Our staff

Matt has worked in non-government environmental policy areas in the state, national and international arena for more than 30 years. He's held senior positions in leading international and national conservation organisations and local Victorian government. His exceptional strategic planning skills and experience is invaluable in coordinating staff and campaigns, as well as liaising with government, industry and a range of interest groups.

Caitlin oversees our community learning and engagement programs including ReefWatch, NatureWatch, Wild Families, Bushwalking, NextGen Nature and Nature Stewards. Trained in ecology, conservation, social ecology and community development, she loves experiencing and learning about nature with others. Caitlin can recall closely observing backyard ants and other wildlife from a young age and can now often be found admiring local bird life, fungi or wildflowers or rambling in a rockpool.

Jane oversees bringing in the support and donations that empower us to do our important work. She has had over 20 years of fundraising experience with international development, health and environment not-for-profits. Travel on all continents, plus work in outdoor education, energy conservation and adventure travel, has given Jane global perspectives. But now she’s very happy to ‘act local’ and bring her diverse experience to protecting the magnificent natural beauty of her home state.

Brendan oversees the Finances and office Operations. He has over 40 years’ experience in Finance and IT and has spent the last 8 years working in the non-profit sector. From an early age Brendan was involved with the Field Naturalists, and continues to enjoys bush walking and camping in our excellent national parks. He spends a lot of time down at Wilsons Prom and loves to get into the waves on his boogie board with his two kids.

Jessie's passion is helping nature-lovers get involved in protecting, restoring and advocating for Victoria's incredible natural heritage. She has a comprehensive background in campaigns, communications and community engagement. Unsurprisingly, she has a thing for trees, birds, fungi – actually all of it.

Adrian campaigns for the protection of our critically endangered grasslands, with an emphasis on the Western Grassland Reserve and grasslands impacted by Melbourne’s urbanisation. He has a Masters in landscape architecture and a PhD in urban ecology, and strongly advocates for the reimagining of cities to support urban ecosystems for resilience and sustainability. His position as Grassy Plains Network facilitator is hosted by Victorian National Parks Association.

Blake’s work primarily focuses on the protection of Victoria’s forests and woodlands. He is extremely passionate about the conservation of threatened wildlife. Blake has been conducting on-ground surveys in Victoria’s forests for nearly 10 years, working hard to protect habitat for endangered animals, such as the Leadbeater’s Possum and Greater Glider. He has even defended Victoria’s forests in the Supreme Court.

Jordan's work focuses on protecting and caring for our wildlife and natural places. His background in conservation work ranges from the ocean to the tall forest of the Central Highlands, and he has worked with all levels of government to get results for the natural world for many years. Jordan teaches conservation and land management at a tertiary level and has an academic background in conservation and land management, arboriculture and training and assessment.

Shannon's work focuses on protecting marine and coastal areas, as well as other land-focussed campaigns. Shannon loves getting out into the field visiting areas that need greater protection and working with local community groups. Prior to joining us, Shannon worked as a campaigner protecting the Great Barrier Reef, and had several roles at Parks Victoria.

Kade has worked as a marine scientist throughout Australia and now focuses on working with Victoria's marine community and their input that can have an amazing impact on advancing our knowledge of the underwater world.

As a NatureWatch Coordinator, Sera leads our land-based citizen science program NatureWatch. She has an extensive background in threatened species conservation and community-led projects. Sera has also completed a PhD investigating community attitudes towards a range of issues in threatened wildlife conservation.

A design theory nerd through and through, Jacob works on our digital campaigns and communications. Jacob likes to utilise a combination of his Bachelor in Philosophy, his Masters in Communication and Design and his passion for the natural world to reach unique and thorough design solutions.

Meghan is a nature nerd at heart. She's passionate about engaging people with nature and she directs that passion into working on our engagement program communications and digital campaigns. She has a background in conservation and has completed a Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours), a Graduate Diploma in Environmental Law and a Graduate Certificate of Communications.

Lucy’s experience across a range of roles in both the hospitality and non-profit sectors makes her well-placed as the first point of contact for members and supporters. Her organisational and problem-solving skills are utilised daily to enhance our work. Lucy loves getting out into nature, hiking and running along the trails in the Dandenong Ranges, and Falls Creek over the summer months.

Kristian's work in fundraising helps support and grow our community so we can continue our important work protecting nature. With a long-term commitment to tackling the climate and nature crisis we are facing, Kristian has previously worked in the renewable energy industry and environmental philanthropy. He loves hearing people’s stories and finding out about their connection with nature – something there is no shortage of at VNPA.

Paul looks after all of our publications, including Park Watch, as well as contributing to campaigns and marketing. His background is in publications design, cartography, graphic design and editorial management in a broad range of industries: unions, travel, community festivals, arts industry and small business. His happy place is the beaches of the Great Ocean Road and the cool temperate rainforests of the Great Otway National Park.

Curiosity about people and nature led Matt to travel extensively through Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America. These experiences reinforced his belief that we need to do everything in our power to protect the nature that sustains us. Matt brings over twenty years of fundraising experience and a passion for empowering people to protect nature. He is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and winner of a Fundraising Institute of Australia award for innovation.

Michelle is the custodian of all things financial. With a background in financial and commercial roles across a wide range of sectors, including non-profit, her experience in financial management, budgeting and reporting supports the work of all our staff and members to protect our natural environment.

Ben’s inability to stand by and let a problem go unsolved has led to a diverse career including in the film industry, improving worker conditions as well as, soil health and protecting nature. He leverages his networks, strategic collaboration, and investigation skills to bring together community groups, government organisations and others to campaign for Victoria’s forests.

Michael is passionate about nature conservation. His drive to protect nature led him to complete a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Bachelor of Environment and Society. He's previously worked in roles within Parks Victoria and the ACT Public Service. Michael enjoys the outdoors, visiting various national parks around Victoria, getting involved in environmental volunteering and connecting others with nature.