Initial Speaker Lineup
The 2025 National Landcare Conference brings together an exciting and diverse line-up of plenary speakers – leaders, innovators, and changemakers from all walks of life who are shaping the future of sustainable land management and environmental conservation. From grassroots volunteers to renowned scientists, Indigenous custodians to agricultural pioneers, our speakers reflect the depth and breadth of the landcare in Australia.
We’re thrilled to announce some incredible names already, and there are more to come. Stay tuned as we reveal the full line-up in the lead-up to the conference.
Costa is a landscape architect, environmental educator and television presenter who has an all-consuming passion for plants and people. He knows how to bring out the best in each and takes great pleasure in bringing them together.
As co-creator and host of Costa’s Garden Odyssey for SBS, he caught the attention of a nation. Since 2013, Costa has continued his journey as the much-loved host of one of the ABC’s most iconic and Logie award-winning programs, Gardening Australia. His presenting work with Gardening Australia has been acknowledged with a Silver Logie.
In recent years, Costa has also joined with Dirtgirl in sharing environmental lessons in Get Grubby TV and Get Grubby The Musical, much to the delight of Australia’s pre-schoolers. Through his workshops, lectures, keynotes, expos and other events, Costa is actively involved in delivering his message to the broader community. His work with pre-schools, primary and high schools, TAFE colleges and universities, industry groups and community organisations reflects his ability to convey his knowledge of a permanent self-sustaining culture to any audience.
Joining forces with Landcare Australia to be the Junior Landcare Ambassador, Costa is working with the team to encourage the next generation of Landcarers to get out, get active and make a difference in the environment around them. Costa is involved in helping children explore activities focused on biodiversity, food production, First Nations perspectives and waste management.
James Walker is a fifth-generation grazier operating Camden Park located near Longreach, Queensland. The property is an 8,000 Ha organic, global animal partnership (GAP) accredited cattle station that hosts agritourism and a large-scale solar farm. Being a 2012 Nuffield Scholar and awarded Australian Farmer of the Year for excellence in diversification, James has built digital platforms and generated alternative businesses models to include environmental sustainability into farmer profit streams. James was a finalist for the 2020 Bob Hawke Landcare Award. James is a board member of Opera Queensland and Landcare Australia.
Joe Morrison is Dagoman and Mualgal and has over 30 years’ experience working with Indigenous people in northern Australia, nationally and more recently globally. He has extensive experience in public policy, governance, research, Indigenous development, native title, land rights. land and sea management and economic development. He is currently the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC). Prior to this, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Australia’s largest land rights authority, the Northern Land Council and the founding CEO of the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance (NAILSMA). He is currently a Director of the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre, International Savanna Fire Management Initiative, National Centre for Indigenous Excellence, ILSC Employment, Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, Eastern Health Board and a member of the AFL Indigenous Advisory Council.
At 21 years old, Kurt Jones is the Founder & CEO of Co-Exist Australia, a non profit organisation with a vision to inspire generations to co-exist with wildlife and wild places, creating communities around Australia where young adults gather to clean beaches, plant trees, explore nature & educate the community on sustainability. Co-Exist was founded when Kurt was in year 11, now with 9 branches across the nation, Co-Exist is creating positive change for both the well being of people & planet. Kurt is also a Board Director of an independent school on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Myall Park Nature Reserve and Co-Chair of the Landcare Australia Youth & Young Adult Advisory Committee. Kurt was named Queensland Young Achiever 2024 in the connecting communities category and also Sunshine Coast’s Young Citizen of the Year.
Dr Jody Gunn is CEO of the Australian Land Conservation Alliance (ALCA), where she leads the organisation’s work to advance large-scale conservation of Australia’s private land. With more than 20 years of experience across the academic, government, and not-for-profit sectors, Jody is a conservation scientist and executive leader committed to protecting land, water and culture at both national and international scales.
Before joining ALCA in 2021, Jody served for six years as an Executive Manager at Bush Heritage Australia. There, she oversaw the expansion of the organisation’s reserve network and partnerships, led the growth of a private land stewardship program on agricultural land, and deepened Aboriginal partnerships across Bush Heritage’s operations in South East Australia. Her earlier roles include leading joint management planning with the Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Commission, and managing conservation partnerships for Fauna & Flora International.
She brings a deep understanding of the science, policy and practice of conservation, informed by a career grounded in collaboration and long-term impact. Jody holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Melbourne, a PhD in Environmental Science from Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, and is a Churchill Fellow.
Dr Alison Southwell joined Holbrook Landcare Network as CEO 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 an academic career in pasture management, agricultural systems and extension, workplace learning and curriculum design. Holbrook Landcare Network is a leading not-for-profit Landcare group located in the south-eastern region of NSW with a number of staff working on a research, extension, adoption and community engagement portfolio spanning environmental, sustainable agriculture and community focussed areas of work for the local community and region. HLN's vision is to foster "an economically and socially resilient rural community demonstrating strong environmental stewardship".
In addition to HLN, Alison has managed a commercial-scale mixed farm and broadacre cropping contracting business with her husband Dan for 13 years, is Chair of the Southern NSW Southern Australian Livestock Research Committee (SALRC) and is mother to two wonderful girls.
Walter Mayr had a successful business career during which he founded a leading national digital mapping company. Wal is now volunteer president of Watergum and works with the executive team to use new technologies and innovative approaches to engage community in helping the environment. He is also co-ordinator of Austinville Landcare, a long-term group that carries out on-ground ecological restoration. Wal and his wife Heather enjoy living on their remote rainforest property which they manage as a wildlife refuge. Wal was the 2022 Australian Government Individual Landcarer of the Year.
Doug Humann AM, GAICD, BA (Hons), Dip ED, was appointed chairman of Landcare Australia in 2016. With more than 40 years involvement in regional Australia, including 30 years leadership experience in the environmental sector, Doug led Bush Heritage Australia (1997–2011) to national prominence before establishing his own consultancy. Doug is primarily engaged with non-government organisations, Indigenous groups and natural resource management/catchment management authorities. Doug provides advice and support on a range of strategic, investment, project and governance matters, and is particularly involved in building partnerships, collaborations and mentoring.
Intrepid Landcare Board Member and 2024 NSW NextGen Landcare Award finalist Jayden Gunn is an ecologist, wildlife photographer, and environmental educator, bringing a wealth of experience in bird conservation, vertebrate pest management, and community engagement to the Intrepid Landcare Board.
Since 2011, Jayden has been actively involved with Mid Lachlan Landcare, working on conservation projects across NSW. In 2018, he took on the role of Regional Vertebrate Pest Animal Coordinator, and since 2021, he has worked with BirdLife Australia’s "Birds on Farms" program, focusing on declining woodland bird species like the South-eastern hooded robin.
Beyond his professional work, Jayden is deeply involved in avian rehabilitation and conservation breeding, particularly for critically endangered species like the swift parrot. His passion for the glossy black cockatoo has also shaped much of his research and conservation outreach.
Sophie is a passionate environmentalist working as a Local Landcare Coordinator for Greater Sydney Landcare with her role focusing on engaging young adults. She has an associate degree in Environmental Science with five years of experience working in bush regeneration, volunteer coordination and landcare, and has a background and tertiary education in visual communication and marketing. Over the last year, she has spearheaded a new landcare project: Wildventure, which has a focus on relaunching young adult landcare activities within the Sydney region and boosting engagement by creating short-term environmental events. These events focus on building community and making friends, making positive environmental impact and exploring nature – all while having some fun and being adventurous. The project so far has engaged over 250 participants at events such as nature campouts, festivals, tree plantings, hiking trips and more. Sophie is deeply passionate about environmental education, reconnecting people with their community and the natural world, with the hope that young people can pave the way for a better and more sustainable future for our planet.
Gail Adamson-Reynolds is a descendant of the Wadjuri peoples which is on the eastern boarder of the Nyungar Nation, (Esperance) she is also a descendant of the Mirrning People (“Whale people”) her mother’s country which stretches along the southern coast of WA to the South Australian border.
Gail is the Chairperson of the Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (ETNTAC), a position she has held since the Corporation’s establishment in 2015.
She is also the Chairperson of Southeast Aboriginal Health Service, Board member on Horizon Power board, Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, Board member on Indigenous Land and Sea Council, member of the South-west Marine Parks Advisory Committee and recently appointed to the First Nations Landcare Working Group.
Gail was a previous board member of Indigenous Business Australia and a Chairperson of Goldfields Esperance Development Commission.
She also runs her own business, a specialist training and consultancy company that works with Government, corporates, and mining companies such as Rio Tino and Woodside to engage with and work with First Nations people.
Dr Kate Andrews has decades of experience in integrated NRM across diverse areas of Australia. Kate worked to establish the Lake Eyre Basin Coordinating Group and became its first CEO. She was Land & Water Australia’s first Knowledge and Adoption Manager and established the Knowledge for Regional NRM program. Kate also chaired and reformed Territory NRM and has participated in national committees and Boards including the Australian Landcare Council, CSIRO Sustainable Agriculture Flagship Advisory Committee, Agrifutures Australia Board and the inaugural Future Drought Fund Advisory Committee. Kate is currently chair of the Lake Eyre Basin Community Advisory Committee.
Kate’s current focus is working to ensure the essential contribution of regional NRM organisations and their partners is recognised, resourced and scaled-up, including through innovative mechanisms. The role of integrated landscape-scale planning and delivery is more vital than ever in managing competing land-uses and climate adaptation.
Samantha Murray is a proud Yilka/Wongutha/Noongar woman. She is a Traditional owner of Yilka Country – which is flat spinifex country with red sand. It is situated in the Great Victorian Desert in Western Australia and has connections to the broader Goldfields and Central Desert area. Cosmo Newberry remote aboriginal community is based on Yilka country.
Indigenous Desert Alliance is a not-for-profit member-based organisation which supports Land Management Organisations and Ranger Teams from the Desert. We currently have 27 members. This works out to be up to 68 ranger teams across three states in the middle of Australia.
For the past five years, she has played a vital role at the IDA, supporting people and managing programs.
As the IDA's first Indigenous CEO from the desert, Sam approaches the role with passion and focus, dedicated to ensuring that Desert rangers are enabled to collaboratively manage the Australian desert and are empowered to realise their aspirations for Community, Culture, and Country.
Dr Shane Norrish is chief executive officer of Landcare Australia.Shane commenced with Landcare Australia in 2007 in the role of Landcare Farming Manager. Since then he has managed Landcare Australia’s Landcare Farming program, significant revegetation biodiversity projects, and partnerships focused on the agriculture and land management sectors. During his career, Shane has worked across a wide range of agricultural industries with a key objective of supporting projects that integrate natural resource management and conservation with improved productivity.
Prior to working for Landcare Australia, Shane’s agronomic research background focused on interactions between soil properties, crop nutrition and seasonal rainfall variability. He has a strong history of participatory on-farm research working closely with farmers and their advisors. The majority of his work on dryland cropping and sugarcane projects addressed the interface between productivity, resource management and environmental issues. He holds a PhD in crop agronomy from the University of Western Sydney.
Annette is the current Chair of Intrepid Landcare Australia, a grassroots organisation led by young adults to inspire, connect, and empower more young adults to act and lead with landcare. In her role as Chair, Annette actively supports Intrepid Landcare groups across the country in their efforts to make a meaningful impact on the environment in their communities. Originally from north-eastern Victoria, Annette co-founded the Upper Goulburn Intrepid Landcare group, where she continues to contribute to local on-ground action.
Outside of Intrepid Landcare, Annette is a full-time PhD student at La Trobe University, Melbourne. As part of the Farm-scale Natural Capital Accounting Project, she is researching plant diversity on farms across south-eastern Australia to investigate the relationship between on-farm ecosystems (including production areas, revegetation areas, and natural vegetation) and native plant conservation.
Annette loves sharing meaningful experiences in nature with others and hopes to pass on her passion so that nature will be appreciated and protected by everyone.
Bundjalung by descent, Gadigal by birth and Wollombi by lore. Culture is the foundation for all of Jocelyn’s personal and professional skills. Jocelyn is a results-driven Executive with over 25 years of progressive experience across the Government, NFP and Indigenous business sectors.
As the founding Director and CEO of First Australians Capital Jocelyn was responsible for guiding innovation and investment in Indigenous economic development by philanthropic and institutional investors. Jocelyn’s vision for the future is clear: democratize capital to address racial inequity in Australia’s finance sector and create long-term social and environmental impact within our communities. She is focused on incorporating First Nations governance principles, along with a concept she calls ‘Radical Transparency’ to include community in the way that capital is deployed. In her spare time, Jocelyn is in the process of “un-farming” a degraded dairy/beef backgrounding property into a regenerative bushfood’s demonstration property.
As the founding Director and CEO of First Australians Capital Jocelyn was responsible for guiding innovation and investment in Indigenous economic development by philanthropic and institutional investors. Jocelyn’s vision for the future is clear: democratize capital to address racial inequity in Australia’s finance sector and create long-term social and environmental impact within our communities. She is focused on incorporating First Nations governance principles, along with a concept she calls ‘Radical Transparency’ to include community in the way that capital is deployed. In her spare time, Jocelyn is in the process of “un-farming” a degraded dairy/beef backgrounding property into a regenerative bushfood’s demonstration property.
Lindsay Davies is a proud Guwamu/Kooma man, raised in Meanjin on Turrbal Country and now residing on Kombumerri Country, lands of the Yugambeh language-speaking peoples. He is a skilled educator, storyteller, and cultural broker with extensive experience in developing programs and systems that centre Indigenous ways of knowing, doing, and being.
As the Caring for Country Lead at Indigital, Lindsay leads community-driven initiatives that integrate First Nations perspectives into cutting-edge technologies, creating holistic, community-determined outcomes. His work bridges Indigenous Knowledge systems and modern technologies, generating impactful results across Australia and internationally.
Currently undertaking a PhD at Queensland University of Technology, Lindsay’s research explores the intersection of food sovereignty, Indigenous Knowledges, and cultural brokerage, supporting the revitalisation of sustainable food practices and strengthening self-determination in rural and remote communities.
Lindsay’s fun spirit and relational approach foster meaningful connections, breaking down barriers and inspiring healing, unity, and lasting impact through every engagement.
As the Caring for Country Lead at Indigital, Lindsay leads community-driven initiatives that integrate First Nations perspectives into cutting-edge technologies, creating holistic, community-determined outcomes. His work bridges Indigenous Knowledge systems and modern technologies, generating impactful results across Australia and internationally.
Currently undertaking a PhD at Queensland University of Technology, Lindsay’s research explores the intersection of food sovereignty, Indigenous Knowledges, and cultural brokerage, supporting the revitalisation of sustainable food practices and strengthening self-determination in rural and remote communities.
Lindsay’s fun spirit and relational approach foster meaningful connections, breaking down barriers and inspiring healing, unity, and lasting impact through every engagement.
Toni Hay is a climate adaptation specialist, environmental sustainability expert, and author passionate about combating climate change and preserving the environment. Being a descendant of the First Australians Nation of Gamilaraay and growing up in Yolngu homelands in the Northern Territory, she has a rich heritage and a deeply personal connection to the environment. She’s dedicated to knowledge sharing of climate risk for our vulnerable communities.
Recognised for her effort, Toni won the Queensland Women in STEM award in 2020. Toni is passionate about finding practical and realistic solutions to environmental concerns in Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania. Her scientific knowledge combines her unique background, experiences, and insights to provide meaningful solutions for people and society to embrace climate adaptation to enhance resilience to support the world’s most vulnerable people.
Zac works at Volunteering Australia as the Director of the National Strategy for Volunteering: Australia’s ten-year roadmap to make volunteering the heart of Australian communities. Prior to his current role, Zac supported volunteers at the state level through Volunteering Queensland where he worked as their Policy, Advocacy, and Research Lead.
He is a lifelong volunteer, first joining his local youth council at age eleven. Since 2011, he has built a career in volunteer leadership, successfully engaging thousands of volunteers for some of the largest cultural events in Australia.