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

Tamara Reynolds – Chairperson

New to the Werribee River Association Board, Tamara is passionate about building connected communities and protecting our environment. With extensive experience in communications, fundraising, volunteering and engagement, Tamara serves as Director of Engagement at Grampians Health leading initiatives that strengthen collaboration. She has held senior government roles guiding strategies that bring people together and create lasting impact. She brings the same energy to the Werribee River Association contributing to projects that protect the river, nurture the environment and empower locals. Outside of her professional life Tamara enjoys time with family and exploring Victoria with her partner and their kelpie Max.

Elliot Lewis – Deputy Chairperson

Elliot Lewis is an experienced water industry professional who has worked across Australia and the UK in technical engineering, planning, and strategy. He specialises in designing major infrastructure projects with a focus on holistic community and environmental benefit. Elliot has a strong track record of initiating and driving organisational improvements. His volunteer work includes conservation activities with wildlife trusts in the UK, sports coaching, hiking guide. Elliot enjoys gardening, the great outdoors, travel and sports. He’s passionate about sustainable water management and building collaborative initiatives that create lasting impact.

TBA - Treasurer

Kathryn Williams – Secretary

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.

Jessica Deleeuw – Board Memeber

Jessica Deleeuw is an experienced senior leader in technology, communications, and digital transformation, with a strong commitment to community and environmental stewardship. She currently serves as Senior Executive Officer at Deakin University, where she drives strategic operations, governance, and engagement across Infrastructure & Digital. With over a decade working at the intersection of people, process, and innovation, Jessica brings deep expertise in stakeholder collaboration, strategic planning, and complex program delivery. She is passionate about strengthening community connections, supporting sustainable local initiatives, and creating engaging experiences that help people thrive. Jessica is excited to contribute her skills and energy to the Werribee River Association board.

Dann Halmovitch – Board Member

Dann Haimovitch is a Digital & IT Advisor with over 15 years of experience helping organisations modernise systems, strengthen data governance, and adopt emerging technologies responsibly. Originally from Stockholm (Sweden) and now based in Melbourne, he works at BDO Australia focusing on supporting not-for-profits and public organisations, including Victorian Catchment Management Authorities and the EPA. Dann has a strong passion for community-led environmental protection and waterway health, shaped by spending much of his time in nature, particularly around the Wombat State Forest where the Werribee River flows. He is an avid outdoors enthusiast and has climbed peaks including Kilimanjaro, Mont Blanc, Mt Fuji, and Everest Base Camp. Dann brings governance, digital strategy, and risk expertise to support the Werribee River Association’s mission.

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.

Muthu Pannirselvam PhD - Board Member

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.

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.

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.

David Tsardakis – Regeneration Coordinator

David is an accomplished Network Coordinator with a strong background in the environmental services industry. Driven by a passion for protecting our planet’s natural resources, he has dedicated his career to building collaboration and strategic partnerships in conservation and natural resource management. With expertise spanning Natural Resource Management, Invasive Species Management, Project Management, and Revegetation, David applies his diverse skills to initiatives that safeguard biodiversity and enhance ecosystem resilience.

Committed to fostering long-term impact, David focuses on creating opportunities for innovation and cooperation. Whether through coordinating projects, applying data-driven approaches, or strengthening partnerships, he believes meaningful progress is achieved collectively. By connecting people and organizations with shared goals, David works toward building a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future.

Susanne Jensen - Business Support Coordinator

Susanne brings a broad range of experience across human resources, administration, payroll, quality systems, marketing, communications, and small business management. She holds a Bachelor of Business and a Diploma of Human Resources Management.

A passionate environmental advocate, Susanne has a strong commitment to the Werribee River, its surrounding landscapes, and the diverse wildlife it supports. She is equally dedicated to fostering strong community connections.

Outside of work, Susanne enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, travelling, creating art, volunteering, and actively supporting environmental protection initiatives.