Our Team
The Werribee River Association has become a professional environmental agency, with a team of part-time staff and a board of management that is guided by strategic priorities, a business plan and has its sights on creating a new environmental hub for Melbourne’s West. If you are interested in joining our board of governance, please review our Board Charter, and contact us via [email protected]
OUR BOARD
Kathryn Williams – Chairperson
Kath is an environmental scientist who has worked in environmental assessment and management for over 15 years. Kath loves teamwork and is a calming force within the Association. She volunteers with a number of organisations including TreeProject and Rotary, is raising two beautiful children and enjoys attending WRA planting days and Beach Patrol.
Muthu Pannirselvam PhD - Treasurer
Muthu Pannirselvam has had a varied and international career, commencing as a scientist, then academic and now moving onto entrepreneur. Muthu has a Master of Science and PhD, Science & Engineering, and experience on projects in water purification, use of recycled materials, and in building and overseeing laboratories for academic research. Muthu has strong project management and business skills that have included consultancy work, construction projects, property investment and organising international conferences. Muthu’s current business is focussed on real estate, technology and wellness. He moved to Australia in 2005 and now lives in Werribee South.
John Marks – Board Member
John is a long-time environmentalist and community activist. John is the guy you call when you want something done. John leads the Friends of Cobbledicks Ford and is a regular contributor to other clean-up groups and Landcare activities. His skills and contacts span business, gardening, and boating. John is passionate about getting more people on the waterways.
Jasmine Thomas - Board Member
Robert Walsh – Board Member
Dr Robert Walsh has over 20 years experience as an aquatic micro-invertebrate ecologist, wetland ecologist and limnologist, working across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.
He has worked at the CSIRO Marine Division, Australian Water Quality Centre, the South Australian Department of Environment and the Murray Darling Freshwater Research Centre identifying aquatic microfauna and macro-invertebrates.
Dr Walsh has a PhD in Limnology with a concentration in aquatic microcrustacean taxonomy and aquatic ecology.
OUR STAFF
Carolyn Jones - General Manager
Grad Cert Landscape Design, Assoc Dip Hort, Cert IV Small Bus, Cert IV TAE, Adv Dip Arts.
Carolyn has 25 years’ experience in Higher Education, Training, NFP, Conservation, Community Services and Small Business.
As General Manager, she is responsible for leading strategy, marketing and communications, operations, partnerships, fundraising and programs, ensuring strong governance, financial sustainability, community engagement, and environmental outcomes that protect and enhance the Werribee River and its catchment.
Carolyn is drawn to creating meaningful impact through conservation, education, and community engagement, fostering strong partnerships and sustainable outcomes.
Ema Corro – Environmental Education Coordinator
Ema is an environmental scientist with a passion for fungi and their role in ecosystems. She’s currently completing her Masters with UNE, working on practical methods to reintroduce native fungi into revegetation projects.
Ema has lived beside the Werribee River in Bacchus Marsh for over a decade and has been actively involved in citizen science projects, including DNA-based monitoring of fungi. She’s excited to help our community connect with and protect the river through education and engagement.
Sophia Bagatsing - Environmental Engagement Coordinator
Sophia Bagatsing is originally from the Philippines, with proud Indigenous roots in the Cordillera region, Sophia brings a rich background in Agriculture and Sustainability to her work.
A passionate environmental volunteer and former board member of the Werribee River Association, she’s been a strong advocate for youth-led climate action, regenerative thinking, and environmental education.
Sophia is ready to bring her energy, creativity, and deep love for nature – becoming a powerful voice and steward of the Werribee River and our community.
Susanne Jensen - Business Support Coordinator
More info to come…