{"id":114,"date":"2025-03-13T08:14:32","date_gmt":"2025-03-13T08:14:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/?page_id=114"},"modified":"2025-08-28T18:07:34","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T08:07:34","slug":"sera-board","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/sera-board\/","title":{"rendered":"SERA Board"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"671\" src=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-28-at-6.02.40\u202fPM-1024x671.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-455\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-28-at-6.02.40\u202fPM-1024x671.png 1024w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-28-at-6.02.40\u202fPM-300x197.png 300w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-28-at-6.02.40\u202fPM-150x98.png 150w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-28-at-6.02.40\u202fPM-768x503.png 768w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-28-at-6.02.40\u202fPM-1536x1007.png 1536w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-28-at-6.02.40\u202fPM-450x295.png 450w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-28-at-6.02.40\u202fPM-600x393.png 600w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-28-at-6.02.40\u202fPM-1500x983.png 1500w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-28-at-6.02.40\u202fPM-1300x852.png 1300w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-28-at-6.02.40\u202fPM-400x262.png 400w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-28-at-6.02.40\u202fPM.png 1654w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">SERA CHAIRPERSON &#8211; ANITA THOMAS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Adelaide &#8211; South Australia<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Marine and coastal restoration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Project planning, management, monitoring and evaluation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Blue carbon, shellfish reefs, seagrass, protected areas, community engagement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Anita Thomas (Nedosyko) is the South Australian Oceans Program Coordinator for&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.natureaustralia.org.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Nature Conservancy<\/a>. Over the past 8 years, she has designed and managed the restoration of large-scale marine and coastal projects including shellfish reefs and coastal wetlands.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She is a marine biologist, a certified ecological restoration practitioner, and an associate lecturer at Flinders University. Anita sits on the Parks and Wilderness Council providing strategic leadership on the protected area system in South Australia.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prior to joining The Nature Conservancy, she developed a clownfish breeding conservation program at Flinders University, was as an environmental consultant and worked for the Commonwealth Government as an environmental assessment officer for mining and offshore oil and gas development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/anitanedosyko\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"201\" src=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Anita-2024-1-300x201.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-154\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Anita-2024-1-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Anita-2024-1-1024x686.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Anita-2024-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Anita-2024-1-768x514.jpg 768w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Anita-2024-1-600x402.jpg 600w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Anita-2024-1-450x301.jpg 450w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Anita-2024-1-1300x871.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Anita-2024-1-400x268.jpg 400w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Anita-2024-1.jpg 1381w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR &#8211;&nbsp;<strong>BRUCE CLARKSON<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">New Zealand<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Independent reviewer of progress of New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Advisor to New Zealand restoration projects including: Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park, Hakarimata Restoration Trust, Maungatautari Ecological Island.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plant ecologist with main interests: Vegetation pattern, processes, and change (succession); Ecosystem Restoration and reconstruction; Autecology and conservation of threatened native plants.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Professor Bruce Clarkson ONZM is a restoration ecologist based at the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.waikato.ac.nz\/int\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">University of Waikato&nbsp;<\/a>in Hamilton, New Zealand. He has made significant contributions to conservation and restoration research and practice in his 40-year career. Bruce has produced over 223 publications on the ecology and restoration of New Zealand native plants and vegetation. He was a member, by appointment of the New Zealand Minister of Conservation, of the Interim Oversight Group for the Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy and the Wildlife Act Review Strategic Oversight Group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since 2016 Bruce has led \u2018People, Cities and Nature\u2019, a government funded research program focusing on restoring damaged or depleted indigenous ecosystems in urban environments. His research has guided biodiversity and restoration projects including the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/hamilton.govt.nz\/parks-recreation-and-community-spaces\/finding-walkways-and\/detail\/waiwhakareke-natural-heritage-park-walkway\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park<\/a>&nbsp;and Hamilton\u2019s Nature in the City Program, and he has contributed to many other North Island conservation and restoration projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He is currently Chair of the Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park Advisory Group, a trustee of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rotokare.org.nz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rotokare (Taranaki) Sanctuary<\/a>, and patron of the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/aongateteforest.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Aongatete Forest Restoration Trust<\/a>,&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtpirongia.org.nz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pirongia Te Aroaro o Kahu Restoration Society<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/bruce-clarkson-onzm-58408524\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"273\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Bruce-photo-273x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-153\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Bruce-photo-273x300.jpg 273w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Bruce-photo-930x1024.jpg 930w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Bruce-photo-136x150.jpg 136w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Bruce-photo-768x845.jpg 768w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Bruce-photo-1395x1536.jpg 1395w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Bruce-photo-450x495.jpg 450w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Bruce-photo-600x661.jpg 600w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Bruce-photo-1500x1651.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Bruce-photo-1300x1431.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Bruce-photo-400x440.jpg 400w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Bruce-photo.jpg 1785w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 273px) 100vw, 273px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">VICE-CHAIRPERSON &#8211; VERN NEWTON<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Perth, Western Australia<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Construction materials, quarrying and mining experience across Australia with several leading construction materials and mining companies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Operational, project management, logistical, marketing and human resources experience.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Advocacy with local, state and federal government and agencies.&nbsp;<br>Working with science to provide a link to industry for improved restoration outcomes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Completing best practice restoration of Banksia woodland.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vern\u2019s areas of expertise include working for several construction material and mining companies in senior roles encompassing Operations, Logistics, Budgeting, Strategic Planning and Marketing within the Kimberley, Pilbara, South West, Goldfields and Metropolitan area of Western Australia and Australia as a whole.&nbsp; He has been involved in driving sustainable policies within corporate organisations including developing Energy Management Policy for a large Australian construction materials company, which resulted in the company being the first sign up for the Australian Greenhouse Challenge with the Federal Government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With Rocla, Vern engaged with research institutes to help achieve partnerships between industry and science so that a higher standard of restoration is achieved on the ground, resulting in several environmental awards including two Golden Geckos. Additionally, Vern liaises with government (both Federal and State) and regulatory bodies regarding the benefits of restoration to ensure restoration principles are a key focus for government so that development occurs in a sustainable manner and net increases in habitat begin to occur. With the acquisition of Rocla Quarry Products by&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hanson.com.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hanson&nbsp;Construction Materials<\/a>&nbsp;(Australia), Vern continued his work in the resource development field with Hanson, and now also holds the role of National Property Manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/vern-newton-1a9310bb\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-default\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"214\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Vern-photo-214x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-245\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Vern-photo-214x300.jpg 214w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Vern-photo-731x1024.jpg 731w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Vern-photo-107x150.jpg 107w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Vern-photo-768x1076.jpg 768w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Vern-photo-1097x1536.jpg 1097w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Vern-photo-1462x2048.jpg 1462w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Vern-photo-450x630.jpg 450w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Vern-photo-600x840.jpg 600w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Vern-photo-1500x2101.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Vern-photo-1300x1821.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Vern-photo-400x560.jpg 400w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Vern-photo.jpg 1773w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 214px) 100vw, 214px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">SECRETARY &#8211; MICHAEL JUST<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Perth, Western Australia<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Michael is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the Restoration Ecology Group at&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Curtin University<\/a>. Michael\u2019s research interests include seed physiology, ecology, and ex situ propagation to better inform restoration practice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Committed to advancing ecological restoration and sustainability, Michael collaborates with various stakeholders, including government bodies, community groups, and industry partners. His work on the board of SERA emphasises promoting best practices in restoration ecology, fostering community engagement, and enhancing education in environmental stewardship.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/michael-just-827259134\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/MJUSTheadshot-224x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-213\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/MJUSTheadshot-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/MJUSTheadshot-764x1024.jpg 764w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/MJUSTheadshot-112x150.jpg 112w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/MJUSTheadshot-768x1029.jpg 768w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/MJUSTheadshot-1146x1536.jpg 1146w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/MJUSTheadshot-450x603.jpg 450w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/MJUSTheadshot-600x804.jpg 600w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/MJUSTheadshot-1500x2011.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/MJUSTheadshot-1300x1743.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/MJUSTheadshot-400x536.jpg 400w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/MJUSTheadshot.jpg 1504w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 224px) 100vw, 224px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">TREASURER &#8211; HILLARY SMITH<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Townsville, Queensland<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Coral-algal interactions&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Genomics of coral health and adaptation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reef restoration, carbon sequestration and circular economy-based biomaterials<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Citizen science<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hillary is a Senior Research Scientist at&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jcu.edu.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">James Cook University<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her research focusses on low-cost and low-tech coral reef restoration techniques that can achieve scale through community action. She is particularly passionate about developing methods that can translate to remote and developing island nations with limited resources for ecosystem management.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She completed a Master of Science at James Cook University, a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate at Columbia University (USA), and a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Washington University in St Louis (USA). She changed careers into science after witnessing the environmental harm of the fashion industry, leaving New York City for Townsville, Queensland.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hillary worked for a short time as a mine site environmental compliance officer in Queensland, and this experience gave her valuable insight into restoration policy, as well as an interest in how land-based management could be translated to marine environments.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More broadly, Hillary\u2019s research interests include coral-algal interactions and genomics of coral health and adaptation. She has a developing interest in the intersection of citizen science, reef restoration, carbon sequestration and circular economy-based biomaterials.&nbsp;Her personal website can be viewed&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hillaryasmith.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/hillary-smith-a41b211a\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Hillaryinfield_large-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-203\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Hillaryinfield_large-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Hillaryinfield_large-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Hillaryinfield_large-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Hillaryinfield_large-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Hillaryinfield_large-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Hillaryinfield_large-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Hillaryinfield_large-2000x1334.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Hillaryinfield_large-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Hillaryinfield_large-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Hillaryinfield_large-1500x1000.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Hillaryinfield_large-1300x867.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Hillaryinfield_large-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">GENERAL BOARD MEMBER &#8211; JEN FORD<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Brisbane, Queensland<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Highly experienced practitioner (26 years) with advanced site assessment skills and ability to apply a range of restoration approaches on a wide range of ecosystem and habitat types.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Successfully worked across sectors in a range of roles including state and local government, not-for-profit and private.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Well-developed communication skills including teaching and training.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High level skills in linking science with practice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strategic thinker with high level skills connecting strategy, policy and practice.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Develops and leads multi-disciplinary teams to achieve successful restoration planning, on-ground works, monitoring and reporting.&nbsp;<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jen is a highly experienced ecological restoration practitioner who has worked in a range of positions including as a bush regenerator; a TAFE teacher; a senior officer in local government and most recently in the private sector where she developed a team from 4 people to 84 people over 11 years including restoration practitioners across south-east Queensland and a team of consultants.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her experience includes successfully applying a range of ecological restoration approaches such as natural regeneration, assisted regeneration and reconstruction techniques such as planting across a wide range of ecosystems.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jen and her teams have successfully planned and delivered restoration at scale while working with a wide range of stakeholders to assist ongoing monitoring and management of sites. She has designed and developed environmental education programs, delivered accredited training and continues to work hard to improve standards in ecological restoration, large scale weed control, threatened species management and restoration planning.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jen\u2019s leadership qualities combined with her passion for healing nature and connecting (or re-connecting) people with our environment, has resulted in her sitting on national committees to improve training and the SERA Board for more than 11 years to advance our strategic vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jen-ford-47248178\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"189\" src=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Jen-ford-1-300x189.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-249\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Jen-ford-1-300x189.jpg 300w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Jen-ford-1-1024x646.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Jen-ford-1-150x95.jpg 150w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Jen-ford-1-768x485.jpg 768w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Jen-ford-1-1536x969.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Jen-ford-1-2048x1292.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Jen-ford-1-2000x1262.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Jen-ford-1-450x284.jpg 450w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Jen-ford-1-600x379.jpg 600w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Jen-ford-1-1500x947.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Jen-ford-1-1300x820.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Jen-ford-1-400x252.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE &#8211; BRUNO FOGLIANI<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">New Caledonia<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Seed ecophysiology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Revegetation of mining degraded land on ultramafic rocks and of dry forests<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conservation biology of New Caledonian vegetations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In vitro research dedicated to rare plants&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bruno is an Assistant Professor at the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/unc.nc\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">University of New Caledonia<\/a>&nbsp;and previously Deputy Director of the New Caledonian Agronomic Institute. He is involved in the coordination of several research programs engaged with New Caledonian Institutions as well as with Mining Industries dedicated to conservation, revegetation and\/or ecological restoration.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His scientific interests focus on ecology of seed used for ecological restoration of mining site in New Caledonia. He has developed research programs on hyperaccumulator plants to understand their ecophysiology from seed to adult plant in relation with microorganisms (mycorrhizal fungus and\/or bacteria). Bruno has participated in phytomining projects dedicated to the use of this kind of plant for revegetation of degraded mining sites and for utilisation of the metal contained in their leaves for green chemistry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bruno has co-organised international workshops in New Caledonia dedicated to &#8220;seed ecology&#8221; in 2010 and to \u201cthe conservation of the floristic biodiversity in New Caledonia\u201d in 2012. In 2014, as a member of the Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia, he organised the 2nd International Conference in Noumea (17-21 November). He is member of the ISES, the SCB, the ISSS and of the French Seed Biology Network.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Brunophotoofficiellereduite-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-177\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Brunophotoofficiellereduite-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Brunophotoofficiellereduite-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Brunophotoofficiellereduite-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Brunophotoofficiellereduite-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Brunophotoofficiellereduite-450x675.jpg 450w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Brunophotoofficiellereduite-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Brunophotoofficiellereduite-400x600.jpg 400w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Brunophotoofficiellereduite.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">GENERAL BOARD MEMBER &#8211; VALERIE HAGGER<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Brisbane, Queensland<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coastal ecosystems&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Worked as an ecological consultant for over 12 years<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Skilled in linking science with practice<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SER2023 Program Chair, SERA2018 conference organiser<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Representative of Australia\u2019s Restoration Decade Alliance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pacific representative &#8211; SER<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Valerie is an ecologist and conservation scientist based at The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uq.edu.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">University of Queensland<\/a>, Australia. Her research on ecological restoration has provided science to underpin strategies to improve restoration for nature and people, such as her papers on what motivates restoration, how to improve restoration success, and how to achieve carbon and biodiversity co-benefits.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her current research informs coastal wetland conservation and restoration by identifying drivers of ecosystem change, opportunities for restoration, benefits for biodiversity and carbon abatement and assisting in carbon method development to incentivise restoration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a UN Ocean Decade Action, her AXA-UNESCO research fellowship is exploring how community- and Indigenous-based management of mangrove forests can enhance their conservation and restoration.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She leads research projects on developing biodiversity assessment methods for coastal wetland restoration, assessing the feasibility of coastal wetland restoration for blue carbon with Indigenous groups and local governments, and characterising carbon abatement and biodiversity enhancements from controlling feral ungulates in wetlands.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Valerie has co-authored international Best Practice Guidelines on Mangrove Restoration. She has 20 years of industry and research experience in environmental management, biodiversity conservation, and ecological restoration, and is the Pacific representative for the international&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ser.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Society for Ecological Restoration<\/a>&nbsp;(SER) and a representative of Australia\u2019s Restoration Decade Alliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/valeriehagger\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/ValarieHphoto-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-244\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/ValarieHphoto-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/ValarieHphoto-684x1024.jpg 684w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/ValarieHphoto-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/ValarieHphoto-768x1150.jpg 768w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/ValarieHphoto-1026x1536.jpg 1026w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/ValarieHphoto-1368x2048.jpg 1368w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/ValarieHphoto-450x674.jpg 450w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/ValarieHphoto-600x898.jpg 600w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/ValarieHphoto-1300x1947.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/ValarieHphoto-400x599.jpg 400w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/ValarieHphoto.jpg 1381w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">GENERAL BOARD MEMBER &#8211; MARTIN BREED<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Adelaide, South Australia<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Holding the position of Associate Professor, Martin is a scholar of restoration ecology, ecosystem health, and genomics at&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.flinders.edu.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Flinders University<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His career highlights include working with the UN and WHO on the links between biodiversity and human health via the microbiome, serving as a patron for the IUCN Species Survival Commission, and teaching amazingly resilient and optimistic students during COVID-19.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Martin runs a close-knit research group that develops solutions to pressing global environmental and societal issues. Examples of their work include working on optimising biodiverse urban green spaces to maximise human health and biodiversity; pioneering the use of genomics to improve ecosystem restoration; and harnessing the power of plant-microbe interactions to improve ecosystem outcomes under global change.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Martin is a passionate university educator and science communicator who aims to enable the next generation to turn around the global environmental tide from decline and degradation to repair and restoration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/martin-breed-6b220b36\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"260\" src=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Martinpic-300x260.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-212\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Martinpic-300x260.png 300w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Martinpic-1024x886.png 1024w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Martinpic-150x130.png 150w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Martinpic-768x665.png 768w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Martinpic-1536x1329.png 1536w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Martinpic-450x389.png 450w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Martinpic-600x519.png 600w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Martinpic-1500x1298.png 1500w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Martinpic-1300x1125.png 1300w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Martinpic-400x346.png 400w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Martinpic.png 1604w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">GENERAL BOARD MEMBER &#8211; CAROLYN J. EINIG<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Sunshine Coast, Queensland<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Native forest recovery&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stream and riparian health&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Biodiversity corridors&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Climate change mitigation&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stakeholder inclusivity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Carolyn is Director of Lifezone Ecological. She has over 15 years of experience working on ecosystem restoration projects in Australia, New Zealand, and North America.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her skill set has been shaped by academic research and professional consulting in biological evaluations, environmental impact assessments, mitigation planning, restoration design, implementation, monitoring, and regulatory compliance. Carolyn\u2019s background includes natural disaster planning and recovery from drought, fires, earthquakes, and flooding.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She holds a Master of Resource Science from the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.une.edu.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">University of New England<\/a>&nbsp;in New South Wales, Australia, and a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management from&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.colostate.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Colorado State University<\/a>. She conducted research on freshwater wetlands of eastern Australia under a PhD scholarship, and was appointed as an adjunct professional fellow with the Landscape Hydrogeochemistry Group at&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.scu.edu.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Southern Cross University<\/a>GeoScience.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Carolyn served the SER board of directors nearly 10 years ago as Rocky Mountain Region Representative of North America. She has served various NGOs throughout her career including the Society for Conservation Biology, the Colorado Riparian Association, Nature Conservancy, and Wildlife Information and Rescue Service. She is passionate about inspiring her 8-year-old son and future generations to protect and restore the Earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/carolynjeinig\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/charolyn-e-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-183\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/charolyn-e-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/charolyn-e-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/charolyn-e-450x600.jpg 450w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/charolyn-e-400x533.jpg 400w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/charolyn-e.jpg 583w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">GENERAL BOARD MEMBER &#8211; DAMIEN COOK<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Based in north-central Victoria. Current restoration work is focused in the semi-arid zone in north-western Victoria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wetland restoration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grassland and woodland restoration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ecological monitoring (mostly birds, frogs and vegetation)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Damien (he\/him) is the Director and Senior Restoration Ecologist at the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/wetlandrevivaltrust.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wetland Revival Trust<\/a>. Damien has been a keen naturalist for 35 years and has developed a sound knowledge of flora and fauna ecology, identification, and habitat requirements.&nbsp;He&nbsp;is a recognised expert in wetland, riparian and terrestrial ecology, particularly in the factors affecting the establishment and management of aquatic and wetland plants, and the revegetation of terrestrial grassland and woodland ecosystems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Damien has been instrumental in planning and delivering some of the largest and most complex ecological restoration projects to date in Victoria including the 40-hectare Waterways Estate in Braeside, Southeast Melbourne. Damien won a Restoration Excellence Award from the Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia (SERA) in&nbsp;November 2016 for this work.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Involved in planning and implementing the restoration of 200 hectares of coastal park at the Victorian Desalination Plant, Wonthaggi (Victoria), he currently works with Traditional Owner groups restoring wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands in and around the Kerang Wetlands and Gunbower Island Ramsar sites in northern Victoria.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His current main interests are developing techniques to restore species-rich, macrophyte-dominated clear water wetlands from those that have become turbid and algae-dominated and restoring the tree canopy and carbon storage capacity in wetlands where this has been degraded by past poor water management practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Damien conducts training sessions and lectures on ecology and related subjects for universities,&nbsp;industry, and community groups and has been on numerous scientific advisory groups including \u2018Growling Grass Frog Technical Advisory Group\u2019 and&nbsp;\u2018Western Grassland Reserve Technical Advisory Group\u2019. Outside of Australia, Damien has worked on ecological restoration projects in Inner Mongolia and Timor Leste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/wetland-revival-trust\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"241\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Damien-headshot-241x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-189\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Damien-headshot-241x300.jpg 241w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Damien-headshot-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Damien-headshot-400x499.jpg 400w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Damien-headshot.jpg 402w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 241px) 100vw, 241px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">GENERAL BOARD MEMBER &#8211; PREETI CASTLE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Perth, Western Australia<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Strategic communications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stakeholder engagement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strategy development<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Preeti has extensive experience in building brand reputation and sustaining social licence through effective communication and stakeholder engagement.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Preeti works as the Strategic Engagement Director for&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/wabsi.org.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Western Australian Biodiversity Science Institute<\/a>(WABSI), developing strategies to build an engaged and informed stakeholder base, and to make scientific knowledge accessible and understood by end users of biodiversity science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Preeti\u2019s experience spans several international and national organisations across financial services, science, technology and environment, and established a niche consulting firm that specialised in developing strategies to communicate scientific and technological concepts with clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to being a SERA Board Member, Preeti holds the International Engagement portfolio on the National Council of the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.asc.asn.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Australian Science Communicators<\/a>&nbsp;and has previously as a Board Member and Deputy Chair of the Munda Biddi Trail Foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Preeti holds a B.A. in Communications, an M.B.A. from The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uwa.edu.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">University of Western Australia<\/a>&nbsp;and is a Graduate of the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aicd.com.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Australian Institute of Company Directors<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/preeti-castle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"292\" src=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/PreetiCastle4-300x292.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-232\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/PreetiCastle4-300x292.jpg 300w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/PreetiCastle4-1024x996.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/PreetiCastle4-150x146.jpg 150w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/PreetiCastle4-768x747.jpg 768w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/PreetiCastle4-1536x1494.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/PreetiCastle4-2048x1991.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/PreetiCastle4-2000x1945.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/PreetiCastle4-450x438.jpg 450w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/PreetiCastle4-600x583.jpg 600w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/PreetiCastle4-1500x1459.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/PreetiCastle4-1300x1264.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/PreetiCastle4-50x50.jpg 50w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/PreetiCastle4-400x389.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">GENERAL BOARD MEMBER &#8211; SHAUN KENNEDY<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Adelaide, South Australia<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Improving the practice of restoration to achieve functional habitats<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grassy woodlands, riparian woodlands, and seasonally inundated habitats<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Urban biodiversity projects<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shaun has worked at&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sawater.com.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SA Water<\/a>&nbsp;for over 20 years. He graduated from&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/adelaideuni.edu.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Adelaide University<\/a>&nbsp;with an Honours degree in Botany and Zoology and a Diploma in Project Management. He has over 20 years experience in the design and delivery of a broad range of ecological restoration projects comprising more than 1,100 hectares of water catchment and several prominent landscape installations featuring local indigenous flora. Shaun has a keen interest in improving the quality of ecological restoration efforts and urban biodiversity.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/shaun-kennedy-b8510b34\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"271\" src=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/HeadShot_ShaunKennedy-300x271.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-202\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/HeadShot_ShaunKennedy-300x271.jpg 300w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/HeadShot_ShaunKennedy-1024x924.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/HeadShot_ShaunKennedy-150x135.jpg 150w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/HeadShot_ShaunKennedy-768x693.jpg 768w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/HeadShot_ShaunKennedy-1536x1387.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/HeadShot_ShaunKennedy-2048x1849.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/HeadShot_ShaunKennedy-2000x1806.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/HeadShot_ShaunKennedy-450x406.jpg 450w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/HeadShot_ShaunKennedy-600x542.jpg 600w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/HeadShot_ShaunKennedy-1500x1354.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/HeadShot_ShaunKennedy-1300x1174.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/HeadShot_ShaunKennedy-400x361.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">GENERAL BOARD MEMBER &#8211; AARON EGER<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Sydney, New South Wales<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Marine restoration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kelp forests<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trophic interactions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aaron is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science at&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.unsw.edu.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">University of NSW<\/a>, Sydney. His work spans marine ecology, economics, science communication and kelp forest conservation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aaron\u2019s research has resulted in the:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>first ever&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/kelpforestalliance.com\/TNC-KFA-Kelp-Guidebook-2022.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kelp Restoration Guidebook<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>first ever analysis of the global value of kelp forests, and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the first comprehensive review of kelp forest restoration across 300 years of practice.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He is also the Founder and Program Director of the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/kelpforestalliance.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kelp Forest Alliance<\/a>, a global community of practice and home of the Kelp Forest Challenge, a mission to protect and restore 4 million hectares of kelp forests by 2040.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/aaron-eger-9b0b8468\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/AaronCrayweed-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/AaronCrayweed-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/AaronCrayweed-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/AaronCrayweed-100x150.jpg 100w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/AaronCrayweed-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/AaronCrayweed-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/AaronCrayweed-450x675.jpg 450w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/AaronCrayweed-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/AaronCrayweed-400x600.jpg 400w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/AaronCrayweed.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE &#8211;&nbsp;<strong>CHRISSI CHARLES<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">University of Melbourne, Victoria<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Grassland and Grassy Woodland Restoration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vegetation ecology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spatial mapping<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chrissi is an Early Career Vegetation Ecologist who focuses on conservation, ecosystem management and ecosystem restoration. Since graduating with a Bachelor of Plant Ecology in 2017, Chrissi has worked across a wide variety of roles including as a researcher for the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.abc.net.au\/gardening\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ABC\u2019s Gardening Australia<\/a>, as an ecological restoration practitioner at Merri Creek Management Committee, and as a research assistant contributing to vegetation assessments, monitoring and data compilation at the University of Melbourne. Chrissi is currently completing her Masters in Ecosystem Management and Conservation at the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.unimelb.edu.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">University of Melbourne<\/a>&nbsp;and working as a vegetation ecologist and GIS technician at EcoFutures consulting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/chrissi-charles-4b9995175\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Chrissi-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-184\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Chrissi-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Chrissi-150x112.jpg 150w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Chrissi-450x337.jpg 450w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Chrissi-600x449.jpg 600w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Chrissi-400x299.jpg 400w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Chrissi.jpg 751w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE &#8211;&nbsp;<strong>CHRISTIAN MILLER-SABBIONI<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">University of Western Australia and Curtin University, Western Australia<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cultural and ethical best practice<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Indigenous knowledge<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conservation and restoration science<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Christian is a Research Assistant working at the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/archealingcountry.com.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ARC Training Centre for Healing Country<\/a>. He is a Whadjuk and Ballardong Nyoongar man, currently studying Philosophy, Political Science, and International Relations at the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uwa.edu.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">University of Western Australia<\/a>. His research interests are focussed on what constitutes ethical best practice when working in conjunction with Indigenous Australians, specifically in the conservation and restoration science paradigm. Christian\u2019s other interests include the synthesising of Indigenous Ecological Knowledge with Western Science and the Philosophy of Science.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Christian-new-scaledphoto-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-185\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Christian-new-scaledphoto-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Christian-new-scaledphoto-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Christian-new-scaledphoto-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Christian-new-scaledphoto-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Christian-new-scaledphoto-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Christian-new-scaledphoto-450x600.jpg 450w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Christian-new-scaledphoto-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Christian-new-scaledphoto-1500x2000.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Christian-new-scaledphoto-1300x1733.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Christian-new-scaledphoto-400x533.jpg 400w, https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/files\/2025\/03\/Christian-new-scaledphoto.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>SERA CHAIRPERSON &#8211; ANITA THOMAS Adelaide &#8211; South Australia Anita Thomas (Nedosyko) is the South Australian Oceans Program Coordinator for&nbsp;The Nature Conservancy. Over the past 8 years, she has designed [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":56,"featured_media":263,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-114","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/114","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/56"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=114"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/114\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/263"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chapter.ser.org\/australasia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=114"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}