Learn more about our staff

A Bachelor of Environmental Science with a focus on botany and ecology set Drew on the conservation path early on, first centred on soil and water before shifting to biodiversity conservation in the last 25-plus years. Drew’s passion is the incredible coast, river and bushland of the Margaret River region. His experience includes local government, private consulting, ecotourism and outdoor education. But he relishes Nature Conservation’s focus on collaboration with partners including community, schools, businesses and philanthropic groups. Drew “thoroughly loves” the opportunity to build understanding, connection and engagement with our landscape and biodiversity, and says it’s an honour to be part of Nature Conservation’s passionate team of staff, board, advisors and supporters.

Cass’ many talents and skills are spread in several roles and projects across Nature Conservation, including as Program Manager and Biodiversity Officer coordinating our biodiversity assessments for land holders. She has more than two decacdes experience working in environmental management with a focus on waterway and bushland assessment, protection and restoration. Cass has previously been the coordinator of Nature Conservation when it was called the Cape to Cape Catchments Group, and has authored the Boodjidup, Wilyabrup and Quinninup river action plans. She brings a wealth of experience in the Capes landscape and the community.

Before settling in her beloved Witchcliffe township with her family, Jodie spent many years galivanting around the world managing the production of documentaries and producing film installations for artists. These were screened in art galleries and museums worldwide. She produced a number of site-specific artworks (film & sculpture) on country for treasured Australian artists and enjoyed the intricacies of researcher roles within her work on factual content. While working in the film industry, her personal projects were centred around sustainability, landcare and community. She’s studied waste management, permaculture, ‘change-making’ and thrives in community engagement. Jodie’s role at Nature Conservation is about people, shared learnings, connection and collective action.

Peta sees nature as an intricate web of connections between people, place and the environment. Growing up in the South-West, her outdoor childhood fostered a deep appreciation for the land and community. With a degree in environmental restoration and postgraduate studies in education, Peta has worked across WA in government, not-for-profit and private sectors with roles in threatened species conservation, ecological restoration and natural resource management. At Nature Conservation, Peta leads initiatives that enhance ecological health while engaging the community in hands-on conservation. Her expertise includes strategic weed management, revegetation planning, biodiversity assessments, mapping and stakeholder collaboration.

Trev spent two decades as a journalist covering state and national news for newspapers across Australia. He did stints as a London-based travel writer, worked at an animal rehabilitation centre in the Costa Rican jungles, and is a surf-travel magazine correspondent. Trev fell in love with Margaret River’s epic nature, incredible biodiversity and raw Indian Ocean. At Nature Conservation, he writes media releases, blog posts and new stories, shapes campaigns, posts on socials, looks after photography and website updates, and keeps the community informed of the work we do. In his spare time, he’s a hiking guide on the Cape to Cape Track, runs the Edible Gardens Festival, grows his own produce and teaches permaculture.

Mandy has been protecting the beautiful local environment for two decades. Her first job out our uni was with the Cape to Cape Catchments Group, and nearly 20 years later she’s returned to the same group which is now Nature Conservation Margaret River Region. In between, she spent seven years working for the City of Busselton and Meelup Regional Park Management Committee. After taking time out to have kids, she volunteered with community groups and delved into placemaking (or community-led design creating vibrant places for people). In her spare time you’ll find Mandy exploring, learning, connecting, being active in nature and bringing up her two energetic young boys.

Since dipping a toe into the environmental space as a koala ‘wrangler’ on Kangaroo Island, Ben has enjoyed developing his bushland conservation craft over 20 years across private, local and state government sectors. A seasoned native seed collector, he will often be out and about boring his kids with useless titbits in the hope they too will jump on the green bandwagon. With over a decade of environmental service provision in the South-west region, Ben has joined the biodiversity team to support the ongoing success of the Arum Lily Blitz. He’s a very welcome addition to the Nature Conservation team!

Kathi grew up in Germany but Margaret River has been her home since 2002 after she fell in love with the forests and coast while trail running and hiking. To gain a deeper understanding with Australia’s environment, she completed a degree in environmental science. Earlier, Kathi completed a master’s degree in fine arts and her art focused on nature and the threats it faces. But she decided teaching was a more direct and impactful way to support people and nature, and she worked as a primary and secondary school teacher for 10 years. She says environmental education is vital, and loves presenting science in a way everyone can understand – and then feel empowered to act.

With a strong background in finance, including experience as a bank manager, Wah transitioned into the world of wine marketing and has since been deeply involved in the Margaret River region for more than 25 years. She loves the natural beauty and thriving wine industry, and is passionate about supporting conservation of our local natural resources. In her spare time you’ll find Wah frolicking in the ocean, walking scenic trails or indulging in a leisurely lunch at one of our wonderful wineries.