Natasha Davis
CEO
“Over nearly four decades, Trees For Life has meant so much to so many South Australians. In this time we have made a lasting impact on our landscapes by getting people involved in practical ways. I want to make sure Trees For Life continues to deliver practical, relevant projects and services and stays connected with people in both urban and regional areas.”
As CEO, Natasha helps turn the environmental ‘big picture’ into action. She takes a hands-on approach to her role across strategic issues, finance and organisational management; building partnerships with individuals and groups to create change. Natasha is deeply committed to continuing the tradition of Trees For Life as a ‘family’: a great place to work, work with, or volunteer in.
Natasha’s lifelong interest in environmental issues, bushwalking and exploring the landscapes of Australia led her to start her Trees For Life journey as a volunteer grower. She has worked as Director of a sustainability business and managed community engagement programs in water and biodiversity issues. Natasha holds a Masters of Environmental Management (Flinders University), a Graduate Diploma in East Asian Studies (Australian National University) and a Bachelor of Economics (University of Adelaide).
Contact Natasha
08 8406 0500
[email protected]
Vicki-Jo Russell
Revegetation Services Manager
“I want to further the wellbeing of both people and nature. The best way to do that is a lifetime spent looking after nature and connecting people to it, creating outcomes where both benefit.”
Vicki-Jo has worked in strategic and advisory roles for non-government-organisations (NGOs) including WWF-Australia, Conservation SA and Zoos SA. She brings skills in team management, partnership development, strategic foresight and program management, and a strong commitment to volunteer support and customer service.
Vicki-Jo holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences with a double major in Biology and Psychology (Flinders University) and a Bachelor of Applied Science, Conservation and Park Management (University of South Australia). Vicki-Jo was awarded the AM for her work in threatened species conservation.
Contact Vicki-Jo
08 0406 0500 or 0499 400 545
[email protected]
Rebecca O'Leary
Bush For Life Manager
“Being in nature brings me such a deep sense of curiosity, awe and peace, that I have dedicated my life to highlighting it’s value and connecting people to this joy.”
Rebecca has over 25 years of knowledge and experience working in state, federal, international government agencies and non-governmental organisations. This includes being the first female Chief Ranger of Operations at Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park and leading a team on the remote Raoul Island for NZ Department of Conservation for 12 months. Rebecca has recently returned to Trees For Life after previously being an Outreach Officer in the Revitalising Private Conservation Program in SA.
She has a Bachelor in Applied Science (Roseworthy Agricultural College) and is continually seeking out learning opportunities, such being selected and completing the Leading Australian Resilient Communities leadership course.
Contact Rebecca
08 0406 0500
[email protected]
Maureen McKinnie
Fundraising and Marketing Manager
Maureen has had a varied career, originally training as a general registered nurse and psychiatric nurse, she continues to have a keen interest in connecting people to nature to promote health and healing.
A change of direction 20 years ago led her to work in Fundraising and Marketing roles within the welfare and disability sectors; helping them to grow community support and achieve greater financial security. Maureen joined Trees For Life in early 2019 and believes that storytelling is a key ingredient to successful fundraising.
Contact Maureen
08 0406 0500
[email protected]
David Hein
Direct Seeding Manager
“Our work in revegetating large areas with local native species is so rewarding. We’re now seeing the positive landscape changes from the revegetation work on our older sites.”
David brings over 40 years’ experience in revegetation to his role as Direct Seeding Manager. He worked in land and environmental management for the State Government and for private enterprise until 2001 when he took up the challenge to found the Direct Seeding program at Trees For Life. David holds a Certificate in Land Management and a Pest Management Technicians Licence.
Contact David
0429 310 263
[email protected]
Julie Holloway
Office Manager
“I love encouraging people to find new answers to old problems … like how to reduce waste and how to improve our services and, of course, how to make a few resources go a long, long way.”
Julie has lived and worked in Australia, Europe and Africa, in jobs as diverse as managing a call centre in London to pumping petrol in Nundroo. Joining Trees For Life in 2015, Julie leads a team of six staff responsible for administration, finance, ICT, membership services and reception. Her team also plays a key role in volunteer administration.
Julie’s expertise includes HR and WHS, developing administration management systems, and policy development. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (University of Adelaide) and a Diploma of Business – HRM (TAFE).
Contact Julie
08 8406 0514
[email protected]
Stuart Gonda
Works Team Manager
“It’s a pleasure to help conserve and restore South Australia’s amazing plant communities which sustain many other forms of life and provide so many critical functions.”
Stuart has grown up in South Australia fascinated by nature and ecosystems. After 10 years in the corporate sector he decided to follow his passion and move into the environmental sector. Combining his skills and passion for the environment has led to opportunities to work on a range of exciting projects and to his current role as Manager of the Works Team whose focus is on minimal disturbance bush care.
Stuart has Certificates in Business Management and Conservation and Land Management plus over 8 years of experience in the field.
Contact Stuart
0428 931 716
[email protected]