Our Staff
Dr Alison Southwell, Executive Officer
Alison joined HLN in 2021 after a 19 year career as an agricultural scientist and lecturer at Charles Sturt University. Alison completed a PhD in native grassland ecophysiology before turning her attention to teaching and researching pasture management, agricultural systems and extension, workplace learning and curriculum design. In addition to HLN, Alison manages a commercial finewool Merino enterprise and is mother to two little girls.
Rita Bowler - Administration Officer
Rita has always been a Holbrook local and is active in a wide range of community groups. She has a Diploma of Applied Science (Ag), Bachelor of Arts (with majors in History & Geography) & DipEd (Ag & Science) from Charles Sturt University. She has worked as a woolclasser and other rural contracting jobs and is also involved in running a family farm at Holbrook.
(02) 6036 3181
Paula Sheehan – Regional Landcare Coordinator
Paula has a Bachelor of Forest Science from Melbourne University, and has worked in natural resource management in Victoria, Tasmania and NSW. As a natural progression from this Paula became involved in landcare as a Project Officer, then as Local Landcare Coordinator, and is currently the Regional Landcare Coordinator in the Murray Region through the NSW Landcare Program.
0407 873 396
Rachael Daniel - Local Landcare Coordinator
Rachael Daniel is our Local Landcare Coordinator through the NSW Landcare Program. Coming from Tumbarumba, Rachael is part of a family farming enterprise, comprising of a self-replacing, fine wool Merino flock and an Angus breeding herd.
Rachael has a Bachelor of Environmental Science with two minors in Indigenous Studies and Interpretation from CSU, and previously worked for NPWS as a Discovery Ranger/interpretive guide at Yarrangobilly before coming to work at HLN.
0428 992 607
Kylie Durant - Project Officer (NRM & Biodiversity)
Kylie has worked in natural resource management in the eastern Murray since 2001 and has a Bachelor of Environmental Management and Ecology from LaTrobe University. She is currently managing Birds on Farms, Refreshing the Upper Billabong and other NRM projects.
Kylie’s passionate about translating science and knowledge and the “big picture” to practical solutions and outcomes on the ground.
0418 198 522
Nick McGrath – Project Officer (Soils)
Nick has a mixed farming background. He has a Bachelor of Environmental Science (Conservation and Management) from Charles Sturt University (Albury) and is currently completing a Graduate Certificate in Agriculture. For the past 8 years he has worked in the soil science field for both private and government sectors in central NSW and the NT.
0488 155 101
Emma Smith - Project Officer (Sustainable Agriculture)
Emma graduated from Charles Sturt University with a Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management at Charles Sturt University in 2020. She joined us from the Mallee, where she previously worked as an automation technician.
Emma is passionate about the research and extension of emerging agricultural practises which is why she is managing our Testing Tropical Pastures project and our Sustainability Benchmarking project.
0411 626 181
Jo Scobie - Project Officer (Bushfire Recovery)
Jo joined HLN mid 2021 to increase capacity of engagement for Landholders in the Mountain Landcare area and assist with delivering projects within the scope of Bush Fire Recovery Projects. Jo is local to Tumbarumba and is passionate about increasing awareness of and improving biodiversity in the area.
0458 482 323
Jess Armstrong - Community Engagement Officer
Jess hails from a family owned and operated sheep and cattle station on the saltbush rangelands of Far-Western NSW. She brings with her a diverse background in Landcare, Rural Merchandise, Ag-Tech Services, a passion for Youth in Ag, and increasing NRM and Agricultural production capacity across rural communities.
Jess joins us as our Community Engagement Officer and Knowledge Broker for the SNSW Innovation Hub while she continues to study a Bachelor of Environmental Science specialising in Applied Earth Sciences with Charles Sturt University (Albury).
0498 683 152
Peter Rowland - Communications Project Officer
Peter is passionate about wildlife and the environment, and brings a diverse suite of qualifications and experience to his role. He has completed studies in Conservation and Land Management, Agriculture, IT, Auditing and Training, and his past work roles have included: farm allrounder, 20 yrs in vertebrate collections with the Australian Museum, biodiversity consultant, and teacher for TAFE NSW and Conservation Volunteers Australia.
Peter has authored 15 books on Australian wildlife (winning a Whitley Award for one), published five scientific papers on the birds of Australasia, and penned a regular birding column for the Australian Geographic Magazine.
0414 901 080