Our Team
The people behind the network — delivering projects, supporting groups, and facilitating on-ground action across South Gippsland.
Jane McKenzie-Smith
Western Landcare Facilitator
Jane has over 17 years' experience in the environmental sector. Prior to joining SGLN she was the Ecological Restoration Coordinator at Trust for Nature. She has held roles in private consulting firms as well as non-for-profits. She has a keen interest in climate change and was involved in the preparation of the Garnaut Climate Change Review.
Nick Stephens
Eastern Landcare Facilitator
Nick brings a long history of working in environmental restoration, sustainability and project management. This includes 10 years at Lismore City Council (NSW) as NRM Officer and then Coordinator of the Environmental Strategies Team, leading the region in rainforest and koala habitat restoration and corporate sustainability.
Cassie Wright
Projects & Education Coordinator
Cassie has been with SGLN since 2018, and has worked in the NRM field for over twenty years. For the last seventeen years she has worked in the South Gippsland and Bass Coast regions, in roles with an education and training and project management focus.
Kirby Leary
Project Officer
Kirby has a background in environmental tourism and revegetation for koala conservation in the western plains of Melbourne. She moved to Venus Bay with her young family in 2021 and soon became involved with Landcare, first as a volunteer with Tarwin Landcare Group and now as part of the projects team at SGLN.
Shelley Banders
Communications & Project Support
Shelley brings a strong background in community-focused writing and regional storytelling, with experience across local organisations and projects. She has worked in roles spanning writing, photography and event planning for not-for-profits and community initiatives.
Donna Sullivan
Bookkeeper
Donna brings to the team 14 years of finance experience. Donna moved to South Gippsland in 2018 with her husband and 2 boys.