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About

Natura Pacific is a Social Enterprise, profits made by our environmental consultancy services are reinvested into the development and delivery of environmental education programs and resources for schools, special interest groups and community.

OUR PEOPLE

At Natura Pacific we have a team behind us that works on a diversity of levels. Every member of our team specialises in environmental management, ecology, science, education or related fields, undertaking their tasks with professionalism and expertise. We specifically hand pick our staff – making sure their environmental knowledge is extensive and their passion for a sustainable world drives them to achieve excellence. As the core of our work methodology involves extending knowledge and providing awareness, we only take into our team members who can apply, share and champion their knowledge, spreading awareness and supporting and facilitating projects to be successfully achieved sustainably.

KIERAN RICHARDT

Concept Alchemist

DR SARAH BUTLER

Chief Visionary

KATE LEOPOLD

Happiness Ambassador

LAUREN MORGAN

PATRICK MALONE

ADAM MORRIS

KELSEY MCCALL

KIMBERLY MARTYN

Concept Wrangler

JOANNA PITTARD

Abstract Concepts Coordinator

ALECIA DE PIAZZA

Ambassador of Buzz

MEGAN TRAYNOR

Coordinator of Dream Fulfilment

GEMMA FINCH

JESSICA LOVEGROVE-WALSH

KAREN JAMES

Head of Smiles and Synchronicity

ANGELA FLAWS

JOHN PUMPURS

Head Kermit Chaser

ALISON DORE

CONNOR SHEIDLER

KIERAN RICHARDT

DIRECTOR / SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT

Kieran has worked in the environmental consulting industry for 19 years, and more specifically as an environmental project manager for 15 years, for projects in natural resource management use, environmental planning and community engagement. Kieran has a strong focus on communications with tier 1 client project managers and senior engineers, whereby he leads a team of environmental scientists to provide them with timely project solutions while also improving the social and environmental impacts of significant projects. Kieran’s work has encompassed services for state, local and federal government, the infrastructure and development sectors, large scale farming operations and interpreting technical concepts and presenting them in a manner that reaches wider audiences. Kieran has also designed, coordinated and conducted flora and fauna assessments (terrestrial and aquatic) throughout Australia and has undertaken detailed environmental assessment for major projects in the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Nepal and Brunei. This has included environmental planning, classification, flora and fauna identification, mapping, community engagement, determining indices for measuring ecosystem health and reporting on mitigation and management procedures to local, state and federal government bodies.

In recent years, Kieran has lead his team on award-winning and internationally recognised engagement and education projects which have received:
• Winner for Excellence in STEM Education – 2016 Peter Doherty Awards
• Highly Commended in 2016 Qld Premier’s Sustainability Awards
• Winner of UN World Environment Day Award for Business in 2016
• Finalist in the Healthy Waterways Award in 2016
• Finalist for the Ethical Enterprise Award 2015
• Monthly Winner in Environment and Sustainability Category of Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards 2015
• The Healthy Waterways Award and Ministers Prize in 2014
• World Water Champions Award in 2012
• Finalist in the Healthy Waterways Award in 2012
• Finalist for the Telstra Small Business Awards 2012, in both the Micro-business and Regional Business categories
• Finalist in the Healthy Waterways Award in 2011
• The Healthy Waterways Award in 2010

DR SARAH BUTLER

SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT / RESEARCHER

Sarah has a PhD in Landscape Ecology at The University of Queensland (2012) and a Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours (Major Environmental Science) at Griffith University (2007). Sarah offers the highly valued skills of exceptional experimental design, data analysis and statistical experience, as well as extensive experience in researching the ecology of vegetation communities, regional ecosystems and fauna populations. Sarah has also integrated GIS skills in her work, being fluent in spatial analyses. Her experience gives her a unique cache of skills in studying the environment across broad spatial scales from the local to regional scale. Sarah has a comprehensive background in vegetation community and condition surveys, mapping and modelling at a local, landscape and regional scale for Natura Pacific, for Government and non-Government organisations and for her research. Her experience in vegetation community, condition and resilience classification and assessment at a research and management level provides a rare insight into the most up-to-date technology, methodology and systems in her field. Using her interpersonal skills together with her passion for education and community engagement, Sarah has successfully empowered a variety of stakeholders to work effectively with local, regional and federal governments. This approach has facilitated the development of a collaborative framework towards the conservation of natural assets.

KATE LEOPOLD

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT / ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR

Kate qualified for her Bachelor of Science with Honours at Griffith University in 2008, majoring in Environmental Science and Wildlife Management. In her professional career, Kate has undertaken detailed fauna assessments, for the purposes of research and private sector consulting. Kate also has training and experience in identification, assessment and mapping of native vegetation, EVNT species and weeds, rehabilitation and biocondition assessment, reporting and mapping, ecological monitoring, environmental chemistry and restoration, which allows her to provide a unique insight to rehabilitating fauna habitat on restoration projects for Natura Pacific. Additionally, Kate has a strong background in environmental education and community engagement, particularly with schools on the Gold Coast, being involved with community environmental and school-based education. Kate has had a crucial role at Natura Pacific, in developing and delivering curriculum-based environmental education programs for primary and high schools on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane and was an experienced educator for the City of Gold Coast Community Waste Education Program and the Gold Coast Waterwatch program. The key to Kate’s success in this field is her passion for the environment and education and her unique ability to connect with students, which enables her to pass on her wealth of knowledge to younger generations.

LAUREN MORGAN

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT CO-ORDINATOR

Lauren is an avid ocean enthusiast and all around lover of the natural environment, with a passion for environmental conservation and community engagement. Lauren completed a Bachelor of Science Degree (Hons) in Marine Biology at University of Plymouth and started her environmental career travelling the globe as a SCUBA instructor and environmental educator. She went on to complete a Masters of Environmental Management at University of Queensland, majoring in natural resource management and conservation. She has worked across multiple employment sectors, including University, non-governmental organisations and government departments, delivering a range of projects, including environmental monitoring, citizen science programs and community restoration initiatives. She brings to the team a unique blend of experience gained over a decade of conservation, coordination and environmental education roles. Lauren’s experience plus her well-developed field, environmental education and project management skills make her a much valued member of the Natura Pacific team.

PATRICK MALONE

SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT

Patrick Malone is an experienced Senior Environmental Consultant, boasting over a decade of invaluable experience within the environmental industry. With a robust background spanning environmental consulting, natural area restoration, local government environmental planning, and natural resource management, Patrick brings a wealth of expertise to our team. His diverse skill set, honed through engagements with both private and public entities, underscores his proficiency in delivering exceptional results across various domains. From meticulous restoration planning to consultant reporting, and from the design and execution of flora and fauna surveys to ensuring stringent environmental compliance, Patrick consistently demonstrates his capacity for excellence.

ADAM MORRIS

ENVIRONMENTAL TEAM

Adam completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in Environmental Sustainability at Griffith University with an interest in global and national sustainability outcomes. He has practical experience in flora and fauna surveys, ecological management plans, water quality testing and analysis, vegetation management plans, nest box installations, QGIS mapping, erosion and sediment control audits, ecology based reporting and fauna spotter catching. These skills complement his work conducting aerial surveys as a CASA accredited drone pilot. Adam is also the company’s WH&S representative and has taken on an assistant project management role within the company. Adam’s field experience, adaptability and efficiency make him a valuable member of our team.

KELSEY MCCALL

ENVIRONMENTAL TEAM

Kelsey has completed a Bachelor of Environmental Science majoring in Environmental Resource Management at Southern Cross University. She has spent a significant amount of time in Landcare undertaking ecological restoration and land management work. Kelsey’s passion for the environment has also taken her abroad where she was involved in waste management, water retention and community education programs for reforestation projects in India and Sri Lanka. Kelsey has practical experience in flora and fauna surveys, ecological management plans, water quality testing and analysis, vegetation management plans, erosion and sediment control audits, and ecology based reporting and fauna spotter catching. Kelsey has worked on major projects in Far North and Southeast Queensland where she has completed extensive bird utilisation surveys and fauna trapping programs. Kelsey’s experience, passion for the environment and well-developed field experience make her a much valued member of the Natura Pacific team.

KIMBERLEY MARTYN

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT / ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR

Kim is a keen outdoor enthusiast with a strong interest in the natural environment. Having initially developed her experience working in isolated and harsh environments as an adventure eco-tour guide in Central Australia she later employed her strong communication skills as a senior wildlife commentator at schools, media events, wildlife parks and for programs such as Harry’s Practice and Totally Wild. Kim has facilitated community engagement programs to raise awareness of environmental issues and foster support for conservation and sustainability. Her passion for working in wildlife rehabilitation has also taken her abroad to work with wildlife trafficking and conservation projects in Ecuador and Bolivia. Kim’s skills and experience combine degree qualifications, national and international ecology and conservation fieldwork experience across diverse environments. This, along with her passion for fostering understanding and appreciation for ecosystem processes and the value of conservation, makes her a most welcome and valuable member of the Natura Pacific team.

JOANNA PITTARD

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT / ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR (FAR NORTH QLD)

Joanna is an experienced senior ecologist and project manager for Natura Pacific. Her role sees her managing environmental assessments and approvals for residential subdivisions, linear infrastructure and various construction projects throughout South East Queensland, North Queensland and Northern NSW. Recently, her clients have included TMR, Lendlease, Department of Environment and Science, City of Gold Coast Council, Brisbane City Council, Qbuild, Gemlife, Botanica, Infin8, and various private development and construction clients. Additionally, Joanna’s consulting experience includes conducting environmental monitoring, auditing, flora and fauna ecological assessments, and environmental management plans. Joanna brings to the team a unique blend of teaching and environmental consulting experience gained over a decade of consulting, management and teaching roles. Joanna has been involved with Natura Pacific’s education team since 2009 and is a passionate advocate of the social enterprise work that we do. With a teaching background spanning all year levels and including special needs teaching, literacy support programs and teaching within remote and indigenous communities in central and far north Queensland, Joanna is well adept at designing teaching programs to suit all situations. Joanna is a highly proficient environmental consultant and passionate environmental education advocate with excellent organisational and project management skills, all of which make her an invaluable member of our team.

ALECIA DE PIAZZA

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR / FAUNA SPOTTER CATCHER

Alecia is an experienced Environmental and Wildlife Educator with a genuine passion for sustainable behaviour change. Being a qualified Primary Teacher, Alecia has valuable experience delivering engaging and exciting educational programs and presentations to a variety of groups, from early learning to tertiary as well as international and domestic community groups. Alecia holds a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Environmental and Planning Studies (and Australian Cultural Studies) as well as holding a Certificate III in Captive Animal Management. Alecia is also a Certified ZooKeeper with animal capture and restraint experience and has a genuine love not only for the care and protection of our native wildlife but also in sharing her knowledge and experience with others to help them understand how important wildlife conservation is for our future. When not at 'work', Alecia enjoys continuing to spread the word of sustainable behaviour change as well as many hours spent searching for and spotting our unique frog and bird species.

MEGAN TRAYNOR

EDUCATION COORDINATOR

Megan came to Natura Pacific with a rich variety of experience and knowledge behind her. After completing her Bachelor of Design in Auckland, New Zealand, Megan spent the next few years working in a variety of roles within the garment and retail industry. After this, she completed a Postgraduate in Secondary School Teaching at Auckland University and then taught a variety of subjects from Textiles, Design, Food Technology and general classroom teaching to all year levels. After she and her family moved to the Gold Coast in 2017 she undertook relief teaching at various schools across the coast. Megan’s love of sustainable living and the environment has developed quickly over that time and led her to seek a role within the industry, making her a perfect fit for Natura Pacific’s education team. Megan has always had a passion for inspiring the young minds of the future and is committed to instilling a love for the environment and how to care for it to all of the children she comes in contact with. Megan’s role at Natura Pacific as our Education Coordinator organises, improves and promotes our education vision by making nature-based learning a part of as many children’s lives as possible. Coupled with Megan’s personal passion for the environment and teaching and connecting with children in a meaningful and inspiring way, we believe that this is a winning combination for both our team and the wider community.

GEMMA FINCH

ENVIRONMENTAL TEAM

Gemma’s passion for sustainability and the environment is shown through projects undertaken in both her professional and personal life. Gemma believes in the importance of maintaining the ecosystem and the value of environmental education. With a Diploma in Early Education and Care, Gemma has over 9 years of experience working with children in various roles involving environmental education and nature play. One of which was coordinating a Preschool Rainforest program in Northern NSW for several years. In 2018, Gemma completed the internationally recognised Level 3 Forest School Leader Training course. As well as working in education, Gemma is currently studying a Bachelor of Environmental Science at Griffith University, majoring in Environmental Management/ Ecology and Conservation. Through her degree, Gemma has gained experience in completing vegetation surveys, using ArcGIS and other mapping programs, fauna and flora identification and using statistics programs such as RStudio. Gemma volunteers in forest clean- ups at Griffith University which in turn provide unique opportunities to gain extra ecological knowledge from professors and course convenors. Gemma works on a casual basis for Griffith University as a Participation Assistant in laboratories. In the community, Gemma has volunteered with her local Landcare group helping with bush regeneration projects. Gemma was a long-term member of her local Environment Centre where she attended group meetings, helped to organise events and assisted with making community decisions alongside council. Gemma is proud to work at Natura Pacific and uses her experience and skills to succeed at work.

JESSICA LOVEGROVE-WALSH

ENVIRONMENTAL TEAM

In 2019 Jess obtained a Master of Science and has been working in the environmental industry in Queensland since early 2020. She has already amassed a range of experience across the environmental sector, having worked on conservation projects from Mareeba to Stanthorpe and on the Gold Coast in Queensland.  As the founder of Friends of Nerang National Park on the Gold Coast, Jess has worked alongside Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service & Partnerships in implementing community-based and professional conservation projects since 2020. As of 2022, Jess is the founder and executive officer with Friends of Parks Queensland, a state-wide not-for-profit aimed at supporting volunteer groups in protected areas across Queensland. In her capacity as an ecologist and environmental consultant, Jess has participated in a number of threatened species conservation programs. She has a wealth of experience in field surveying, fauna handling, data analysis, report and grant writing, as well as stakeholder and community liaison.

KAREN JAMES

ADMINISTRATION OFFICER

Karen has a passion for developing and implementing systems to improve administration efficiency and effectiveness and brings a wealth of administration experience with her – she is our Natura Pacific Policy and Procedure Pixie. Even better for us, she also has a passion for the amazing world of plants and all of the wonders of the great outdoors. Karen has spent over 20 years gaining experience in administrative roles across a diverse range of industries from professional services such as consulting engineer and legal firms through to boat building, trades services and even boutique software developers. Natura Pacific are now reaping the benefits of all of Karen’s skills and knowledge to help ensure that the administration of our business is as professional and efficient as it can be, and that, most important of all, our clients are well taken care of.

ANGELA FLAWS

ACCOUNTS ADMINISTRATION

Angela is a key member of our Accounts/Administration team. She has worked in a variety of fields for both large corporations and boutique consultancies, as well as exploring self-employment. Her fields of endeavour have been in banking and finance, education (administration support), freight and logistics (courier franchisee), town planning and environmental services as well as general office support. With this breadth of experience, Angela has gathered together a diverse range of skills to bring to the accounts, business administration and support and reporting areas of the Natura Pacific business.

JOHN PUMPURS

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR

John is Natura Pacific’s resident frog and macroinvertebrate expert and has been delivering insightful and captivating education activities to Gold Coast students and community groups of all ages for many years. With his depth of knowledge and engaging manner John has the ability to inspire participants to appreciate the unique features of the animals that live in and around our waterways, and to understand how water quality and good environmental management strategies can preserve their habitat and support their survival. As the Proprietor of The Frog Prints, John has been photographing frogs since 1994. As well as photographing frogs on flowers, he has raised many species of native frogs on his Northern New South Wales property and previously on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, and has over 10 000 photographs of spawn, tadpoles, metamorphs and adult frogs of over 45 different species. He frequently consults locally on frog identification and the provision of habitats to help with the survival of frogs in disturbed areas. As a Zoologist and a valuable senior member of staff, John has contributed his skills as an Education Officer across all of Natura Pacific’s nature-based education programs, tree planting days, study guide launch days and in particular, the Gold Coast Waterwatch water quality monitoring program. Additionally, the Gold Coast Waterwatch Program benefitted significantly from the high-quality images of macroinvertebrates that he has captured with his particular talent for macro-photography.

ALISON DORE

ADMINISTRATION TEAM

Alison joined Natura Pacific to help support the busy administration team and provide assistance to the consulting and educational experts on the team. After completing a Bachelor of Leisure Management in Parks, Planning & Management, she worked in the travel industry for several years gaining experience in writing crisis plans, training staff in emergency procedures and document management. After this, Alison and her husband started up their own kids' clothing label followed by creating their own Fashion Agency where she honed her skills in all things administration and accounts. She balances her time with enjoying being in the outdoors running around after her busy kids.

CONNER SHEIDLER

ENVIRONMENTAL TEAM

Connor Sheidler earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Queensland in 2020 and has been focused on and dedicated to the environment of Queensland ever since. His career started in the consulting industry, focusing on botany and flora surveys before moving to the Queensland State Government and water quality investigations. Connor excels in mapping programs and geographic information systems and loves nothing better than presenting a clean and tidy map product. He also enjoys teaching others how to use these programs efficiently and will be heading our mapping department. Additionally, Connor will occasionally step out into the field to work on tree surveys, offsets and more.

In all aspects of our work at Natura Pacific, we will strive to provide an ecologically sustainable future for generations to come.

1300 318 720
info@natura-pacific.com

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