Rachel Lowry
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Rachel joined us in early 2024, charged with the delivery of our ambitious 2030 strategy to deepen and double before the end of the decade. Known for her strategic approach and ability to deliver extraordinary outcomes for conservation and those who work in conservation, Rachel was a natural fit for the role.
Prior to this, Rachel spent five years as Chief Conservation Officer at the World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature Australia, leading its Species, Oceans, Food Security, Climate, Innovation & Impact Investing and Social Development (Equity) portfolios.
She has previously worked as Director of Wildlife Conservation and Science for Zoos Victoria, where she led the organisation’s environmental sustainability, conservation, animal welfare, community conservation, volunteer, and research portfolios over nine years.
Rachel holds a Bachelor of Science, with a double major in Zoology and Australian Wildlife Conservation and Environmental Science co-major, a Bachelor of Education, a Diploma in Lean Practitioner Program and several certificates including a Certificate in Conservation Psychology.
“In an uncertain world, and during such uncertain times, I remain certain of the fact that we all need more of what Bush Heritage protects, for today’s generations, and tomorrow’s.”.
Rob Murphy
Executive Manager Conservation Operations
Rob has over 30 years’ experience in the conservation and land management sector and joined Bush Heritage in 2013 as the Executive Manager for North Australia. Prior to this, Rob was a Director of Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, responsible for over 45% of Queensland’s protected areas. Today Rob leads our passionate and dedicated Conservation Operations team across Australia. This includes the protection of some of Australia’s most iconic landscapes and species on our reserves and working with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships. Rob also leads our national fire management program.
“I'm privileged to be working with passionate people on exciting projects in some of Australia’s most spectacular Country”.
Mark Dwyer
Executive Manager Corporate Services & CFO
Mark is a highly experienced finance leader with a track record of consistently delivering business and stakeholder outcomes in large, complex organisations.
Prior to joining us, Mark spent more than 20 years in senior roles across global organisations.
He has financial expertise across multiple industries, as well as a background leading IT, People, Assurance and Risk functions.
Michelle Jacobs
Executive Manager People, Safety and Culture
Michelle is a Human Resource executive with a proven track record in many disciplines, across a diverse portfolio of experience. She has managed various roles in the tourism, sport and entertainment industries in both government and corporate sectors.
Michelle is motivated by conquering new challenges, and displays a natural tendency for negotiating successful outcomes.
“I actively sought a role in a for-purpose organisation that genuinely cares about its people”
Dr Rebecca Spindler
Executive Manager, Science and Conservation
Dr Rebecca Spindler oversees an extensive Conservation Science Program, which informs everything we do. She has over 20 years' conservation science experience, working to improve the reproduction, health and conservation of rare and endangered species. Dr Spindler has managed extensive science programs in China, Brazil and the United States through the Smithsonian Institution and led an active, multi-disciplinary team at Taronga Conservation Society for 10 years.
"I joined Bush Heritage to be part of the solution and work with passionate conservation experts. The things Bush Heritage achieves on a daily basis has given me new hope and renewed commitment to protecting our natural landscapes.”
Nick Mogford
Executive Manager, Strategy, Innovation and Business Development
Nick brings diverse experience in strategy and innovation in Australia, Europe and North America in large, small and consulting organisations (including Lion Dairy and Drinks, Coles and PWC). His work is focused on developing our 2030 Strategy, bringing new business innovations to life and building values-aligned partnerships in the agriculture and corporate sectors.
“The increase in collective intent and action towards environmental and social goals in the last few years has been significant. The opportunity for Bush Heritage Australia to play a growing role in achieving these outcomes is very exciting and I'm delighted to be part of it.”
Vibeke Stisen
Executive Manager, Engagement
Vibeke brings more than 20 years’ international experience across marketing, communications, fundraising and partnerships.
She works with a talented team of specialists, focussed on sharing the stories of our work and why it matters, and on raising the funds needed to reach our 2030 strategy ambition of deepening and doubling our impact by the end of this decade.
“I joined Bush Heritage because I wanted to have an impact on something that matters. Our work matters. It’s a real privilege to be part of the Bush Heritage story”
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders
Three representatives from our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff are part of our Senior Leadership Team. They represent the viewpoints of their regional communities and our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce, and report these perspectives to the CEO and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Committee.
This ensures that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives are central in decisions relating to all areas of our work. It also acknowledges the nuanced cultural obligations and priorities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia. Our geographically disparate team with lived connections to different regions, help grow a deep knowledge of this diversity.
Bruce Hammond
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Manager, South Australia
Bruce is a Southern Tanganekald, Eastern Arrernte man with ties to Country in the lower South East region of South Australia and Central Australia.
“I'm lucky enough to have connections to a rare mix of 'Salt Water' and 'Desert' peoples and to appreciate and respect the obligations and responsibilities of each.”
Bruce has a range of professional experiences from working in the South Australian public service, Aboriginal Affairs, Policy Development, the Arts, Records Management and Information Technology. He has worked for the Federal Department of the Environment, Indigenous Land Management and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, and has established private sector companies supporting community development.
Vikki Parsley
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Manager, South East
Vikki is a Yuin Walbunja Murramarang Wiradjuri woman who grew up on the South Coast of NSW. With over 25 years’ experience Vikki has worked with NSW National Parks & Wildlife service, Catchment Management Authorities and in Heritage Consultancy supporting Aboriginal communities towards culturally led conservation practices. She has a keen passion for looking after country using Cultural heritage and mapping techniques, oral histories, geographical mapping systems, language revitalisation and cultural revitalisation to ensure the protection and management of Indigenous knowledge systems for future generations. Vikki is also a strong advocate for Indigenous women’s knowledge and equity.
Recently with the devastating wildfires of 2019-20 Vikki has been supporting the renewal of traditional cultural burning practices in NSW.
“It is my hope to reconnect and heal our people supporting opportunities on country and for future generations.”
Ross Mitchell
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Manager, Queensland
Ross is a Kooma man with over 30 years of experience in legal advocacy, community engagement, and leadership roles. He serves as Chairperson on the Board of Kooma Traditional Owners Association Inc., which owns and successfully manages Murra Murra and Bendee Downs Pastoral Stations. He's a Director and Founding Member of Paroo Nebine Aboriginal Corporation (Cunnamulla), Director of Bidjara Yumba Aboriginal Corporation (Charleville) and Director of 4RRFM Radio Station, Charleville.
“My focus is to ensure Aboriginal people fully engage, have input into projects, and are supported to address important issues. Being open to conversations and working together creates more opportunities.”
