Network Coordinator

‘Originally from England, my career path has been varied including working as a marketing manager for a large bank in the UK before training as a teacher. I settled in East Gippsland in 2005. Having always enjoyed the outdoors, I spent 10 years teaching Outdoor Education at a local school camp, whilst also undertaking school camp accreditation administration, before returning to classroom teaching when my children were in primary school.

Whilst still teaching in a relief capacity, this position allows me to fulfil my desire to deepen my knowledge and connect with those seeking to protect and preserve our beautiful natural environment for generations to come, whilst utilising my organizational and marketing skills to promote and build our Network. I have met some truly inspirational people during my time with Landcare and love the fact that Landcare enables and promotes the abilities of all in assisting our environment – you don’t need to be a ‘green thumb!’.

Contact Caroline: cmcguinn@egln.org.au / 0437 524 437

Project Manager

‘My Landcare journey began early in life with much time spent roaming and observing plants and animals on the family farm at Glenaladale. Having undertaken a Diploma of Natural Resource Management, my career with Landcare has now spanned 25 years in Gippsland with roles including;

• Managing African Lovegrass and Serrated Tussock Control Programs
• Project officer for the Bass Coast Landcare Network,
• Chairman of the Victorian Landcare Network and Weed Society of Victoria.
• Australia’s Landcare ambassador to Sri Lanka for the launch of their new Landcare Program
• Managing the roadside weed control programs for the local Shire Council and VicRoads, and
• Trying to keep on top of rabbit problems on Phillip Island.
• Managing the Corner Inlet Blackberry Action Program and Central Gippsland Woody Weeds Action Group.

In recent years I have also been involved at a statewide level with the Rabbit Action Network and with Farm Forestry initiatives.

Many do not know that I am a published writer and have presented at functions and events on genealogical research. In my ‘spare time’ I now concentrate on my new farm at Glenaladale and running around after my children. I enjoy fishing, socialising and, above all, driving past properties and observing landscape changing works that I have helped landholders achieve during my time with Landcare!’

Contact Matt: matts@egln.org.au / 0439 430 799

Facilitator

‘My family moved from Outer Eastern Melbourne to East Gippsland over 20 years ago, and we have settled into this wonderful close knit farming community. Having a strong connection to our natural environment, and an eagerness to improve, and restore our landscapes, we purchased a large parcel of land on the Gippsland Plains. And, with over 30 years’ experience managing our own bush properties, and many years volunteering for Landcare, we have had the privilege of observing positive changes to our properties over our land tenure. Assisted regeneration practices have been put into action, showing how resilient our environments can be if we give them some help, and the time to repair.

I am humbled by the number of hours volunteers are willing to offer for the restoration of our landscapes; they inspire me, and I want to help them however I can. Landcare builds and supports healthy communities, bringing people together with a shared dream, or vision. We all have a role to play in protecting and improving the environment in which we live, whether it be improving farming practices, or rehabilitating/revegetating the land. We live in a remarkable part of the world, with special plants and animals, all of which need our protection, and I want to be part of the puzzle that helps achieve this.’

Contact Phil: philv@egln.org.au / 0419 347 146

Facilitator

‘I never imagined 27 years ago when I joined Toms Creek Landcare Group, that I would eventually become a Landcare Facilitator back in the East Gippsland region. It’s so great to be able to now meet new landcarers as well as reconnecting with some faces from years ago.

Born and brought up in East Gippsland, I grew up immersed in the landscapes and communities of the area. My passion for the natural environment has informed my work choices throughout my life and has taken me on journeys into horticulture, revegetation, agriculture, community and industry development, permaculture, landscape design and consultancy – both in Victoria and the Northern Territory.

I am excited about working with you through Landcare to improve the wellbeing of the land, and the plants, animals, and communities we share it with.’
Contact Michele: micheles@egln.org.au / 0404 092 862