Meet the Barung Team

Barung Landcare Management Committee

There are currently vacancies on the Managment Committee and we would love to hear from you if you believe you have skills to offer and are keen to make a difference. If you are interested, or would like to learn more about the commitment involved please email president@barunglandcare.org.au

Barbara Kelly

President

Barbara first became concerned about the environmental impact of land clearing in the 70s when she majored in Geography at UQ and lived on a farm at Nanango. Barbara went on to spend 30 years with Education Queensland as a secondary school Deputy Principal and teacher prior to planting a small olive grove with her husband Glynn and running a successful tourist and accommodation business in the Scenic Rim until 2020.

During extended drought periods they realised how difficult native revegetation of some areas has become as they struggled to get the native species they planted to thrive. Barbara moved back to the Sunshine Coast with her husband and settled in Maleny in 2020.

Barbara has joined the Barung committee as she wishes to become more actively involved in promoting the work of Barung Landcare in whatever way she can, drawing on her management and business experience. She is passionate about revegetation and, as well as volunteering at the Porters Lane nursery one day a week, is currently working to revegetate her family’s 64 hectare vine scrub forest property at Nanango.

Christy Samorowski

Committee Member

Christy Samorowski is an accomplished environmental professional with a distinguished background in Environmental Science and a rich conservation history spanning over two decades. She possesses a distinctive combination of strategic vision, hands-on experience, and an unwavering commitment to environmental conservation.

Currently serving as the Senior Policy Officer for the State of the Environment Report with the Department of Environment, Science & Innovation, Christy has held pivotal positions with various government entities and environmental organisations. Her extensive experience includes contributions to the State Government’s Nature Refuges and Koala units, as well as roles with Moreton Bay and Brisbane City Council’s Environmental Planning and Policy. Beyond public service, Christy has successfully navigated the realms of environmental consultancy and entrepreneurial ventures, notably as the owner and Business Manager of an outdoor education company.

In addition to her professional endeavours, Christy is the proud owner of a 60-acre property in Woodford and a 140-acre property in Kenilworth. Demonstrating her commitment to conservation, both properties hold Voluntary Conservation Agreements arranged by Christy and her husband. These agreements cover 50% of the land and safeguard diverse ecosystems, including Eucalypt open forest and koala habitat in Woodford, and Notophyll vine forest and Richmond Birdwing Butterfly habitat in Kenilworth. Over the past two decades, Christy and her husband have implemented ecological restoration techniques, fostering natural regeneration and rehabilitation across these landscapes.

Tim Seelig

Committee Member

Tim has been involved professionally and personally in conservation and environmental issues for several decades, including previous roles at The Wilderness Society (Queensland Campaigns Manager), Queensland Conservation Council (CEO), and Greenpeace (fundraiser). He is also a former academic, experienced in environmental policy, and was involved in strengthening protections for the rivers and floodplains of the Queensland Lake Eyre Basin (Channel Country).

Tim is a co-owner of a nature refuge in the Maleny area (Dilkusha), where he is actively involved in land management and nature restoration and a member of Barung Landcare’s frequent planter program.. He has a PhD in Urban Sociology and housing economics, and qualifications in policy, government, higher education teaching, and housing management.

Islay Robertson

Committee Member

Islay is a semi-retired forester with over 40 years professional experience across much of Australia. He has been employed as a Lands Officer, Urban Forester, Forest Planner, Forest Manager, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive variously in rural landscapes, urban forests, native forests and plantations. In the late 1980’s he co-wrote the “Urban Forestry Handbook”. Living in the Sunshine Coast hinterland Islay continues to work part-time as a consulting forester, is the Coordinator for the Cahills Scrub Bushland Volunteer Group and has a keen interest in managing the small acreage of bushland and garden where he lives with his family.

Frances Harper

Treasurer

Frances Harper has a background in accountancy and software systems and a wealth of experience and contribution to the Maleny Community including roles as treasurer. Frances has a strong commitment to the environment as is evidenced by her ongoing activity with many local environment organisations and has been a strong supporter of Barung for many years, including volunteering maintenance of the Maleny Garden.

Fiona Merz

Committee Member

Fiona moved to Maleny a few years ago with her husband after a successful international dance career. Fiona brings experience in philanthropy, fundrasing  and event management and combines it with a commitment to environmental sustainability both on a personal and global scale. 

Barung Landcare Staff

Cameron Burton

Landcare and Partnerships Manager

cam@barunglandcare.org.au

Charlotte Pond

Finance Coordinator

 charlotte@barunglandcare.org.au

Tasha Mealey

Events & Communications Coordinator

tasha@barunglandcare.org.au

Zara Stewart

Nursery Coordinator

zara@barunglandcare.org.au

Trevour Pitt

Nursery/Education/SQW Supervisor 

trevour@barunglandcare.org.au

Renee Ulbrich

SQW Coordinator

renee@barunglandcare.org.au

Richard Weil

Operations Coordinator

richard.weil@barunglandcare.org.au

 

Katrina Atkinson

Business Development Manager

katrina@barunglandcare.org.au

Angus Frazer

Project Officer

angus@barunglandcare.org.au

OUR QUALIFICATIONS

Barung Landcare staff have various qualifications, licences and inductions which include the following:

Bachelors degrees –

  • Science
  • Land Management
  • Coastal Science
  • Environmental Science
  • Applied Science
  • Arts

Certifications including –

  • Chainsaw Level 1 & 2
  • Construction card (White card)
  • Commercial operator’s licence for using herbicides (ACDC)

Certificate in Conservation and Land Management –

      1, 2, 3 and 4

Certificate in Horticulture –

      2, 3 and 4

Graduate Certificate –

  • Environmental Management
  • Sustainability

Diplomas –

  • Conservation and Land Management
  • Business
  • Applied Science
  • Project Management

Fauna Spotter / Catcher certificate

HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation

HLTAID010 Provide basic emergency life support

HLTAID011 Provide first aid

HLTFA311A Apply first aid

Safety and site induction certificates from –

  • Sunshine Coast Council
  • Moreton Bay Regional Council
  • Noosa Council
  • Unity Water
  • SEQ Water

Barung Landcare holds a number of current licences, certifications and policies including:

Ground Distribution Contractor Licence (ACDC) no.GDC343

Up to date insurances including – 

  • Public Liability 
  • Association Liability
  • Work Cover
  • Personal Accident
  • Landcare Activities