New faces to spearhead eco-projects

Nature Conservation Margaret River Region has thanked several staff members – who are either retiring or pursuing new opportunities – for their incredible efforts contributing to the region’s environment.

That includes long-serving staff members Genevieve Hanran-Smith, Tracey Muir and Fran Dohring.

But an exciting new pool of talent has been recruited to fill their big shoes, as well as bring new skills to the region’s peak conservation group.

Genevieve Hanran-Smith has retired as coordinator of the Arum Lily Blitz. She has served for many years at Nature Conservation and her contribution to the organisation and the local environmental has been enormous, particularly for spearheading the war on arum lilies and for her many contributions to conserving the Margaret River.

She remains a committed volunteer with Nature Conservation and will continue to support the Blitz.

Biodiversity officer Obelia Walker – who worked alongside Genevieve in the arum lily program in 2024 – will take over as Arum Lily Blitz coordinator.

She will be supported by Ben Howell, who has joined the Nature Conservation team after developing his bushland conservation craft over 20 years across private, local and state government sectors.

Meanwhile, long-term staff member Tracey Muir has stepped down from her role coordinating two of Nature Conservation’s youth education programs – Adopt a Spot and the marine-focussed Waatu Kaatijin program.

She is leaving to focus on a return to teaching and her role as a Shire of Augusta Margaret River councillor, after making a huge contribution to Nature Conservation for 17 years with her boundless passion and commitment.

Kathi Galeani has joined the Nature Conservation team and will fill the role of Adopt a Spot coordinator and sharing other environmental education duties.

Kathi grew up in Germany and chose Margaret River as her permanent home in 2002, completing a degree in environmental science to complement a decade’s work as a primary and secondary teacher and artist focused on environmental threats.

She says environmental education is one of the most important fields of work and is excited to take the helm of environmental education programs Adopt a Spot and Our Patch.

Marine biologist, environmental scientist and educator Chloe Deakin has been recruited to run the Waatu Kaatijin program, helping students to discover, treasure and act to protect our coast and marine environment.

Finance and administration officer Fran Dohring is retiring after many years of faithful and dedicated service, doing much of the behind-the-scenes work that is essential to the success of the group.

She will be replaced by Wah Bicknell who comes to the group with years of experience and a wide range of administration skills.

General manager Drew McKenzie said Genevieve, Tracey and Fran had each made an incredible contribution and would be sorely missed.

He also welcomed new staff members Ben, Kathi, Chloe and Wah, saying it was an exciting time for Nature Conservation with new talent and skills bolstering the passionate, dedicated and experienced team.