dr Mitchell Gibbs is a proud Dunghutti man through kinship, and Lecturer and Postdoctoral Fellow at The University of Sydney in the Schools of Geosciences. From Indigenous traditional owners and knowledge holders, he learns about our environments and ways to manage those environments using shellfish-associated practices handed down through oral and lived histories and putting this into practice with Habitat restoration work with the Gamay Rangers and the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council.

Founder and Director

Centre for Compassionate Conservation, University of Technology Sydney

Daniel Ramp is the Founder and Director of the Centre for Compassionate Conservation at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), where he is an Associate Professor in the Transdisciplinary School. He leads the development of research, teaching, and public outreach in the centre, where the goal is to stimulate innovation, novel research, and conservation practices that make the lives of wildlife better. Dan conducts scientific research on human-wildlife interactions, wildlife trade, conservation practice, and wild animal welfare, while also collaborating widely with other disciplines.

He has led multiple ARC and CRC projects, working with government and industry to engage in evidenced-based policy transformation that promote multispecies coexistence and sustainability, particularly in production landscapes. He has published over 160 journal articles and book chapters and received over $12M in competitive funding. He was a founding member of THINKK – the think tank on kangaroos, is a Director of Voiceless, and a founding member of the Society for Compassionate Conservation.

Manager of Population Development and Welfare 

Taronga Conservation Society

Claire joined the Taronga team in 2016. She is responsible for strategically planning Taronga’s animal population and promoting positive animal welfare outcomes at both Taronga Zoo and Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Claire has a background in small population management, focusing on genetic and demographic management in zoo populations as well as conservation planning incorporating less intensively managed populations and wild populations. In Claire’s previous role managing the Zoo and Aquarium Association’s Australasian Species Management Program, she worked with many zoos within Australia and internationally to facilitate zoo conservation breeding programs. 

Manager of Restoration Programs

Taronga Conservation Society

Christopher has spent the last decade delivering nature-based solutions across Australia. This includes designing carbon farming and biodiversity offset projects that fit with primary production, as well as setting up funded long-term monitoring programs and working with First Nations People.  Christopher has been heavily involved in the rapid development of environmental markets in Australia. Christopher holds a Bachelor of Science and is an accredited assessor under the NSW Biodiversity Offset Scheme. He is also an accredited expert under the Accounting for Nature Framework, including authoring the first national vegetation condition assessment method accredited under the framework.  

Founder

Lonely Conservationists

Starting out as a terrestrial ecologist and environmental educator, Jessie Panazzolo considers herself to be one of the world's first conservationist conservationists. In 2019, she founded the global community, Lonely Conservationists, a pioneering platform that provides resources, advocacy, and a voice to budding and burnt-out environmentalists. 

Advocating for the need to provide care to members of a caring industry, Jessie's book and podcast "How to Conserve Conservationists" is used as a resource in international universities, and she works with global organisations to help their staff, students, and volunteers care for each other and themselves. When Jessie isn't working on her plight to care for conservationists, she is working her day job coordinating programs and community initiatives for women and non-binary individuals with a STEMM background.