Staff members

Matt Ruchel

Executive Director
Matt Ruchel has been Executive Director of the VNPA since 2007 and has a strong background in environmental policy. He has worked in the non-government environmental policy areas in the state, national and international arena for over 20 years.

Matt has held senior positions in leading international and national conservation organisations and in local government. He brings exceptional strategic planning skills to his role at VNPA and his experience is invaluable in coordinating staff and campaigns, as well as liaising with government and industry at all levels and a range of interest groups.

Phone: 03 9347 5188
Email: vnpa@vnpa.org.au

Amy Dyer

Administration Officer
Amy takes care of member services and provides administrative support for volunteers, staff and council. "I really enjoy being the first point of contact for VNPA members and the public as I'm constantly reminded of the wonderful people out there that share in and support the VNPA's vision for Victoria."

Phone: 03 9347 5188
Email: amyd@vnpa.org.au

Caitlin Griffith

NatureWatch/Community Projects Coordinator
Caitlin has been running the NatureWatch program since 2007 and has a background in ecology and environmental education.  “This role gives me such a great opportunity to work with land managers, scientists and community members who are passionate about nature.  It is a great way to combine my love for nature and interest in relationships between people and our environment.”

Phone: 03 9341 6510
Email: caitling@vnpa.org.au

Charlotte Kandelaars

Administration Assistant
Charlotte handles the processing of memberships, appeals and book orders.  She also handles the accounts receivables and payables. Charlotte has a strong business background in accounting. "I personally find it a privilege to be involved with such a proactive environmental organisation which is inline with my own values and interests."

Phone: 03 9341 6514
Email: charlottek@vnpa.org.au

Ann Strunks

Communications & Marketing Manager

Phone: 03 9341 6519
Email: anns@vnpa.org.au

Irina De Loche

Administration Assistant

Phone: 03 9347 5188
Email: irinad@vnpa.org.au

Karen Alexander

Victoria Naturally Alliance Project Leader
Karen cut her teeth trying to stop the damming of Lake Pedder and is now working hard to make Victoria's biodiversity crisis a BBQ stopper. "If we keep clearing what is left of our native vegetation and with the climate crisis bearing down then our kids, let alone our grandchildren, just won't see the Victorian landscapes we do."

Phone: 03 9341 6511
Mobile: 0439 306 829
Email: karena@vnpa.org.au

Maxine Hawkins

Direct Marketing Officer
Maxine started work at VNPA in September 2009. She has previously worked and volunteered in the non-profit sector, including conservation and wildlife protection organisations.

"It is great to be able to combine my passion for the environment and wildlife with my work for Victoria's leading nature conservation organisation."

Phone: 03 9341 6505
Email: maxineh@vnpa.org.au

Michael Howes

Publications/Nature's Voice & ParkWatch Editor
Michael oversees the VNPA's book publishing arm and edits our quarterly ParkWatch magazine, Nature's Voice newsletter and Annual Report.

Phone: 03 9341 6502
Email: michaelh@vnpa.org.au

Nick Roberts

Red Gum and River Rescue Project Coordinator
Nick seeks to increase the protection of public river frontages, riparian and wetland habitat and improve conservation management of River Red Gum forests.

Phone: 03 5832 0222
Email: gveg@shepparton.net.au

Phil Ingamells

Park Protection
Phil runs the VNPA's Park Protection Project, aimed at radically improving management of Victoria's national parks and reserves, particularly in the face of climate change. He has a special interest in environmental education, and national park management issues.

Phone: 03 9341 6506
Email: philipi@vnpa.org.au

Shanti Fowler

Finance & Operations Manager
Shanti oversees the day to day financial matters for the organisation as well as participating in longer term budgeting and financial planning. She also oversees the general operations including HR for volunteers & staff, office management and IT.

Phone: 03 9341 6503
Email: shantif@vnpa.org.au

Simon Branigan

Marine & Coastal Project Officer
Simon's work helps to ensure the health and diversity of the marine, coastal and estuarine environment by facilitating effective and informed community engagement in marine planning, management and conservation while also developing and promoting policy solutions for marine and coastal conservation. Simon has a master's degree in Environmental Management and has worked in environmental fields for over ten years in NSW, WA, Tasmania and now Victoria.

Phone: 03 9341 6508
Email: simonb@vnpa.org.au

Wendy Roberts

Reef Watch Co-ordinator
Wendy oversees the ReefWatch program, which aims to increase our knowledge of Victoria's reef ecosystems by assisting Victorian divers and snorkellers to identify, record and share their observations about the marine life they see at their favourite reefs.

Phone: 03 8341 7446
Email: wrobert@museum.vic.gov.au

Lara Hookham

Fundraiser

Phone: 03 9341 6501
Email: larah@vnpa.org.au