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 Management Science from Melbourne University and has worked in natural resource management in Victoria, Tasmania and NSW before becoming involved in landcare as a Project Officer, then as Local Landcare Coordinator, and is currently the Regional Landcare Coordinator in the Murray Region.
0407 873 396
Rachael Daniel - Local Landcare Coordinator
Rachael Daniel is our Local Landcare Coordinator. 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 her 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
Raylene Brown- Project Officer (First Nations Relations)
Raylene has a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Soil Science from Sydney University, a Master of Environmental Management and a Graduate Certificate in Wiradjuri Language Culture and Heritage (both from CSU). She worked in agricultural research and extension across Queensland, NSW and Victoria before joining HLN in 2012. Currently, she leads a project that will guide how HLN works respectfully with local First Nations Peoples.
0427 520 358
Adam Hewitt- Project Officer (Environmental Stewardship)
Adam is passionate about improving sustainability and finding opportunities to create positive environmental outcomes, reduce the impacts on our environment and preserving our natural resources. He is currently studying toward a Bachelor of Science with Charles Sturt University and has a diverse industry background in sectors including Defence, manufacturing and adult education.
Adam’s role involves working with landholders to achieve their goals to protect and sustain the natural environment for future generations.
0438 298 436