Ellen brings extensive experience in governance and strategic leadership across Australia’s not-for-profit and agricultural sectors, having held senior roles with the Australian Veterinary Association, Agrifutures, and the Stock Feed Manufacturers’ Council of Australia, where she currently serves as CEO.
A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Ellen holds a Bachelor of Applied Science and an MBA. Her collaborative style and high governance standards make her a valued leader.
“I’m passionate about supporting Landcare ACT’s mission and ensuring strong strategic oversight as we continue to grow our impact. Landcare’s values of stewardship, community, and sustainability deeply resonate with my own.”
Karen is a Ngunawal woman and a member of the Buru Ngunawal Aboriginal Corporation – one of the founding member orginaisations of Landcare ACT. Karen also sits on the National Landcare Network Board, the Dhawura Caring for Country Committee and the ACT NRM Advisory Committee. Karen is committed to protecting and conserving the cultural heritage of the Ngunawal people – she mentors the ACT Landcare community to protect and care for women’s cultural places by leading womens walks on country and running children’s educational activities.
BAgricSci, PhD, DSc, FLS, FARS
Ken brings significant experience in project management, ecosystem restoration, and team leadership. During a 33-year career with CSIRO, he led the National Rangelands Program for 12 years and pioneered research into fire and grazing management for restoring pastoral lands.
Ken continues to apply this expertise closer to home, leading the Native Grassland Restoration Landcare Group and advising the ACT Government on grassland management. His deep understanding of landscape-scale restoration makes him a valued contributor to the Landcare ACT Board.
Brian is a committed community leader with an extensive background in financial oversight, strategic planning, and organisational governance. His family has farmed in the Canberra region for 200 years, and he continues to run a farming enterprise focused on regenerative practices.
Brian holds a Commerce degree, is a member of CPA Australia, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and a registered wool classer.
His passion for caring for country, food security, and renewable energy transition is backed by hands-on experience, having overseen several large landcare projects on his own farm. Brian’s deep roots in the region and commitment to sustainable land use make him a valued voice on the Landcare ACT Board.
After completing a Bachelor of Applied Science at the Canberra College of Advanced Education in 1976, Chris began his career as an interpretation ranger with ACT Parks and Conservation Service. From 1984 to 2017 he worked across a range of Federal Government environment programs, building deep knowledge of environmental policy and land management.
Since 2016, as Chair of the Hackett Community Association, he has compiled the suburb’s history book, Hackett – 50 years plus: story of a North Canberra suburb, and prepared submissions to two ACT Legislative Assembly Inquiries covering Environmental Volunteerism and Grants. He has also convened the Bragg Street Park Volunteers since 2016.
Andrew is a scientist by training, a conservation landholder, and a board director with a strong focus on practical, evidence based decision making and community led outcomes. He is now semi retired and lives at a family property at Bawley Point on the NSW South Coast. His career spans immunology research in Australia and the United States, work at CSIRO, and many years in information technology and systems development, including leading his own consulting business supporting Defence.
He now focuses on board and advisory roles while caring for a large conservation property under a long term stewardship agreement.
Gary has been a dedicated volunteer with the Friends of Tidbinbilla since 2003, contributing over two decades of service to landcare and environmental conservation. Through this work, he has helped protect and restore native habitats, demonstrating a long-term commitment to his local natural environment. Gary is also a member of the Southern ACT Catchment Board. Alongside his community contributions, Gary spent 35 years working in Defence, specialising in software project delivery as a business analyst. Throughout his career, he also served as a union workplace delegate, advocating for and protecting the rights and conditions of his fellow workers.
Landcare ACT Members
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