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 admin@werribeeriver.org.au 

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.  

Cruz Almeida - Board Member

Cruz is passionate about advancing sustainable water management practices, using his legal expertise to drive water conservation and infrastructure development. In his current position at Yarra Valley Water, Cruz draws on his legal acumen to steer regulatory frameworks, identify and mitigate systemic risks, and provide strategic advice. Cruz brings a wealth of legal expertise to the board. He is skilled at navigating complex regulatory landscapes and delivering high-level advice on compliance and governance.

C5398328-E953-4DB6-BFD1-52F8499CA6E4_1_201_a

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 WRA photo

Jasmine Thomas - Board Member ​

Jasmine commenced studying a Bachelor of Wildlife and Conservation Biology in 2023. She has been volunteering with the Werribee River Association for over 10 years. She enjoys helping out with educational events and public speaking, previously presenting at AGM’s and leading guided nature tours. 
In her spare time, she enjoys researching more about wildlife and environmental issues, as well as creating a variety of artworks, writing and designs.
photo Will 2

Dr Will Buchanan - Board Member

Dr Will Buchanan is currently the Chief Scientist at a Victorian water corporation and manages a multi-disciplinary team with a wide range of responsibilities. Will has a doctorate in chemical engineering, understands the challenges and opportunities of urban, regional and rural water issues, and has held national industry roles as Chair of the Water Services Association Australia (WSSA) Water Quality and Health Network. He is currently an Executive Group member of VicWater’s Intelligent Water Network (IWN). Will completed the company directors course. 

unnamed

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

Carolyn is the newest member of our team, recently appointed as our General Manager. She has worked in senior roles at Birdlife Australia and Diversitat. 

More info to come soon…

Charlotte Williamson – Education Manager and Acting Riverkeeper

Charlotte has over 15 years-experience as an environmental educator, and since August 2021 has been the inaugural Education Manager for the Werribee River Association – leading walks, talks, stalls and seminars for people of all ages and backgrounds. Charlotte has delivered the 1st year of the Association’s CALD programming, that is trialling the Waterways of the West CALD toolkit. Charlotte has built new relationships, new resources, and is supporting some great events and partnerships including on water events. If you want a presentation or to discuss a community environmental project, please reach out to Charlotte.

Lisa Field – Community & Business Development Manager

The Board would like to thank and acknowledge Lisa Field for her contribution to the direction and success of WRA over the many years of her involvement with the organisation.
 
From her role as a committed and active volunteer, to then serving as Chairperson of our Committee, and eventually transitioning to a paid role as Community & Business Development Manager, Lisa has been a champion of our litter, citizen science and sustainability programs. She has also been integral to developing and strengthening our partnerships, new projects and promoting the organisation’s many achievements to stakeholders and community at large.
 
In saying farewell to Lisa, WRA would like to wish her every success in her future professional endeavours.

Jess Fairfax – Programs Manager

Jess is a creative scientific communicator and environmental programmer, working to build up our services and programs that promote sustainable living practices. Since 2021 Jess has been delivering on some short and medium terms projects that include immersive nature experiences, community connections, volunteer support and presentations on all things to do with waste and sustainability. Jess is also a sound artist and journalist and uses creative expression to inform environmental awareness and action.

4E4ECCE8-F4B9-4BF8-9776-EF61EB40AC62

Other team members

The Association employs a range of casual team members to help with the delivery of our profession services, some as contractors, some as casual staff members. We also support students to undertake their internships.