About Us
Our People
We have over 120 qualified, friendly professionals who excel in their chosen field and are ready to assist you, to achieve your environmental outcomes.
From graduates and field crew to PhDs with over 25 years experience, we employ the best and grow the best so we can provide a superior service and achieve positive environmental outcomes. We are very proud of our team and genuinely believe that our people are the best in the industry.
Phil Shaw/Managing Director
Phil has worked in the environment industry for nearly 30 years. He is founder and Managing Director of two very successful Australian companies – Ecosure and Avisure. Since 1994 Phil has grown Ecosure into an award winning company that is now one of the largest ecology-based environmental consultancies in Australia.
Phil is passionate about delivering practical environmental outcomes. He achieves this primarily by inspiring those around him, and he has earned a reputation as a visionary who long ago adopted the triple bottom line philosophy, well before it became expected business practice. Stakeholder and community engagement and guiding committees are particular strengths. He has chaired, participated in, or provided technical advice to more than twenty committees relating to various environmental matters.
Phil is one of the world’s leading professionals in the field of bird strike risk assessment and mitigation within the aviation industry. He is internationally recognised in this field, having completed projects in Asia, the Middle East, North America, South Pacific, New Zealand and Australia. Phil sat on the International Birdstrike Committee’s Steering Committee for four years and is the only Australian to have done so.
Phil has reached this status through years of dealing with overabundant and pest species. He started his career many years ago in urban pest control, including teaching the industry’s TAFE course. He recognises that the key to managing a species is having a thorough understanding of its biology, deriving consensus on its management through engagement with key stakeholders, and then providing innovative approaches to management techniques.
Phil has a strong background in environmental management with a broad ecological appreciation having been involved in vegetation management planning, fauna survey and assessment and air, water and soil quality testing. His skill in understanding how to manage overabundant species is often also of value to recovering populations of threatened species.
“My vision is for Ecosure to be the difference that changes forever and for the better, the way people care for the environment.”
Diane Lanyon/General Manager
Diane Lanyon is a Marine Biologist and is the General Manager of Ecosure since 2017. Prior to this she managed the Rockhampton Office for three years and grew the team to be 'the go to environmental consultancy' in Central Queensland. Diane has worked as an environmental scientist in Honduras, Fiji, Solomon Islands and Australia.
Prior to working for Ecosure, Diane was the Rockhampton Regional Manager of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA). She has extensive experience managing community engagement programs and marine park planning, marine surveys in seagrass watch, turtle monitoring, coral reefs and invertebrates. Diane brings a wealth of international, government and project management experience to the company.
Diane has been the Project Director over our larger high-risk projects including the design phase of Panorama Drive in Yeppoon, Curtis Island Road Rehabilitation and the Shoalwater Bay Training Area vegetation management program, and client management with Defence, Rio Tinto and QAL. Through these projects Diane has demonstrated excellent skills in project management, establishing great client working relationships and delivering projects on time and on budget.
“Everything we do on the land leads to the reef - with Ecosure I truly believe I can make a difference by working with our fantastic team of people to make this happen”
Dr Jeff McKee/Director - Research & Development
Jeff has an eclectic and diverse background. After graduating science (genetics) and then veterinary science in the early 80s he spent several years in mixed clinical practice before moving on to managing a diagnostic laboratory. The late 80s found him engaged in a broad scale disease eradication program (Brucellosis and Tuberculosis Eradication Campaign) in northern Australia and then on to more academic areas gaining experience in molecular biology and immunology. During this period Jeff worked in both the university and corporate R&D sectors in Australia and abroad.
After returning to Australia in 1994 Jeff consolidated and directed his experience into wildlife population health assessment, wildlife management and emerging disease ecology. He has been engaged in those areas ever since. He, along with others, founded the regional Ibis Management Coordination Group (IMCG), the south-east Queensland Wildlife Veterinarians Special Interest Group (WVSIG) and the Mobile Disease Ecology Unit (MDEU). He is a member of the of the Wildlife Disease Association, regularly presents at conferences and is published across a variety of disciplines.
Jeff’s experience makes him ideally suited to support Ecosure projects particularly in the areas of quality control and foundation science. He is also heavily engaged in project design and developing new areas of expertise within the company. Jeff has a keen interest in aviation, has a commercial pilot’s license and is a member of the International Society of Air Safety Investigators.
“Because life's not a dress rehearsal”
Phill Bracks/Operations Manager
Phill is a passionate environmental scientist with a keen interest in wildlife conservation and pest management. During his career he has been involved with numerous large scale restoration and fauna spotter catcher projects throughout south-east Queensland. Phill is devoted to developing new and innovative approaches to a broad range of environmental projects and is passionate in developing his skills to bring both business and science together. This approach along with his unwavering dedication to the Environmental industry has created a unique set of skills that compliment his Business Development activities in this industry. With over 6 years of experience and the successful delivery of a multitude of environmental projects, Phill is capable of assisting our clients in the planning and implementation of a broad range of environmental projects.
Heather Richards/Business Process Manager / Senior Environmental Scientist
Heather is a Senior Environmental Scientist with over 15 years of experience in both the public and private sector. Her project, management, systems and processes skills provide a multitude of experience to oversee the development, refinement and implementation of Ecosure and Avisure’s Business Processes.
Heather has experience in all stages of system development, from initial design, implementation, documentation, change management, training and auditing. Heather has successfully managed Ecosure and Avisure’s certification against ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and AS/NZ 4801 since 2017. Having previously managed Ecosure’s Central Queensland Team, Heather is well positioned to understand how business systems impact effective and efficient field operations, and therefore project delivery and client satisfaction, and visa-versa.
Heather’s experience also includes guiding the Central Queensland Team through a significant growth period, including the establishment of a North Queensland base. Heather’s organisational skills will assist each business as they continue to develop their client base and service offerings.
James Davis/Wildlife Manager
James is a wildlife management consultant with experience in both wildlife consultancy and practical field operations.
A PRINCE2-qualified project manager, he has diverse experience in risk assessment and leading wildlife management projects globally, with a proven track record of success and client satisfaction.
James is passionate about pest / feral / invasive vertebrate management as a means of protecting Australia’s native wildlife and reducing human / wildlife conflict and combines scientific rigour with effective fieldcraft to achieve strong outcomes.
James originally studied Environmental Management at the University of Notre Dame Australia before spending a number of years working as an Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme (ADAS)-qualified commercial diver on scientific and media projects around the world including BBC’s Planet Earth.
More recently James has focused on wildlife management and developing specialist skills such as conservation detection dog training and handling, chemical immobilisation (darting) and wildlife disease / biosecurity surveillance.
James leads Ecosure’s wildlife consultancy and field operations team.
Nigel Cotsell/Coffs Harbour Manager / Senior Ecologist
Nigel has a wealth of experience and knowledge from a diverse range of environmental portfolios across the three tiers of Australian government, the private sector and overseas including:
• State - Office of Environment and Heritage, Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage and South Australian Department of Environment and Heritage;
• Local - Coffs Harbour City Council
• Federal - Department of Primary Industries and Energy and Department of Environment
• International - New Zealand Department of Conservation.
For the last 10 years Nigel has been operating as a senior manager across a range of Natural Resource Management portfolios with a demonstrated track record of providing direction and achieving results through multidisciplinary teams. Nigel has worked across a range of policy, strategic planning and environmental legislation to deliver, with partners, a range of targeted threatened species and ecosystem management priorities that includes key elements of the NSW government’s Saving our Species program.
Nigel’s career has involved reporting and communicating project results to government, private sector, investors, stakeholders and the community. Brokering multi-stakeholder partnerships that align with organisational priorities to achieve threatened species outcomes has been a focus of his career.
Jen Ford/Principal Restoration Ecologist
Jen has worked full-time in the ecological restoration industry for more than 24 years in South East Queensland and northern NSW. As a recognised industry leader and passionate advocate, Jen’s skills have seen her as thought leader and catalyst for developing the restoration industry in SEQ during the last 14 years. Jen has demonstrated a strong track record of strategic leadership and contribution at senior levels in Gold Coast City Council and in industry peak bodies such as the Australian Association of Bush Regenerators, the Weed Society of QLD and the Society of Ecological Restoration. Jen has facilitated a large variety of project teams and stakeholders as well as working as a trainer and educator on restoration theory and practice. Her work with diverse communities, local councils, state agencies, federal government, traditional owners, committees, developers, peak bodies, community groups and the local restoration industry to develop and implement ecological restoration and environmental education programs has proven Jen as an effective negotiator and facilitator.
Dr Natalie Toon/Senior Environmental Scientist / SEQ Environmental Services Manager
Natalie is an environmental scientist with a speciality in marine and freshwater ecosystems. She has 15 years’ experience managing and working on private enterprise, government and academic projects in both Queensland and Western Australia.
Natalie’s ecological and scientific background provides her with a strong understanding of ecological systems and processes, as well as the governing environmental legislation, its application on ground, and the implication of compliance aspects for clients. She combines her project management experience with her experience in biological surveys, environmental monitoring programs and research projects, to provide valued results for clients.
Prior experience incorporates project development and implementation, along with skills in data management and statistical analysis, through to project completion and report production. Natalie works closely with clients and other team members to develop ecologically sustainable outcomes for a range of projects.
Natalie has experience working with a variety of stakeholders across government, industry and academia. She has authored a number of publications, presented at national and international conferences and is a member of ecological and environmental groups in Australia.
Paul Wileman/CQ Regional Manager
Paul comes to Ecosure with over 16 years of experience in Civil Engineering. Paul has worked in Queensland at both the local and state government level, as well as with the United Kingdom national government prior to moving to Australia.
With extensive experience in road, bridge and stormwater drainage construction, bridge demolition, and highway infrastructure maintenance, Paul’s role has also encompassed environmental management of projects, asset management, condition assessment management, health and safety and programme management.
Paul has been a part of the project management team for many key construction projects throughout Central Queensland including a bridge construction project in Byfield State Forest and a bridge demolition project in Mount Morgan. His experience includes a thorough understanding of technical specifications for the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
Cameron Radford/Senior Ecologist / Sydney Regional Manager
Cam is a highly qualified Wildlife Biologist and Ecological professional with over 12 years’ experience in ecological consultancy and wildlife conservation research. Cam specialises in human-wildlife conflict resolution, wildlife research and analysis, wildlife tracking, and threatened species and communities surveys, assessment and management. Cam is responsible for delivering high-quality ecological services whilst managing the growing Sydney regional team.
Cam’s ecological and scientific experience across private, NGO, government and academic sectors throughout Australia and globally has enabled him to develop a diverse ecological skill set to apply to a range of projects including biodiversity impact assessments, threatened species targeted surveys and monitoring, species reintroductions, wild canid taxonomy research, threatened ecological community recovery using fire, threatened species threat abatement, and species reintroduction and management plans. Cam has recently returned from Botswana where he undertook PhD research in predator-livestock conflict, working within local communities to develop novel and high-tech conflict solutions and understand livestock resource use and habitat selection in a landscape of fear.
Cam has presented at both national and international conferences on topics ranging from a native bush rat reintroduction, edge affects and road crossings for wildlife, livestock resource selection and a novel tool for preventing large predator attacks on livestock.
Cam has a passion for the natural environment and assisting people with finding solutions for coexistence with nature.
Michael O’Grady/Regional Project Coordinator
Michael commenced with Ecosure as a casual Field Operative in 2015 assisting primarily with weed management and bush regeneration projects. Michael has since moved into the role of Regional Project Coordinator role based in Townsville and has been involved in water quality projects, ecological surveys, fauna management, GIS mapping, construction projects and project management.
Michael has a strong background in GIS and computing systems working with both ARCGIS and QGIS, utilising these tools in completing desktop assessments, data analysis, management plans and reporting. Michael is also adept to working in remote locations through competent use of GPS’s, communicating with UHF and VHF radios, map reading and navigation, driving a 4WD and working in arduous conditions. Working as a Height Safety Specialist Provider has contributed to Michael’s positive attitude towards safety and how it can be implemented into the workplace.
Dr Con Lokkers/Principal Ecologist
With over 35 years of research, survey and consultancy experience, Con has developed skills across a broad range of environmental sciences, including a comprehensive knowledge of environmental legislation and policies for all levels of government. Con’s expertise lies in the fields of botany, ecology and entomology, while his knowledge of environmental issues spans environments across Queensland, Northern Territory and New South Wales.
Con has extensive experience in the survey, assessment and management of native, exotic and protected flora at local, regional, state and federal levels. He has managed and conducted ecological assessments for a broad range of projects, including linear infrastructure (gas, water, power, telecommunication, rail and road corridors), urban infrastructure (residential development, utilities) and industrial development (mining, primary production, energy). Assessments have included ecological components of environmental impact assessments and federal EPBC Act referrals. He has developed and implemented monitoring programs for council reserves, travelling stock routes, linear reserves and Defence training areas. He has conducted numerous protected plant surveys in south-east Queensland for council and industrial clients. He has also developed ecological management plans for government and industry clients, which have involved extensive consultation with government, industry and community stakeholders.
“Beause there is no planet B”
Jess Bracks/Principal Wildlife Biologist
Jess is a Wildlife Biologist with 14 years’ practical experience in the veterinary, zoo and consulting industries.
She has extensive experience surveying wildlife using a variety of terrestrial and aquatic techniques. She specialises in risk assessment and managing human/wildlife conflict, with demonstrated successful outcomes developing and implementing mitigation measures for a diverse array of wildlife.
Jess is passionate about driving pragmatic wildlife management policy; balancing the needs of community and conservation. Jess is often invited to advise on policy for local, state and federal government.
Jess has played pivotal roles in facilitating various multi-stakeholder groups with a focus on coordinated and strategic wildlife management at regional and national levels. Jess co-convened the inaugural EIANZ National Flying-fox Forum in Brisbane in 2016, followed by the 2017 Forum in Sydney and the 2018 Forum in Cairns. Each was attended by delegates from all levels of government, research and conservation sectors across Australia. Jess is now driving a National Flying-fox Strategy and Working Group to ensure a consistent and strategic national approach to flying-fox management and conservation.
“I envisage a world that thrives.”
Ronel Jit/Southern Australia Regional Manager / Principal Environmental Scientist
Ronel is the Regional Manager of Ecosure’s Southern Australia Office and a Principal Environmental Scientist. Ronel has been a key member of the Ecosure team since 2009 and holds various accreditations for the delivery of various environmental programs. Ronel is also responsible for facilitating Ecosure’s ecological programs with councils and industries in South Australia. Ronel has implemented habitat restoration, tree health assessments and weed management programs for defence and council clients.
Ronel uses his extensive knowledge in international and regional environmental treaties, commonwealth and state legislation to provide practical recommendations pertaining to environmental management and restoration. Ronel also writes vegetation management guidelines for clients in South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia and Northern Territory. These guidelines include recommendations for appropriate plantings of native species, grass heights and weed control.
Trudy Thompson/Senior Environmental Scientist
Trudy has worked for over 20 years in the environment industry with seven of these in local government and over 12 years with Ecosure. Her main focus has been in project management, having managed a range of projects for a diversity of clients including local and state government entities, private landholders and developers. She has extensive community consultation experience, having established and facilitated community catchment groups throughout the Gold Coast, in addition to running public meetings and workshops. Since joining Ecosure Trudy has managed a diversity of projects, written technical reports, conducted compliance monitoring and liaised with stakeholders. As interim Coffs Harbour Manager she was responsible for recruiting and supporting staff and the operations of a regional office.
Dr Rebecca Diete/CQ Wildlife Services Team Leader
Rebecca Diete is a wildlife ecologist with a background in threatened and invasive species research, wildlife monitoring and conservation, and natural resource management. She has extensive experience leading fauna surveys in various remote locations; particularly in northern Australia.
Prior to joining Ecosure, Rebecca worked in the conservation sector, managing monitoring and research projects across four Queensland reserves. She has participated in land management activities such as planned burns, wildfire response, and pest management for the private sector and state government.
Rebecca has collaborated on various projects with a wide variety of stakeholders including resource industries, graziers, government agencies, Indigenous corporations, conservation NGOs, and universities. Her post-graduate research projects have required strong liaison and communication skills to improve conservation and human health outcomes on mine sites and in Indigenous communities on Australian tropical islands.
Geoff Sinclair/Senior Botanist
Geoff has 25 years experience in the field of natural resource management working in the areas of vegetation management, vegetation offsets, environmental planning and assessment, vegetation mapping, biodiversity assessment, regional ecosystem mapping, flora and fauna surveys, in both Queensland and New South Wales.
He has project managed a range of Environmental Impact Studies in the Central Queensland region to successfully achieve ecologically sustainable outcomes for clients. Geoff’s extensive knowledge of legislation, including the Sustainable Planning Act 2009, and the Vegetation Management Act 1999, Environmental Impact Statement processes and Integrated Development Assessment Systems (IDAS), as well as his thorough knowledge of Queensland’s Regional Ecosystem mapping enables him to provide high quality advice and guidance to clients and colleagues.
Geoff is also experienced as an expert witness in environmental court cases in both Queensland and NSW, and has given adversarial and joint conference expert testimony in court. Geoff has been accepted by courts in matters of botany, ecology, offsets, fauna habitat requirements, vegetation mapping and GIS.
Jess Baglin/Senior Environmental Scientist
Jess has worked at Ecosure since 2007 as a Senior Environmental Scientist and has had a number of roles during this time. Jess is currently the team leader of the Gold Coast Consultants, manages multiple client projects, overseas the Australian White Ibis Management Program (AWIMP) and coordinates a multi-stakeholder committee - the Ibis Management Coordination Group (IMCG). This has led to experience in project management, quality assurance, scientific writing and stakeholder liaison. Previous experience as an environment guide has also provided Jess with skills required for environmental education and interpretation.
As a Senior Environmental Scientist, Jess has managed numerous ecology projects for local and State government as well as private and resource sectors. During this time Jess has had experience in using a variety of terrestrial field survey techniques, including fauna trapping (e.g. pitfall and Elliott), call playback, spotlighting and confirming Regional Ecosystems. Jess has developed various environmental management plans for clients, providing and implementing mitigation measures with demonstrated successful outcomes.
Julie Whelan/Senior Environmental Scientist
Julie has over 14 years experience as an Environmental Scientist with a diverse experience in planning and conducting field based ecological surveys, desktop reviews and preparing management plans, environmental strategies, ecological assessments and compliance reports. Julie has facilitated workshops and consultation sessions to engage, inform and seek input from stakeholders. As a Senior Environmental Scientist, Julie has managed numerous ecological projects for a range of clients, including local and State government, the aviation industry and the private sector.
Previous experience as a revegetation officer has provided Julie with knowledge at the ground level of the techniques and requirements for environmental rehabilitation and revegetation. Julie is also experienced in eco-efficiency site assessments and the preparation of site action plans and management plans to reduce environmental footprints.
James Tallant/Senior Wildlife Biologist
James is a Senior Wildlife Biologist with 12 years’ experience within the consulting, intergovernmental, and not-for-profit sectors.
He originally studied Zoology at the University of Cambridge, UK, before spending several years working for international environmental organisations in East and South East Asia. There he built his skills through managing complex, multi-country projects and programs focusing on threatened species conservation, combatting illegal wildlife trade, protected area management, sustainable development planning, civil society capacity building, and related topics.
More recently James has focused on developing his skills as a trainer, facilitating training and assessment workshops on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ across the Asia-Pacific region.
Emily Hatfield/Senior Wildlife Biologist
Emily has been working in the environmental industry for 20 years and has experience in ecological assessments, threatened species monitoring, habitat assessment and fauna trapping (including pitfall, harp trap, funnel, cage, cathedral netting and camera), fauna spotter catcher services, project administration and management, report writing and captive wildlife husbandry.
Emily is particularly interested in wildlife conservation and management having undertaken koala Spot Assessment Technique surveys and flying-fox management for local and state governments both in Queensland and New South Wales.
A versatile member of the Ecosure team, Emily designs and facilitates a variety of community engagement workshops and forums and is accustomed to dealing with a variety of stakeholders on human wildlife issues and environmental conservation messages.
“Working in and for the environment enables me to contribute not only to my quality of life, but also to hopefully leave a diverse and extraordinary wilderness for future generations to experience too!”
Duncan Smith/Operations Manager - Ecological Restoration
Duncan is a passionate Bush Regenerator with 6 years' experience. With a strong history in leadership and training roles Duncan has developed excellent skills in team management and communications as the restoration team’s Operations Manager.
Duncan is a key team member and due to his capacity to lead and provide good restoration solutions. His passion for the regeneration of native systems has led him to promote and seek out the best possible regeneration and ecological outcomes for each project.
Duncan has assisted in the regeneration of dune systems along the Gold Coast including Broadbeach, Mermaid, Currumbin and Palm Beach. He has also contributed to works on high value conservation sites around the Gold Coast and Brisbane natural areas. His work with other Ecosure team members has led to the development of restoring once dominated weed infested areas to resilient native vegetation.
Ian Roberts/Senior Restoration Ecologist
Ian joined the Ecosure team in 2013 and has gained experience in restoration planning, ecological restoration, weed mapping, BioCondition assessments, vegetation communities / regional ecosystem classification, offset monitoring, threatened species monitoring, weed transects and flora identification.
Previously a structural engineer, Ian underwent a career change to pursue his passion for conservation and the environment. As a bush regeneration supervisor and an accredited member of the Australian Association of Bush Regenerators, his understanding and implementation of restoration approaches and weed control techniques allowed him to achieve high quality outcomes for a diverse range of sites in south east QLD and northern NSW.
Moving into his role as a Senior Restoration Ecologist, Ian has combined his extensive field experience with his ability to provide accurate and precise monitoring and high quality reporting. His knowledge and experience with many vegetation types at various levels of degradation, on sites varying in complexity, sensitivity and size focused his ability to understand how sites will react and how best to facilitate their restoration.
Matthew McPherson/Central Queensland Vegetation Team Leader
Matt joined Ecosure in January 2016 as a field supervisor, with almost a decade of vegetation experience in the electrical services industry. Matt has had extensive experience in remote work as well as planning and coordinating on ground operations across multiple teams. He is a trained and experienced arborist with a talent for technical and dangerous tree removal and approaches every site with the aim of completing all works as safely as possible. Matt leads the Central Queensland vegetation team delivering vegetation and weed management services for a diverse range of clients.
Dr Katrin Lowe/Ecologist
Katrin Lowe is a terrestrial wildlife ecologist with a passion for environmental conservation. She has developed an extensive and diverse skill set over the past 13 years, from many aspects of wildlife ecology and research. She has conducted field surveys on many fauna groups including amphibians, mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish and other aquatic fauna, both targeted threatened fauna surveys and general biodiversity surveys. Her ecological research and field work experience has taken her to many habitats throughout Australia and internationally. Working with many different research and survey teams, she has acquired a strong understanding of ecological systems and processes. Katrin has worked with a variety of stakeholders across government, industry, academia, and community groups.
She conducted a large-scale research project on coastal wallum frog species of eastern Australia for her PhD at Griffith University. This allowed her to develop project management skills, survey design and implementation, and to specialise in identification of acid frog species.
Ben Gunston/Wildlife Field Team Leader
Ben is the Field Team Leader for the Ecosure wildlife team. Ben has been an integral part of the wildlife time for over 12 years and has extensive experience as a fauna manager in the zoo and environmental industries. Ben plays a key role in managing native Australian white ibis between Rockhampton and Sydney under a DES-approved Species Management Program.
Ben is responsible for training of staff as they join the wildlife field team and their ongoing management.
Ben holds a current category A & B weapons licence for humane euthanasia of pest or fatally injured animals. He is licensed to purchase, carry and deploy 1080 baits (for the eradication of pest animals in NSW).
Ben has been involved in flying-fox dispersal projects for the past 8 years, managing roosts between Central Queensland and Sydney. Ben has also played a key role in various pest management projects and fauna spotter catcher projects.
Bob Johnston/Ecologist
Bob joined the Ecosure team in 2012 and has gained experience in flora EVNT species identification, vegetation communities / regional ecosystems classification, watercourse crossing assessments, BioCondition assessments, Koala SAT and transect surveys, weed mapping, fauna spotter catcher services, habitat assessment, and ecological restoration.
Bob has also worked with the aquatic and fauna ecology teams conducting macroinvertebrate and fish surveys, water quality sampling, aquatic and terrestrial habitat assessments, bird surveys, Koala surveys, fauna trapping using Elliott, pitfall and harp traps, spotlighting and flying fox dispersal.
Bob has a wide range of life experience and has previously worked in construction, production planning and manufacturing, information technology, graphic design and outdoor education.
Tim Callaghan/Ecologist
Tim has three years’ experience as an ecologist working across a variety of industries and projects. He has expertise in working with local, state and federal governments, mining and resources, and construction sectors. Tim has experience in ecosystems across both Queensland and New South Wales, in particular the South East and Central Queensland and the Hunter Region and Mid North Coast of New South Wales. His skills include ecological assessments, botany, bio-condition assessment, fauna surveys, capture and handling, and habitat assessment.
Tim has experience in weed and feral pest assessment and mapping where he has written management plans for state government with relation to significant environmental areas, has produced species management programs in consultation with mining and resources companies and conducted threatened flora and surveys in relation to new developments in sensitive environmental areas.
Anthony Jarvis/Ecologist
Anthony joined Ecosure in 2018 bringing his experience from the horticultural, reafforestation and ecological restoration industries. He has held field based and management roles, leading teams in varied planting and restoration projects. Operating mainly in the highly diverse vegetation communities of the North Coast of NSW he has developed proficient skills in bush regeneration, plant identification and survey, site assessment and monitoring and preparing and implementing vegetation management plans.
Pursuing his passion for conservation he is developing skills in fauna survey, EIS report writings with the Ecosure team. As a Biodiversity Assessment Method accredited assessor (BAAS 19043), Anthony has been conducting site surveys and developing Biodiversity Stewardship Agreements for a range of clients in NSW.
Mitch Horan/Ecologist
Mitch joined the Rockhampton Ecosure team as a field operative in 2014. In this diverse role Mitch assisted with revegetation of native flora, treatment and management of declared and environmental weed species, testing and sampling of water quality and management of fauna including spotter-catching practices. Mitch has since completed a Bachelor of Science at Central Queensland University, commenced as a Graduate Ecologist, and now moved into an Ecologist role.
Mitch displays excellent fauna and flora identification skills, is adept in safe 4WD operation, working in arduous conditions, exercising safety in the work place and is comfortable with labour intensive work. This skill set ensures Mitch is prepared and fit for all the requirements of Ecosure’s various clients.
Vanessa Cain/Environmental Scientist
Vanessa has over 10 years’ experience working with research organisations, government authorities and community groups undertaking a range of field-based, capacity building, and organisational activities. She has a particular interest in the integration of conservation and agriculture, and best practice management for threatened species in farming landscapes.
Vanessa has worked on multidisciplinary research projects in lowland river and wetland ecosystems monitoring the response of waterbirds, fish, frogs and vegetation to environmental water allocations. She has also been involved with monitoring the response of birds and invertebrates to ecological burning in natural and productive landscapes in south eastern NSW.
Vanessa has gained extensive experience in capacity building and landholder engagement working with stakeholders to achieve community and on-ground practice change to improve habitat and connectivity for a range of threatened woodland fauna. Vanessa was a volunteer committee member and surveyor with Cowra Woodland Birds Program, a long-running project collecting scientific data to monitor seasonal variation and population trends of woodland birds in the Cowra Shire of NSW.
Jennifer Young/Environmental Scientist
Jennifer has extensive flora and fauna survey experience conducted; during her time at Ecosure, throughout her studies at Southern Cross University, internship at Ecological Australia and various voluntary positions.
Jennifer has completed the biodiversity offsets scheme accredited assessors’ course and received accreditation. She has conducted assessments for both biodiversity stewardship agreements, biodiversity development assessment reports, streamlined and paddock tree assessments under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.
Jennifer assists with project administration, coordination of project logistics, scientific report writing and proposal preparation, QGIS mapping as well as data management and analysis. Jennifer is also involved in bird surveys, Elliot trapping, thermal imaging camera trapping, call-playback, spotlighting, flying-fox counts, microbat and SAT surveys on a number of projects.
Patrick Kehoe/Environmental Scientist
Patrick has steadily gained experience in surface and groundwater quality monitoring, ecological surveys, bushfire management, vegetation management, GIS mapping and compliance monitoring, whilst maintaining a volunteering schedule including numerous marine debris clean-ups, wildfire responses and prescribed burning.
Patrick first gained conservation experience working within a Green Army team in Byfield National Park and was subsequently hired as a temporary ranger by Byfield Parks and Wildlife. He is passionate about the protection and preservation of the environment whilst also supporting primary industries and development.
Patrick displays excellent flora identification skills, is adept in safe 4WD operation, working in arduous conditions, exercising safety in the work place and is comfortable with labour intensive work.
Adam Pavitt/Environmental Scientist
Adam joined Ecosure in 2014 and during this time has undertaken various field roles before being employed as a scientist. Previously Adam worked in the horticultural sector on biological pest control research and horticultural crop monitoring.
He has experience in conducting fish surveys, water quality sampling, aquatic and terrestrial habitat assessments, fauna surveys, fauna spotter catcher services, wildlife trapping and human-wildlife conflict. Adam has developed a strong focus in flying-fox management with an excellent working knowledge of flying-fox ecology and welfare.
Adam has assisted in the restoration of many vegetation types around South east Queensland including dune systems, riparian areas, wetlands, sclerophyll sites (wet and dry) and a range of rainforest types. He has also contributed to works on high value conservation sites around the wider Brisbane area.
Kalita Free/Environmental Scientist
Kalita is an Environmental Scientist with three years’ experience in the consulting industry. She has a background and strong interest in both aquatic science and balancing ecological and environmental conservation with sustainable land use. She has experience in conducting ecological desktop and field assessments, impact assessments, ecological reporting, spatial analysis and working with large datasets.
Kalita is proficient and experienced in geospatial analysis to assist in the interrogation and interpretation of ecological spatial datasets, mobile mapping, spatial analysis, modelling, database management, form creation and cartography.
Kade Slater/Environmental Scientist
Kade started work in the environmental sector in 2016 and has gathered a range of practical experience and knowledge in the four years since. Kade has worked for a private consultancy, the Mackay Regional Council and the Pioneer Catchment and Landcare Group.
Kade has experience in project management, threatened species monitoring (fauna), managing natural areas for wildlife values, bush regeneration (both practical and project management), pest management (flora & fauna), fauna spotter catcher, as well as educational works with landholders and students. Kade has worked from western Queensland in Boulia, to the gas fields on the Darling Downs, the tropical rainforests of far north Queensland, the central Queensland coast, as well as overseas in Borneo.
Cam Weetman/Southern Primary Field Officer
Cameron has been the Southern Primary Field Supervisor for the wildlife team for over eight years.
Cameron has ongoing experience working with NGOs in the Southern Philippines involving Watershed Protection, Best Agricultural Practices and working with Indigenous groups who live within the watershed. This includes managing a range of wildlife-human conflict situations throughout south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales for local government, industry and private stakeholders.
Cameron has a passion for natural area regeneration, and is a valued member of the Vegetation Management Team. Cam’s cross-disciplinary experience makes him ideal for wildlife management projects.
Michael Longly/Wildlife Field Officer
Michael has 10 years' experience assisting with wildlife and vegetation management projects in the field. He also has over 15 years' of tree climbing experience. He has been heavily involved in wildlife population management projects such as the South East Qld and northern NSW ibis management program, and pest animal management at Gold Coast Airport.
Shweta Rathee/GIS Developer
Shweta has extensive experience in Geographical Information Systems including the interrogation and interpretation of spatial data integration and analysis, database management, and cartography.
Shweta is an experienced GIS specialist with applications in environmental decision-making, natural resource management and conservation planning. Shweta has a strong analytical background with a vast array of GIS mapping skills from which to draw, including model building, mobile-mapping technology, aerial photograph interpretation and satellite image analysis.
Her focus has been on providing mapping and data for both internal and external clients to meet standards, specifications, guidelines or compliance requirements.
Colin Rainbird/Graduate Environmental Scientist
Colin is a Graduate Environmental Scientist working in the environmental industry since 2018. He has worked on a range of projects in this time, broadening his experience in various fields including flora identification, vegetation management, surface and groundwater sampling and vegetation surveys. Previously, he has worked in the IT industry where he had extensive experience in customer service and project management.
In addition to his experience working at Ecosure, Colin has been involved in other projects for organisations such as CQ University and Greening Australia on a paid and volunteer basis, gaining experience in field work and data collection.
Rachel Bycroft/Graduate Environmental Scientist
New to Ecosure, Rachel started in July 2019. Previous casual consulting experience with Red Sand Ecology based in south east Queensland. Duties included fauna spotter catching, water monitoring, erosion and sediment control auditing and soil sample collection.
Majority of experience comes from academic and research industry. Taught statistics, hydrology and geomorphology at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Worked as a research assistant on various marine and coastal based projects, such as; Crown of Thorns (COTS) histology and chemosensory lab work, turtle nest site selection, marine and estuarine underwater surveys, and coastal raptor/ scavenger surveys using different camera trapping methods, coastal hyper-spatial drone mapping. Conducts coral health surveys in personal time for Coral Watch, and turtle nesting surveys for the Biocollect database.
Particular interest in marine/ coral, remote sensing, GIS, and coastal related projects.
Ellie Kirke/Graduate Wildlife Biologist
Ellie joined the Ecosure wildlife team in July 2019 after receiving first class honours from the University of Queensland for her study on the northern quoll on Groote Eylandt. She has extensive experience surveying and monitoring wildlife populations across Australia, including in the Northern Territory, South East Queensland, South Victoria and East Gippsland. Prior to starting at Ecosure, Ellie undertook an internship at the Conservation Ecology Centre in Cape Otway, where she gained knowledge of conservation practices, threatened species monitoring techniques, fire ecology and feral species management. Her additional experience comes from volunteering and working for organisations including Wildlife Unlimited and the University of Queensland (Hidden Vale Wildlife Centre).
Ellie holds a strong passion for threatened species conservation and wildlife health and is currently expanding her knowledge in these areas through a postgraduate degree at Murdoch University. Since being at Ecosure, she has also developed a keen interest in human-wildlife conflict management and has contributed to projects involving flying-foxes, black-backed gulls, dingoes, macropods, ibis and seagulls.
Erin Greatbatch/Field Supervisor
Having recently re-joined the Ecosure team, Erin originally started with Ecosure in 2014 as a casual field officer. During this time, Erin undertook projects involving bush regeneration, weed and pest management, plant survey reports, environmental management services, fauna spotter catching, water quality testing and provided technical advice when required. With re-joining the Ecosure team in 2020, Erin now oversees and actively carries out all field operations in the Central Queensland team.
During her time away from Ecosure, Erin went on to work as a Ranger with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service in Airlie Beach, Agnes Water and Byfield bases. General duties in this role included organising and overseeing contractors required for field projects and statutory maintenance completion, pest and weed management programs, planned burn operations and wildfire assistance, endangered species capture-tag-release programs, facility construction and maintenance, visitor engagement, educational talks and active involvement with compliance duties as an authorised officer under the relevant legislation.
Allissa George/Bush Regeneration Supervisor
Allissa joined Ecosure with over 12 years’ experience in ecological restoration and 8 years’ experience in team supervision. Her experience spans a range of vegetation types requiring a number of approaches to ecological restoration including assisted regeneration, reconstruction works, planting and maintenance.
Ashley Cooper/Bush Regeneration Supervisor
Ashley has worked with Ecosure from the beginning of 2017 having previously worked as a supervisor on a wide range of ecological restoration projects throughout the Gold Coast. Ashley has a passion for ecological restoration and has built his diverse and well-rounded skills set quickly. He understands how to manage and continue to restore a vast array of SEQ sites and always puts in the effort to learn and understand new principles.
Ashley continues to build his knowledge of SE Qld flora and his high level of curiosity means he already has high level identification skills. His knowledge and experience of restoration principles, approaches, ecosystems and how and where to intervene on a site, together with his passion for ecosystem recovery and strong communication skills, has resulted in him being a highly valued team member.
Josh Kennish/Bush Regenerator
Josh joined Ecosure in 2015 to continue growing his experience and skills in the environmental field. Josh has advanced skills in weed control at all scales and over the last two years has gained considerable expertise in the identification of plants and habitat types. His knowledge of the bush and wood, has been a great foundation to improving his experience in ecological restoration, understanding a range of ecosystems and how they recover.
Michelle Rozynski/Bush Regeneration Supervisor
After Michelle graduated with a Diploma in Environmental Management, she decided that the biggest place she could make a positive difference to our environment was via the delivery of ecological restoration. She then joined a Green Army team to set those goals in motion.
She joined the Ecosure team in 2015 and has worked full time in the Brisbane team since. She has quickly gained knowledge in the identification of plants and is passionate about applying the full range of ecological restoration solutions including assisted regeneration and revegetation and has developed sound skills in the maintenance of a large diversity of sites across the wider Brisbane region.
Richard Lloyd/Bush Regeneration Supervisor
Richard is an active member of Ecosure's Ecological Restoration Team, and has completed his Cert III and has obtained his ACDC certification.
Richard has experience in project management and health and safety including creating Safe Work Instructions to comply with Australian Standards.
Simon Grant/Bush Regeneration Supervisor
Simon had been working with Ecosure's SE Qld Ecological Restoration Team since the beginning of 2017, having previously worked in the Coffs Harbour area undertaking natural area restoration and management. Simon has moved back to his old stomping ground, now leading Ecosure's Ecological Restoration Team in Coffs Harbour since early 2020. Simon’s passion for the environment has also lead him to undertake volunteering with local Landcare and bush regeneration groups.
Simon is passionate about applying the full range of ecological restoration solutions. Simon continues to build on his experience in restoration of large complex sites with a focus on assisted regeneration and revegetation. Simon has developed sound skills in the maintenance of a large diversity of sites across the wider South-East Queensland region and northern New South Wales.
Barb Veal-Sinclair/Bush Regenerator
Barb is an enthusiastic and highly dedicated bush regenerator who has been in the industry for 8 years. She joined Ecosure in late 2018.
Barb continues to build on knowledge of SE Qld flora and is passionate about habitat restoration and being able to apply a range of techniques to support local and migratory fauna. She has experience in applying a range of restoration solutions including assisted regeneration and revegetation.
Barb is a volunteer for Turtlecare and is an active member for Coolum Coast Care.
Nicole Chaplin/HR Coordinator
With over 6 years’ experience in Human Resources across Financial, Information Technology, Emergency Services and Health Industries (within Australia and internationally), Nicole’s key responsibility is to provide effective, efficient and timely generalist human resource and industrial relations advice and support to managers and staff across Ecosure and Avisure.
Nicole also supports workplace health and safety requirements in relation to WorkCover, assisting with incident investigations and managing the return to work process.
Shelly Armstrong/Office/Project Administrator
Shelly has over 9 years’ experience in Safety, Health, Training and Environment Administration for the Mining and Refined Sugar Industries.
Since joining Ecosure in 2016, Shelly’s key responsibilities include administrative support for all consultants, project coordination, logistics, budgeting and tracking of projects to provide up-to-date information; invoicing and formatting of reports.
Noela Hamilton/Senior Project Administrator
Noela has over 12 years' experience with Ecosure, providing high level administrative support for all consultants. She has stepped into the roles of acting operations manager and acting regional manager when needed.
Noela’s key responsibilities include project coordination and logistics, budgeting and tracking of projects to provide up-to-date information; invoicing and formatting of reports.
Jenna McClean/Project Administrator
Jenna has over 14 years of experience in administrative support across various service industries, with a focus on finance and process development.
Jenna’s key responsibilities include administrative support for all consultants, project coordination, logistics, budgeting and tracking of projects to provide up-to-date information; invoicing and formatting of reports.
Sandy Toland/Finance Manager
Sandy has been with Ecosure since 2016 and is the Finance Manager. Sandy has previous held the role of Finance Administrator and Executive Assistant to the General Manager and Operations Manager. She brings with her a strong background in Finance and Administration across various industries as well as excellent organisational skills .
Sandra Edmondston/Finance Officer
Sandra has over 15 years’ experience in Finance/Accounting in various industries. Since joining Ecosure in 2019, Sandra’s key responsibilities include accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, BAS, Payroll Tax, Super, monthly reconciliations of all accounts and management of fleet vehicles. And much more.
Erin Marsh/Executive Assistant
Erin provides high level executive administrative support to the General Manager, Operations Manager and the Executive Team. Erin is organised, efficient and passionate about implementing strategy and continually improving business processes. As an Environmental Science Graduate, Erin worked with Ecosure’s sister company, Avisure as a Project Support Officer and Graduate Wildlife Biologist specialising in Aviation Risk Management. In this role she was involved in scientific report writing, client liaison, field operations, data analysis and project administration and management. This provided an operational understanding of Ecosure at various levels that assists in her current role as Executive Assistant.
In her previous employment, Erin was involved in asbestos and hazardous material remediation and developed a safety, environmental and quality integrated management system which achieved third party certification. This experience instilled a strong risk management and compliance focus in her work.
- Phil ShawManaging Director
- Diane LanyonGeneral Manager
- Dr Jeff McKeeDirector - Research & Development
- Phill BracksOperations Manager
- Heather RichardsBusiness Process Manager / Senior Environmental Scientist
- James DavisWildlife Manager
- Nigel CotsellCoffs Harbour Manager / Senior Ecologist
- Jen FordPrincipal Restoration Ecologist
- Dr Natalie ToonSenior Environmental Scientist / SEQ Environmental Services Manager
- Paul WilemanCQ Regional Manager
- Cameron RadfordSenior Ecologist / Sydney Regional Manager
- Michael O’GradyRegional Project Coordinator
- Dr Con LokkersPrincipal Ecologist
- Jess BracksPrincipal Wildlife Biologist
- Ronel JitSouthern Australia Regional Manager / Principal Environmental Scientist
- Trudy ThompsonSenior Environmental Scientist
- Dr Rebecca DieteCQ Wildlife Services Team Leader
- Geoff SinclairSenior Botanist
- Jess BaglinSenior Environmental Scientist
- Julie WhelanSenior Environmental Scientist
- James TallantSenior Wildlife Biologist
- Emily HatfieldSenior Wildlife Biologist
- Duncan SmithOperations Manager - Ecological Restoration
- Ian RobertsSenior Restoration Ecologist
- Matthew McPhersonCentral Queensland Vegetation Team Leader
- Dr Katrin LoweEcologist
- Ben GunstonWildlife Field Team Leader
- Bob JohnstonEcologist
- Tim CallaghanEcologist
- Anthony JarvisEcologist
- Mitch HoranEcologist
- Vanessa CainEnvironmental Scientist
- Jennifer YoungEnvironmental Scientist
- Patrick KehoeEnvironmental Scientist
- Adam PavittEnvironmental Scientist
- Kalita FreeEnvironmental Scientist
- Kade SlaterEnvironmental Scientist
- Cam WeetmanSouthern Primary Field Officer
- Michael LonglyWildlife Field Officer
- Shweta RatheeGIS Developer
- Colin RainbirdGraduate Environmental Scientist
- Rachel BycroftGraduate Environmental Scientist
- Ellie KirkeGraduate Wildlife Biologist
- Erin GreatbatchField Supervisor
- Allissa GeorgeBush Regeneration Supervisor
- Ashley CooperBush Regeneration Supervisor
- Josh KennishBush Regenerator
- Michelle RozynskiBush Regeneration Supervisor
- Richard LloydBush Regeneration Supervisor
- Simon GrantBush Regeneration Supervisor
- Barb Veal-SinclairBush Regenerator
- Nicole ChaplinHR Coordinator
- Shelly ArmstrongOffice/Project Administrator
- Noela HamiltonSenior Project Administrator
- Jenna McCleanProject Administrator
- Sandy TolandFinance Manager
- Sandra EdmondstonFinance Officer
- Erin MarshExecutive Assistant