Our Team

Julie McLellan has been the Chief Executive Officer of Healthy Land and Water since its inception in 2013. Julie has over 25 years’ experience leading high-performance organisations and is an expert in waterway management, governance, strategy, risk and company finance.

Prior to her role at Healthy Land and Water, Julie held senior positions at Queensland Urban Utilities and Brisbane City Council and was responsible for portfolios including research and businesses development, innovation, service delivery and design.

Julie is passionate about improving the quality of landscapes and waterways in South East Queensland through strategic initiatives and productive partnerships. She understands the importance of collaboration and enjoys working closely with all levels of government,  industry groups and community members on initiatives that ensure South East Queensland is protected for future generations.

Dr Andrew O’Neill is Healthy Land and Water’s Chief Operating Officer. He is responsible for driving innovation and guiding Healthy Land and Water’s talented scientists and engineers as they work to improve South East Queensland’s environment. Andrew is an expert in sustainable urban water management and water sensitive urban design and is recognised globally for his innovative work in building leadership and technical skills in professionals and students.

Andrew has a proven track record of designing and delivering award-winning integrated water policy and water sensitive urban design projects and has researched and delivered projects in many countries around the world. Andrew is passionate about collaboration and utilising science to improve education, policy and services in the community.

In the role of Chief Financial Officer, Michele Clatworthy’s primary responsibility is to provide leadership and strategic advice to internal and external stakeholders and manage the deliverables of the financial services team.  Michele has over 25 years of executive and board level experience across the commercial and not for profit sectors. As well as Chief Financial Officer, she has previously acted as Company Secretary and National Strategic Advisor and Member of various Committees for the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS).

Michele is an expert at leading strategic development, governance frameworks and financial management and has a passion for supporting the considerable contributions of the not for profit sector.  She has represented the professional issues and needs of CPA members as a past a member of CPA Australia (QLD) commerce committee. She is also a volunteer director promoting improved social and emotional wellbeing outcomes for children.  As an experienced transformation leader who understands the importance of building empowered teams, Michele will apply her considerable business experience to Healthy Land and Waters’ strategic priorities to protect and enhance South East Queensland’s natural assets.

Michele has a Master of Business Administration, a Graduate Diploma in Applied Corporate Governance, a Bachelor of Business in Accountancy and is a Fellow of the CPA and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Dr Grace Muriuki is the Strategic Science Manager at Healthy Land and Water. As Strategic Science Manager, Grace provides a focal point for Healthy Land and Water’s scientific rigour, regional strategy, presence and growth in monitoring and research. She guides a significant portfolio of environmental research and practice for advancing natural resource management. Grace has a passion for the science strategy underpinning natural resource management, especially in a millennium of large and complex threats to sustainable development.

Grace holds a PhD in Geography, Planning and Environmental Management (University of Queensland), a Master of Science, and a Bachelor of Agriculture – Range Management (University of Nairobi, Kenya). She enjoys working with diverse stakeholder networks and is passionate about co-design and the application of science in policy and development. A trans-disciplinary researcher with quantitative, spatial, and social science qualifications, Grace has delivered projects and published widely on natural resources, sustainability, urbanisation, land use, food systems, migration, and energy.

Bringing over twenty years’ experience to the role, Grace has worked in a range of research, program, project management, and consulting roles. Prior to joining Healthy Land and Water she worked as a Research Fellow at the University of Queensland’s School of Agriculture and Food Science and Sustainable Minerals Institute and as a Program Manager at the University of Queensland’s Global Change Institute. She has held various roles at the Queensland Government’s Department of Environment and Resource Management and Crime and Corruption Commission and has worked as a Research Scientist at CSIRO. Before that, Grace had worked on resource and agriculture development projects in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Grace is a passionate volunteer in her professional domains, mentoring in culturally and linguistically diverse groups and in the community as a Rotarian.

Joel draws on over 20 years’ experience in the field of natural resource management across Queensland, having guided significant policy development and investment into coastal and catchment management by all levels of government as well as initiatives funded by philanthropic and commercial sectors.

He possesses a unique skillset and is experienced in bringing together scientists, government, First Nations, multi-national corporations, and community for effective policy, planning, business, and on-ground environmental restoration outcomes.

Passionate about empowering and supporting Traditional Owners to realise aspirations for Country, Joel has a track record of delivering holistic and transformative outcomes for landscapes through collaborative and effective partnership arrangements.

Shannon Mooney is Healthy Land and Water’s Team Leader for Knowledge Research. Shannon is responsible for driving innovation and working with Healthy Land and Water’s scientists and engineers to harness data and knowledge and use it to inform the next generation of natural resource management.

Shannon is an expert in data mapping, analysis and interpretation. He utilises his experience and knowledge to interpret complex data, and provides his findings to internal and external stakeholders which enables more insightful planning and decision-making.

Dr Emily Saeck is the Principal Scientist – Ecosystem Health Monitoring Program with Healthy Land and Water. This program monitors and models water quality, habitat condition, human health and social/economic benefits of waterways in South East Queensland. This research and data contributes to the annual Healthy Land and Water Report Card.

Dr Saeck has more than 15 years’ experience in marine science. Upon graduating with a degree in zoology and ecology, Dr Saeck joined Healthy Land and Water in 2004 to assist with the management of its science program and the development of science communication products.

In her role as Senior Scientist at Healthy Land and Water, Dr Wing (Iris) Tsoi monitors waterway condition in South East Queensland and is involved in developing the annual Healthy Land and Water Report Card.

Dr Tsoi has 15 years experience in aquatic ecosystem health. She has been responsible for various aquatic monitoring and research projects across South East Queensland and the Murray Darling Basin. Dr Tsoi specialises in the design and assessment of mechanisms that drive responses of water quality, ecosystem processes and biological patterns to different environmental pressures.

In 2014, Dr Tsoi completed her PhD in Freshwater Science and also maintains a research portfolio focusing on food webs, zooplankton and macroinvertebrate in freshwater ecosystems.

Maddie George is a Scientist – Ecology and Culture at Healthy Land and Water who specialises in project management, planning and policy support, data analysis and GIS mapping.

She provides support to several Healthy Land and Water initiatives including social and economic monitoring for the Ecosystem Health Monitoring Program, supporting Traditional Owner land and sea country management and the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation.

Maddie grew up in Central Queensland where she developed a passion for marine and coastal environments.

In 2019, Maddie completed a Bachelor of Applied Biology.

Dr Jack Coates-Marnane is a Scientist principally supporting the Ecosystem Health Monitoring Program (EHMP) and the production of the annual Report Card.

Jack has conducted applied research across waterways of South East Queensland to support improved natural resource management decision making. This has included research to improve our understanding of the frequency and impact of high-magnitude floods. He has also developed State of Environment Reports for the State of Victoria, while working for the Victorian Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability.

Jack completed a PhD at the Australian Rivers Institute in 2017 and holds a Bachelor of Marine Studies (Hons) from the University of Queensland.

Melissa Walker is a Scientist and Knowledge Innovations Officer at Healthy Land and Water. Melissa helps implement and manage Healthy Land and Water’s open data portal, which provides complex information in a clear and easy to understand format for clients and the community. She also works to support several Healthy Land and Water initiatives including Grazing BMP, the Environmental Health Monitoring Program, the South East Queensland Natural Resource Management Plan, citizen science, habitat modelling and fire management planning.

In 2011, Melissa completed a Bachelor of Environmental Management (Hons) in Sustainable Development.

Michael is a graduate scientist in the Knowledge Research team, providing support for the South East Queensland Natural Resource Management Plan, the Ecosystem Health Monitoring Program (EHMP), and Science Committee.

Michael is passionate about the law, environmental management and exercise. He enjoys understanding how the law works, how it effects people and how it manages natural resources. He studied law and science because he sees legal change as critical in protecting our environment.

Michael wants to see the law change to better protect and manage natural resources so they can be enjoyed for years to come.

Azrai Parish-Perandis is a Scientist in Healthy Land & Water’s Knowledge Research team.

With over three years’ experience, Az is an early professional who has proven track record in leading and supporting in successful ongoing environmental monitoring programs and assessments in Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Az has led and supported a variety of clients across a diverse range of programs, which has given him a broad skillset and understanding of environmental challenges.

He has led multi-year water monitoring programs and supported threatened species assessments, bio-condition assessments, land capability assessments and cultural heritage assessments.

Az holds a Bachelor of Science from QUT and has a passion for conserving and improving natural environmental and cultural values.

Rachael Nasplezes is a Team Leader – Climate Adaptation. Rachael leads the Water by Design Program and is a Senior Scientist specialising in behaviour change, co-design, strategic planning and stakeholder relations. With over 20 years’ experience in natural resource and catchment management and sustainable business development, Rachael is an expert in project delivery and strategic program integration and has a proven track record of managing projects and programs that improve the quality of waterways and communities across Queensland.

Rachael is passionate about collaboration and she works closely with government, industry, the community, and schools to drive innovative projects that deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits for Queensland. Rachael has worked around the world on various capacity-building initiatives and is a wildlife biologist by trade. She holds a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and has completed a New Venture Leadership Certificate from world-renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Glenn Browning is a Civil Engineer at Healthy Land and Water and an expert in stormwater management and water-sensitive urban design. Glenn has over 15 years’ experience in the water management industry and has worked on major projects including the Gold Coast Desalination Plant, the Brisbane River Flood Study, the Clem Jones Tunnel and the Brisbane River Flood Study.

Glenn is part of Healthy Land and Water’s Climate Adaptation team who primarily supports the delivery of the Water by Design program. Glenn works with the community and industry to encourage sustainable water management and develop innovative frameworks water-sensitive urban design. Glenn regularly leads training courses to showcase the benefits of sustainable waterways and he helps design, construct and manage community projects to restore waterways in South East Queensland.

Dr Samantha Lloyd is the manager of the Queensland Fire and Biodiversity Consortium (QFBC), a program administered by Healthy Land and Water. Dr Lloyd has 20 years’ experience in research and environmental management with a focus on ecology, entomology, bushfire, disaster recovery and natural resource management.

Sam has undertaken two stints as an Entomologist for the New Zealand Fire Ant Control Program and in 2009, Sam became the Coordinator of the Moreton Bay Oil Spill Environmental Restoration Program. Sam has a keen interest in land management, fire ecology, plant-insect interactions, weed and pest management and entomology.

Craig Welden is a Senior Scientist at Healthy Land and Water and the coordinator of the Queensland Fire and Biodiversity Consortium (QFBC), a program administered by Healthy Land and Water. Craig has worked in the Natural Areas Management field for over 25 years, developing extensive skills and knowledge in fire management, weed and pest control, restoration works, flora and fauna surveying and disaster management.

Craig holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science (Protected Area Management and Wilderness Reserves and Wildlife) from the University of Queensland. He is currently a volunteer firefighter with the Rural Fire Service Queensland and in his spare time enjoys the challenge of maintaining his family’s bushland property which is registered as part of the South East Queensland Land for Wildlife program.

Lisa Boyle is a Scientist in the Climate Adaptation team. Lisa holds a Masters in Environmental Management and a Graduate Certificate in Heritage Management from the University of Queensland. She provides support to the Climate Adaption and Biodiversity Conservation Teams and has a keen interest landscape approaches to improve environmental issues, fire ecology and cultural heritage.

Lisa also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Outdoor and Environmental Education, and previously worked with students and adults in communicating the natural and cultural values of places and building a connection to the environment through place based programs.

Dr Diana Virkki is Principal Scientist – Bushfire Resilience in Healthy Land and Water’s Climate Adaptation team. Diana provides technical expertise in the fields of bushfire management and mitigation, fire ecology, and strategic landscape and community resilience.

Diana primarily supports Healthy Land and Water’s Queensland Fire and Biodiversity Consortium, as well as across the broader Healthy Land and Water team. With almost a decade of experience working with a range of clients in the public and private sectors, Diana is an expert at providing tailored, best-practice outcomes that promote ecological and cultural values for resilient landscapes and communities.

Diana strongly believes in holistic and sustainable outcomes for the landscape and enjoys working with all stakeholders to achieve that goal across Queensland. Diana’s background is in wildlife ecology, with a specialty in fire management. Her PhD provided a foundation of understanding on contemporary fire regimes and their effects on flora, fauna and habitat structural features in open eucalypt forests in South East Queensland.

Paul Donatiu leads the Biodiversity Conservation team at Healthy Land and Water who manages projects in the Gold Coast region. Paul is a conservation expert and oversees critical projects which help protect lowland subtropical rainforest, restore threatened species habitat, improve water quality and monitor the health of marine and forest ecosystems. Paul also delivers educational workshops on a range of natural resource management topics which are designed to build the skills of landholders and the community.

Paul has a background in architecture, psychology and environmental management and has worked in community development and for conservation groups including the National Parks Association of Queensland and Protect the Bush Alliance.

Susie Chapman is a Senior Scientist and Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator for Healthy Land and Water. Susie is based at the University of the Sunshine Coast where she is an adjunct lecturer and Honorary Senior Fellow.

Susie has worked in community-based natural resource management and integrated catchment management at a range of scales in SEQ for over 25 years, working across biodiversity, water quality, agriculture and coastal management and specialising in collaborative climate adaptation and citizen science.

In 2019, Susie received a Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in recognition of her lifelong service to conservation and the environment.

Bruce Lord is a Principal Scientist – Sustainable Agriculture in Healthy Land and Water’s Biodiversity Conservation team and a Regional Agricultural Landcare Facilitator. Bruce Lord has a pivotal role in guiding the organisation’s on-ground projects. Bruce has over 22 years’ experience in natural resource management, project management and community engagement, and is one of Healthy Land and Water’s longest-serving employees.

Bruce is responsible for coordinating projects and activities in the northern area of South East Queensland, including delivery of the Grazing BMP workshops and other projects such as the Green Army program and the 20 Million Trees program.

Bruce is deeply knowledgeable about soil health, erosion and salinity management, vegetation and habitat management, riparian restoration, weeds and pest eradication.

Marc Leman is a Senior Project Manager and is delivering the Building Drought Resilience program being rolled out by Healthy Land and Water across the region.

With over 30 years’ experience in the agriculture sector, Marc brings a wealth of experience and on ground knowledge to the team.

He has previously worked with the Lockyer Valley Regional Council as the local Drought Support Officer.

Marc spent 16 years as an agronomist specialising in pasture and broadacre cropping in central west New South Wales before relocating to South East Queensland. He is now a Gatton local and has lived in the region for 20 years.

Liz Gould is a Senior Principal Scientist at Healthy Land and Water who specialises in nature conservation. Liz works within the Biodiversity Conservation team and has almost 30 years of experience in natural resource policy and practice. Throughout her lengthy career, Liz has worked within state and local governments and is one of Healthy Land and Water’s longest-serving employees.

Liz is skilled in stakeholder engagement and project delivery and is an expert at using her networks and knowledge to leverage additional resources from corporate, government and philanthropic partners. Liz is deeply passionate about conservation and has a proven track record of delivering complex, multi-year and cross-regional programs and projects that help preserve South East Queensland’s environment.

In her role as Senior Scientist at Healthy Land and Water, Karen Toms works closely with community groups, stakeholders and organisations and provides them with the skills, capacity and knowledge necessary to successfully complete environmental restoration projects in the Brisbane, Redlands and Moreton regions. Karen is skilled at coordinating, delivering, monitoring, evaluating and reporting on projects in close consultations with government, corporate and commercial partners.

Karen has almost 15 years’ experience in environmental project management throughout North Queensland, South East Queensland and New South Wales. She is passionate about working with community groups to achieve positive changes for the environment.

Patrick Malone is a Project Manager at Healthy Land and Water who manages projects in the Moreton Bay and Redland Bay region. Patrick oversees critical projects which help protect coastal biodiversity through the restoration of threatened ecological communities and the reduction of threats from feral animals. Patrick also delivers workshops on a range of natural resource management topics which are designed to build the skills of landholders and the community and promote collaboration amongst natural resource managers.

Patrick has a diverse skill set in botanical and fauna surveys, soil analysis, ecological restoration planning, landscape planning, professional report writing, and community engagement. Organisations he has previously worked for include Conservation Volunteers Australia, Envirosphere Consulting and the City of Gold Coast. His experience and qualifications as an Urban and Environmental Planner are demonstrated through his practical approach to conservation and natural resource management.

Dennis Gannaway is a Senior Scientist at Healthy Land and Water and Team Leader for the Land Restoration team with decades of experience managing large-scale projects. Dennis manages projects in the southern and western regions of South East Queensland and is an expert in invasive species management, habitat restoration and community engagement.

Dennis works alongside researchers and academics to translate science into practical delivery tools for on-ground projects. He also collaborates with landholders and catchments groups to develop their land management skills and empowers them to help improve and protect South East Queensland’s environment.

Mark Waud is a Principal Scientist – Innovative Land Restoration with Healthy Land and Water who specialises in large scale restoration projects. Mark works with the Land Restoration team delivering erosion control, ecological restoration and invasive species control projects to restore and protect our environment.

Mark is passionate about integrating technology into projects to ensure better decision making, bring people with common objectives together and achieve great outcomes in South East Queensland.

In 2018, Mark completed a Diploma of Project Management through Australian Institute of Management.

Samille Loch-Wilkinson is a Senior Scientist Engineer with the Land Restoration team at Healthy Land and Water. With 17 years’ experience in engineering, consulting and project management, Samille brings a unique set of skills and insight to the environmental sector.

Samille recently completed a Masters in Environmental Management, majoring in Conservation and Natural Resource Management and was awarded the Deans’s Commendation for Academic Excellence in 2017, 2018 and 2019. She also holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) and a Graduate Certificate in Business and Technology.

Samille is passionate about the environment and thoroughly enjoys working with and learning from people to deliver projects in South East Queensland.

Corey Davis is a Project Manager in Healthy Land & Water’s Land Restoration team, supporting the delivery of on-ground works of multiple projects across South East Queensland. His role also includes engagement and relationship building with external stakeholders, landholders and contractors, to ensure projects are able to be delivered in a safe and timely manner.

Corey is passionate about delivering projects that strengthen the relationships between Healthy Land & Water and Traditional Owners and Indigenous groups within South East Queensland.

Corey is a qualified tradesman and has over six years’ experience in the mining industry including drilling and blasting, mineral processing, and production.

Robert Chataway has an extensive background in research, development and extension in the dairy industry and has experience investigating strategies to reduce the off-farm movement of sediment, nutrients and pesticides with the grains cropping and sugarcane farming industry.

Rob studied applied science with a focus on grazing animal production. He completed a PhD in the early 2000s looking at a range of practices to rebuild soil capacity on dairy farms on the Darling Downs.

He seeks to address environmental issues such as soil fertility rundown, water use efficiency, nutrient management and riparian issues.

Rob hopes to use the skills and experience he has acquired across various industries in his role with Healthy Land and Water.

Tom Lally is a Project Officer in Healthy Land & Water’s Land Restoration team, leading restoration projects across the region that focus on enhancing the habitat of threatened species, managing invasive species and improving ecosystem and catchment health.

Previously, Tom has led ecological restoration field teams across South East Queensland and has completed post graduate qualifications in wildlife and landscape ecology. Tom is passionate about the science-driven protection and restoration of Australia’s incredible flora, fauna and landscapes.

With his diverse field experience and passion for community engagement, Tom hopes he can make a valuable contribution to the protection and preservation of the natural assets of South East Queensland.

Ross Bigwood is Healthy Land and Water’s Development Manager – Environmental Offsets. Ross has over 20 years’ experience in grazing land management, soil conservation, stream rehabilitation and stakeholder engagement.

Ross is responsible for coordinating and delivering rehabilitation programs and projects in rural catchments throughout South East Queensland. Utilising his expert engagement skills, Ross collaborates closely with stakeholders and landholders to build their capacity, knowledge and skills to sustainably manage land and improve water quality in the region.

Vanessa Durand is a Project Engineer within the Environmental Offsets Team at Healthy Land and Water. Vanessa specialises in projects aimed at reducing sediment and nutrient runoff entering South East Queensland’s waterways.

Vanessa has 10 years of engineering experience and been involved in a range of projects aimed at minimising ongoing impacts on waterways and the sensitive receiving environments including ex-Cyclone Debbie Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements and the Healthy Country Program.

In 2016, Vanessa completes her Master’s in Integrated Water Management.

Margie Dickson is a Project Engineer in the Environmental Offsets team at Healthy Land & Water. Margie completed her Bachelor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Queensland and has four years’ experience as a consulting engineer in infrastructure approvals and project development.

She supports the delivery of projects which prevent sediment and nutrient runoff from entering waterways, supporting healthier ecosystems, more efficient water and wastewater services and creating shared value for communities. Margie is passionate about putting her skills to work delivering on-ground projects that protect and regenerate catchments and waterways around South East Queensland.

Suzi Moore is Team Leader – Marketing and Communications at Healthy Land and Water. She leads the communications team, delivering a robust communications and marketing approach with a strong stakeholder focus for the organisation.

She joins us from the agricultural and energy optimisation sectors, where she specialised in strategic planning, crisis management, media relations, product marketing, stakeholder engagement, change management, policy lobbying and market intelligence.

Isobel is a Marketing and Communications Coordinator at Healthy Land and Water, helping to deliver the organisation’s communication objectives. Isobel is experienced in media relations, strategic content creation and social media management.

She is passionate about stakeholder and community engagement and is excited to be sharing Healthy Land and Water’s story with the region.

Georgia is a Marketing and Communications Coordinator at Healthy Land and Water who specialises in science communication and creative design. She is passionate about making science accessible and engaging for all audiences and finding creative communication solutions to improve education around environmental issues.

She has a dual background in science and communications, holding a Bachelor of Science (Zoology) and a Master of Communication (SciComm) from The University of Queensland.

Noeme Evans coordinates and advises Healthy Land and Water’s Board on corporate governance administrative and regulatory requirements. Complimentary to her role, she also manages compliance and quality management.

Noeme’s admissions to the legal professions include Australia and New Zealand, having practiced for 12 years as a lawyer, together with certification level of a Chartered Company Secretary.

She delivers a skill set borne from a worldly background of experience, having engaged in a wide variety of professional development. She is a member of the Queensland Law Society and associate member of the New Zealand Governance Institute.

While very process driven, she engages in a deeper understanding about the theory behind the “check box” in execution of risk monitoring within the organisation. Noeme is well-travelled in Asia having hiked several mountains and has an adoration of bird life and the preservation of our native species.

Cathy is a Senior Finance Officer who has over 15 years’ experience as a senior team manager in business services and finance roles in the not for profit sector.

Responsible for the operational and transactional elements of Healthy Land and Water’s finance, Cathy oversees the organisation’s accounts, payroll, monthly reconciliations and the integrity and accuracy of the General Ledger.

She also leads and manages the team of IT and Facilities Officer, Payroll and Finance Officer and Receptionist/Administration, while also providing support to the Finance team to deliver on their activities as directed by the Finance Manager and the CFO.

Cathy is passionate about creating a business services “engine room” that is efficient and effective, maximises the team’s skills and abilities and truly supports Healthy Land and Water through excellent internal and external customer service.

Tim Lloyd is a Chartered Accountant with more than four years’ experience in the not-for-profit and public accounting sectors.

Tim’s primary responsibility is to assist Healthy Land Water’s various project teams with financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting.

He enjoys assisting the teams with their financial reporting needs and is driven to continually improve.

Ali McNiven leads the People & Culture function at Healthy Land & Water and is responsible for the design, development, and implementation of strategy for exceptional and progressive people practices and systems that underpin growth.

She has a broad range of practice, delivering strategically aligned people initiatives and programs, organisational change, engagement, learning & development, talent acquisition, and employment relations for complex global organisations.

Ali holds a Master of Business in Human Resource Management. She is a key driver for change and is both adaptable and collaborative in her approach. Her passion for the values and culture at Healthy Land & Water helps to create a clear vision for the organisation.