FOUNDATION

A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH

The Foundation was established in 2014 to protect and conserve biodiversity of the Wet Tropics. Established as a Trust of the Wet Tropics NRM Pty Ltd, the Foundation is a not-for-profit charity. In 2017, the Foundation was accepted onto the Register of Environmental Organisations, giving it Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status.

The Foundation works to conserve, protect, repair and restore biodiversity and ecosystems of the Wet Tropics bioregion. Our priorities address the causes of ecosystem degradation and habitat loss as a result of pest plants and animals, land clearance and modification, current land management practices, and climate change. Our approach involves:

•  Developing and implementing on-ground projects with the
community and like-minded organisations
• Raising financial and other resources
•  Investing in properties of strategic value
•  Conducting scientific research
• Working in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders

• Incorporating and preserving Traditional Owner knowledge systems

DENNIS AH-KEE

Dennis is a co-founder and Director of the WTBF, Director of Jaragun NRM, and member of the Wet Tropics Management Authority Community Consultative Committee. He is a Yidinjii Traditional Owner and Elder of the Russell catchment with connection to Babinda Creek, is committed to restoring ecological connectivity from the mountains to the Reef – Bunda Yurrbing. Dennis has expertise in Indigenous training, employment and economic development.

LIZ OWEN

Liz is a co-founder, Director and CEO of the WTBF, and Director of Jaragun NRM. She has over 15 years’ professional experience in risk management, governance and business development. Liz is dedicated to re-establishing and restoring ecosystems, conserving biodiversity and improving water quality of the Wet Tropics coastal lowlands to ensure perpetuity and prosperity of the region for future generations.

RENEE CASSELS

Renee Cassels is the Foundation’s Community Engagement Coordinator. She is passionate about conserving wildlife and biodiversity through community engagement and sustainable development in the Tropics. Renee studied a BSc (Hons) at JCU, and has over 15 years of experience in marketing, branding and graphic design. She is Secretary of BirdLife Northern Queensland and leader of its Marketing and Communications Strategy.

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PUBLIC FUND COMMITTEE

DAMIEN BURROWS

Professor Damien Burrows is founding Director of TropWATER (JCU), Hub Leader of the National Environment Science Program’s Tropical Water Quality hub, and member of the Australian Government’s Independent Expert Panel for the Great Barrier Reef. Damien has 22 years of research experience in freshwater, estuarine and coastal aquatic ecosystems, and catchment management.

STAN LUI

Stan Lui is Programme Manager of Environmental Management for the Torres Strait Regional Authority Land and Sea Management Unit, Chairperson of the Fisheries Research Development Corporation Indigenous Reference Group on Fisheries and Board Member Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Ltd. As a Torres Strait Islander, Stan brings unique traditional owner perspectives to managing the GBR marine environment.

MARK DE GREGORIO

Mark De Gregorio is a certified Financial Planner, Commissioner for Declarations, and a member of the Financial Planning Association of Australia and the National Institute of Accountants. Having grown up in a farming community, Mark offers valuable insights into the economic considerations for primary producers in the Cairns region.