Wildcare Tasmania is delighted to announce the results of its recent Board elections and appointments, and to extend a warm welcome to both new and returning members of our leadership team.

At the Annual General Meeting held on 10 April 2024, members re-elected Emma Reid to the Board. With an outstanding career in strategic communications and governance, Emma has expressed her commitment to supporting volunteer groups and enhancing Wildcare’s visibility and impact across the community. She was subsequently elected Deputy Chair unopposed at the Board meeting of 1 May 2024.

Joining Emma on the Board are three newly elected members: Dr Fiona Taylor, Andrew Smith, and Brodie Emery.

Dr Fiona Taylor brings her expertise in environmental science, governance and ecological restoration. Fiona was a founder of the Friends of Maatsuyker Island, and remains a dedicated member of their committee. She is “passionate about supporting grassroots conservation and ensuring that scientific and local knowledge come together to drive positive outcomes for Tasmania’s environment.”

Andrew Smith, the founder and a former Chair of Wildcare Tasmania, is a senior leader in the environmental community education and engagement sector. He highlighted his goal to help strengthen partnerships and enhance youth engagement, saying, “Wildcare is an inspiring example of what happens when people give their time and hearts to wild places – I’m honoured to contribute to its governance.”

Brodie Emery, a strategic communications and engagement tertiary sector professional, brings experience in organisational development, digital strategy, and systems thinking. “I’m looking forward to helping sharpen Wildcare’s strategic direction and ensure the systems that support our people and programs are strong and future-ready,” he said.

We thank all nominees for offering their skills, time, and energy to Wildcare, and for their commitment to nature conservation in Tasmania.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to outgoing Board members for their valuable contributions, particularly former Deputy Chair Maree Gleeson, whose leadership, strategic insight and calm guidance have helped shape Wildcare’s path in recent years.

Two new representatives have also recently joined the Board from key partner agencies:

Andrew Harvey joined in mid-November 2024 as the new representative of the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service, replacing Hannah Eames. Andrew brings extensive experience in protected area management and a strong focus on collaborative conservation.
Dr Rachael Alderman joined the Board in late March 2025 as the representative of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (Environment Business Unit), succeeding Rosemary Gales. Rachael, a long-time conservation biologist, brings expertise in threatened species recovery and a shared vision for Wildcare’s strategic role in citizen conservation.

At the 1 May 2025 Board meeting, Donna Burton was re-elected unopposed as Chair of Wildcare Tasmania. Donna continues to provide steady and inspiring leadership, championing Wildcare’s mission of supporting community involvement in the care and protection of Tasmania’s wild places.

We look forward to the insights and leadership this refreshed Board will bring as Wildcare continues to grow our impact, support our volunteer groups, and deliver on our Strategic Plan.

Meet the full Wildcare Board and read more about each member’s background and vision here.

Friends of Low Head Penguin Colony

Update on penguin nest box project at Low Head