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 our conference speakers.
Senator the Hon Murray Watt was appointed Federal Minister for the Environment and Water on May 13, 2025.
Senator Watt has represented the State of Queensland in the Australian Parliament since 2016.
Serving as a Government Minister since the 2022 federal election, he previously held the portfolios for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Employment and Workplace Relations, and Emergency Management - responding to Australia's floods, bushfires and tropical cyclones.
In those roles, Minister Watt led government action on a range of key issues, including delivering a minimum wage increase for nearly 3 million workers, overhauling Australia's response and preparedness for natural disasters, restoring Australia’s biosecurity protections, expanding agricultural trade and export markets, and responding to the impacts of climate change.
He and wife Cynthia live in Brisbane with their two children and they are all big fans of the Socceroos, the Matildas and soccer in general.
Senator Watt has represented the State of Queensland in the Australian Parliament since 2016.
Serving as a Government Minister since the 2022 federal election, he previously held the portfolios for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Employment and Workplace Relations, and Emergency Management - responding to Australia's floods, bushfires and tropical cyclones.
In those roles, Minister Watt led government action on a range of key issues, including delivering a minimum wage increase for nearly 3 million workers, overhauling Australia's response and preparedness for natural disasters, restoring Australia’s biosecurity protections, expanding agricultural trade and export markets, and responding to the impacts of climate change.
He and wife Cynthia live in Brisbane with their two children and they are all big fans of the Socceroos, the Matildas and soccer in general.
Fiona has been an agricultural and community leader at a local, state and federal level since 2008. She stepped down in 2023 from a 7 year tenure as the first female President of the National Farmers’ Federation, and is currently Oceania representative and Vice President of the World Farmers’ Organisation.
As well as being a member of the federal government Trade 2040 Advisory Committee, Climate Change Authority and Nature Repair Advisory Committee, she is a Commissioner and Chair of the Australian Commission for Agricultural Research (ACIAR), Chairs the Future Food Systems CRC, and is a Director on the Boards of One Basin CRC, NRMA (NSW), and Foodbank Australia. She was recognised in 2023 as Rabobank’s Agricultural Leader of the year and an honorary ATSE fellowship in 2024. She is also the Patron of the National Rural Press Club, The Gunnedah Gatepost Community Support Centre and the NFF Diversity in Agricultural Leadership Program.
Brendan Foran, MBA, ADBM, has a wealth of expertise in natural resource management and the environment sector together with strong commercial and governance experience. Brendan led Greening Australia as CEO for 11 years, driving an organisation-wide governance and strategy reform program. He was the inaugural Chair of the Australian Land Conversation Alliance (ALCA), Founding Chair of SeedX and Canopy – Nature Based Solutions, Founding Director of NatureCo, and Non-executive Director of North-East Water and the Gordon Institute of TAFE. Brendan currently Chairs the Boards of Green Collar, AustraHort, and the Advisory Board at AirSeed, as well sitting on the Boards of the North East Catchment Management Authority (NECMA), The Australian Government’s Nature Repair Committee and The Talia Institute.
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.
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.
Darryl Lyons is the Co-Founder and Chief Rainmaker at Rainstick, a Cairns-based AgTech startup, Darryl leads the business development team, working to deliver innovative seed treatment technologies that support more resilient sustainable agriculture.
Darryl's career spans multiple industries, including agritech, telecommunications, and logistics. A three-time founder, he has developed solutions in cold chain logistics, farming innovations, and collaborated with major food brands across Australia. he brings a strong foundation in strategy, business planning and operations management.
Darryl is a proud Maiawali man deeply connected to his cultural heritage and community, Darryl is passionate about genuine knowledge-sharing activities that respect and integrate Indigenous ecological insights. He believes that bridging traditional wisdom with cutting-edge technology is essential for building a sustainable production system that benefits both people and country.
Outside of work, Darryl is an active member of the startup ecosystem and enjoys riding motorbikes. His vision is to drive positive impact in Australian agriculture, helping producers adapt to changing environments while enhancing biodiversity and long-term land stewardship.
Tim Dellit works within Rabobank’s Country Banking Business Development and Sustainability team based in Sydney. With 31 years in finance – spanning roles in business and corporate finance – and at food and agri specialist Rabobank since 2018, much of Tim’s career has been identifying business risks and opportunities. As Senior Manager Sustainability Finance, Tim is focussed on highlighting sustainability, land management and environmental outcomes as key business risks and opportunities aligned to the prosperity and resilience of farming operations.
By working closely with Rural Account Managers spread across Australia, Tim seeks to support customers in developing sustainability strategies as part of their business planning. Importantly for carbon farming projects, Tim has been keen to promote project methods that balance outcomes for carbon sequestration, nature, and productive farming. Through working closely with the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, Tim is leading the rollout of Rabobank’s discounted Environmental Plantings carbon farming loan program focussing on strategic permanent plantings that can help provide significant co-benefits to nature repair and biodiversity, as well as protecting pastures, crops and shade and shelter for livestock.
Julie Collins was elected as the first female representative for Franklin in 2007.
Julie entered politics because she deeply believes quality education, decent health services and fairness in the workplace should be available to everyone.
Throughout her career in politics, Julie has worked tirelessly to help improve the lives of others.
Julie is the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry in the Albanese Labor Government.
Julie lives on Hobart’s Eastern Shore with her husband Ian and has three children.
Julie entered politics because she deeply believes quality education, decent health services and fairness in the workplace should be available to everyone.
Throughout her career in politics, Julie has worked tirelessly to help improve the lives of others.
Julie is the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry in the Albanese Labor Government.
Julie lives on Hobart’s Eastern Shore with her husband Ian and has three children.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jessie Buettel is a forest and wildlife ecologist with a broad focus on global change, conservation, and the relationships between ecological processes and landscape patterns in anthropogenic and natural landscapes. Currently working with Sustainable Farms at the Australian National University (ANU), Jessie researches how innovative technologies, such as acoustic recorders, drones, and environmental DNA (eDNA), offer promising solutions to the challenge of providing robust and cost-effective biodiversity monitoring across large spatial and temporal scales. Jessie completed her PhD at the University of Tasmania, where she explored the ecological and human processes shaping the structure and function of Australia’s tall eucalypt forests. From 2017 to 2024, she served as Research Director for the Dynamics of Eco-Evolutionary Patterns (DEEP) group at the University of Tasmania and was a member of the Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage (CABAH). In these roles, she led the establishment of large-scale wildlife monitoring projects across Tasmania and Victoria, explored the impact of fire on cultural sites in GunaiKurnai Country in East Gippsland, and co-developed the Mega-Efficient Wildlife Image Classifier (MEWC) using deep learning and AI.
Kombumerri Quandamooka woman Justine Dillon is a Traditional Owner, local to the Gold Coast and Moreton Bay, with many family connections in the Southeast of Queensland.
Justine Dillon is a proud Aboriginal woman, local to the Gold Coast and Moreton Bay, with many family connections in the Southeast of Queensland. Justine Dillon is a Kombumerri Quandamooka woman/Traditional Owner, with four local languages interwoven into her clan identities - Ngarahngwal, Jandai, Bundjalung and Yugambeh. Justine graduated with a Bachelor of Education (Primary) at Griffith University and taught for four years before taking over management of Ngarang-Wal due to family succession. As a member on many national, state and local committees to engage and share local Aboriginal Culture, Justine has combined her education degree learning with her Cultural heritage knowledge, to create engagement lessons and awareness training. These learnings and connections have enabled local families to bring back lost ceremonies, and other activities for them to connect with their Indigenous heritage. Justine created the first Kombumerri dance troupe and was awarded a grant to support the first Gold Coast Indigenous Rangers. She was part of the first Federal Government co-design consultation, as well as a speaker at the Olympic and Paralympic panel 2023 for the Environment sector.
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.
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.
Natalie Sommerville lives and works on Ngadjuri Country in South Australia’s Mid North and is a farmer, grazier, business owner, mother and mentor. Natalie’s connections to Wagadagam clan of Mabuyag of the Torres Strait Islands through her father’s side provides her with a cultural lens in all that she does. Driven by her passion for sustainable agriculture, the environment and social justice, Natalie’s focus is on influencing positive change in rural Australia and seeing greater innovation, inclusion of gender and age, and respect for diverse backgrounds. Passionate about sharing her farming, cultural and social knowledge and experiences to improve outcomes for both current and future generations, she creates time to mentor Aboriginal students in local schools and volunteers for community and industry boards at local, state and national levels. This includes Landcare Australia board and the First Nations Landcare Working Group, Australian Women in Agriculture, SA Ag Excellence Alliance, and the local NAIDOC committee just to name a few.
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.
Ben’s experience in finance services and the environmental sector provides a rare cross-disciplinary perspective on how nature-based solutions can benefit business and land use.
Ben’s strong belief in nature-based markets to advance global nature repair and carbon neutrality led him to shift his focus to specialise in carbon, biodiversity, and sustainability within this quickly growing field.
For over four years, Ben’s been with Landcare Australia, helping landholders and corporate sector focus on ensuring carbon related activities first and foremost deliver outstanding ecological outcome through complimentary landscape restoration, and that land stewards be they First Nations, agricultural operations or environmental entities are appropriately rewarded for their participation, knowledge and land-based assets.
Ben’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (Climate Change and Sustainability), a Master of Business Administration, and a Master of Commerce.
Ben’s strong belief in nature-based markets to advance global nature repair and carbon neutrality led him to shift his focus to specialise in carbon, biodiversity, and sustainability within this quickly growing field.
For over four years, Ben’s been with Landcare Australia, helping landholders and corporate sector focus on ensuring carbon related activities first and foremost deliver outstanding ecological outcome through complimentary landscape restoration, and that land stewards be they First Nations, agricultural operations or environmental entities are appropriately rewarded for their participation, knowledge and land-based assets.
Ben’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (Climate Change and Sustainability), a Master of Business Administration, and a Master of Commerce.