Our Team

Staff

Ms Noeline Gross: Chief Executive Officer

Noeline Gross is the Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Gulf Resource Management Group. She has been based in Georgetown since January 2001. The role of the CEO is to basically empower community and industry to sustainably manage natural resources for future economic, social and environmental health.

Noeline is the mother of three children and owns a small horse stud. Her previous employment has included pathology, veterinary, zoo keeping and environmental tourism. She has a Science degree and is a councillor with the Etheridge Shire.

Noeline's goal in her work life is to see confident healthy communities that actively participate in setting future directions. Noeline's goals in her personal life are to fly light aircraft and foster disadvantaged youth.

Tim Hoogwerf: Operations Manager

Tim commenced working with us in April 2007 and is based in Mareeba.

As Operations Manager he is responsible for ensuring the success of all projects in the region and providing recommendations of new opportunities to the General Manager and Board.

Tim is happily married with two children. He has travelled widely and has an honours degree in science.

Sarah Connor: Public Relations Manager

Sarah has been involved with the NGRMG in several roles since it’s inception and is currently the Public Relations Manager. Sarah’s role is to manage the groups media and communications, including all media releases, publications, website content, events and activities. Sarah also maintains existing and fosters new partnerships to achieve the Regional Plan's targets and priorities.

Sarah grew up on a horticultural property in Northern NSW and is married with three children. After obtaining her Environmental Science degree she has worked around Australia including the remote Kimberley region of WA and loves rural and remote communities.

Her other passions are fishing, camping, playing and watching a variety of sports and spending time with her kids.

Dale Harrison: Office Manager

Dale began work with the NGRMG in August 2010 and is based in Georgetown. Her previous job was Administration with the QLD Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation.

As Office Manager for the NGRMG, Dale carries out office management duties for both the NGRMG and Grassroots Innovations Pty Ltd. This is Dales first job in natural Resource Management and is looking forward to gaining new knowledge and experiences.

Dale is a local girl who enjoys swimming, fishing and mustering.

Michael Digby: Regional Mapping Services Coordinator

Michael Digby is the Regional Mapping Services Coordinator for the Northern Gulf Resource Management Group. He has been in this role, based in Georgetown, since April 2004.

Michael is a trade qualified motor mechanic and returned to university as a mature age student and graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Coastal Management. He is a foundation member of the Spatial Science Institute of Australia.

He has an extensive background in community, industry and Government liaison in spatial information systems. The role of his position is to research, develop and apply computer based Geographical Information Systems and GPS methods to natural resource and infrastructure mapping to support property and asset management. He is also working closely with the Northern Gulf Indigenous Savannah Group by providing technical support to the indigenous heritage mapping projects.

Additionally he provides advice and training in the development, implementation and operation of GPS/GIS hardware and software.

Michael enjoys the great outdoors, photography, fishing, shooting and flying.

Trevor Parker: Tablelands Mapping Coordinator

Trevor is the Tablelands Mapping Coordinator for the Northern Gulf Resource Management Group. Trevor is based in our Mareeba office and has lived on the Atherton Tablelands for 10 years. He started with us in February 2008. Trevor is coordinating mapping services for property planning on intensive farming properties within the Mareeba-Dimbulah Water Supply Area. Trevor has expertise in GPS and Geographical Information Systems gained through over 10 years experience in the Spatial Science discipline working for State and Federal governments. Trevor recently moved back to the Tablelands after a 2 year working stint in Western Australia where he worked on various projects from precision agriculture on wheat properties to biodiversity benefits of revegetation.

Trevor has a range of interests including horticulture, sustainability, botany, health and fitness and renewable energy. Trevor owns a small property at Wondecla. Outside of work he can be found riding his mountain bike, camping, working on his property, enjoying a beer on the veranda or working out at the gym.

Debbie Hansen: Grazing Lands Officer

Debbie is passionate about grazing land management and natural resource management. She is married with three children, two having left home while the youngest is still at boarding school. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and for a long time was employed as an Environmental Manager in the mining industry.

Her philosophy is that the people who know the land are the best ones to make the decisions relating to its long term management. She also believe that paying attention to nature and changing conditions is the best management technique to ensure healthy animals and healthy pastures. She sees her role as a provider of assistance to graziers facilitating access to appropriate resources and tools which will assist in allowing them to get on with the job of running their properties.

Allan Smith - Projects Officer

Allan joined NGRMG in mid 2008. His role as Projects Manager is to administer and manage contracts and projects. He was the Rural Land Officer with Etheridge Shire Council from 1999 to 2007.

As well as his role with NGRMG Allan continues his relationship with the ‘coal face’ as a consultant/contractor to Etheridge Shire Council. He also sits as a member of the National Rubber Vine Management Group Allan has lived in Georgetown since 1999 with his wife, small horses and even smaller dog.

Kristy-Leigh Bethel - Accounts Officer

Kristy started with the Northern Gulf group in November 2006 as the Administration Officer and has since been promoted to Accounts Officer responsible for processing all accounts and payroll. She is constantly updating her skills through training courses relevant to her job.

Kristy is also a proud homeowner and has settled down in Georgetown with her husband. Her hobbies include mustering on the weekends, gardening, fishing, pig catching and doing up her house.

Kristy is back from maternity leave on a casual basis and it's lovely to have her back!

Megan Loudon – Accounts Officer

Megan started with the Northern Gulf Group in December of 2009 as Accounts Assistant and has since moved on as Accounts Officer. She is responsible for all accounts and payroll with NGRMG. She is a local girl and enjoys fishing, pig catching, sessions at the pub and rodeos.

Megan is enjoying the opportunity to develop her accounting skills while working with NGRMG.

Jennay Delacour: Assistant Admin/Biodiversity Database Entry Officer

Jennay Delacour (pictured with niece Leah) is the Assistant Admin/Biodiversity Database Entry Officer for the Northern Gulf Resource Management Group. Jennay graduated from All Souls Saint Gabriel’s School in November of 2009; she began work at the NGRMG two weeks later. She has lived in the Georgetown shire her entire life on Eveleigh Station where she helps with all of the station work required.

Jennay is the youngest of five children with interests that include debating, horse riding, Brahman cattle studs, being with her family and the new found freedom that just-out-of-school offers (parties!).

Jennay is looking forward to the opportunities to be had from working with the NGRMG.

Erica Blumson: Grazing Lands Assistant

Erica's role at the NGRMG initially involved working with graziers affected by the 2009 Flood event in the Norman catchment. Based at Croydon her role now also includes pasture monitoring, biodiversity surveys and Junior Landcare projects.

Erica has lived in different parts of Australia including the Atherton Tablelands and properties in Central Queensland and Western Australia, originally growing up on a farm near Dayboro in South East Queensland. Erica has an Associate Diploma in Applied Science and has worked in Forestry, Landcare and Rangelands and has also instructed in Conservation and Land Management.

Erica and her partner have two children. Her passions are the local environment, permaculture and gardening with kids. In her spare time she enjoys camping, fishing and travelling with the family.

Taryn Seccombe: Grazing Lands Assistant

Taryn is a young and determined catlle grazier in the Gulf. She enjoys the challenges of working in the beef industry and is always looking for new and innovative ideas in running a successful business. She is passionate about sustainable farm practices and thoroughly enjoys her role with the NGRMG. She loves getting out and meeting the people who, call the Gulf Country home

Niilo Gobius: Resource Evaluations Officer

Niilo is employed 3 days per week as the Resource Evaluations Officer and his role is to develop a regional accounting scheme to be able to monitor environmental trends in the regions land, water, coastal and marine environment, air and atmosphere, indigenous resource management and Northern Gulf community.
Niilo is a happily married father of three primary school aged kids and runs a few bullocks on the tablelands in his spare time.
He also works part time in Cape York running grazing land management workshops and mapping grazing properties. He has worked in agriculature all his life doing extension and research in animal nutrition, grazing management, feeding systems and improved pasture production.

Val Speedie: Editor - Gulf Croaker Newsletter

Born Melbourne - migrated to various places in Northern NSW, SE Qld, attended Clayfield College for a while, stayed in Bonny Hills near Port Macquarie NSW for 5 years, meandered around Sydney then off to Perth for 10 years - married had 2 offspring and attended Murdoch University where they granted me a BSc to get rid of me.

We came to Innot Hot Springs in 1981 and earned a degree in manual labour harvesting lawyer vine from the rainforest, managing an orchard, share farming strawberries (Oh my aching back). In 1988 I had a ball in Mission Beach as assistant manager of a 30 acre environmental Park "Dundee Park - We cage the people not the animals" we had the whole range of Australian fauna including 200 salt water crocs. This was our downfall as a major flood in Dec. 1990 allowed the salties to float over the 3m fence and go walk-a-bout; much to the consternation of the local residents. Funny that!! The Park closed and I moved camp to Undara Lava Tubes which was just opening up to the public in a big way. I was head guide/biologist there for 11 years becoming a savannah guide in the process.(Great organisation by the way) I have now semi-retired and beside co-writing and editing the Gulf Croaker take on any other project offered that looks interesting. Retirement is not stopping work - it is freedom to do the work that you enjoy most.

After 7 years and 27 issues our beloved Val won’t be the ‘editor in chief’ anymore but she will always be consulted as our number one proof reader for as long as she can put up with us

The Northern Gulf Indigenous Savannah Group

The Northern Gulf Indigenous Savannah Group (NGISG) is a vital partner and consists of members from the Traditional Tribes or language groups of Tagalaka, Kurtijar, Barbarrum, Euwamian, Wakamin and Djungan. The NGISG has developed a strong and important working relationship with the Northern Gulf Resource Management Group, which is required for ‘caring for country’.

Ron Archer: Coordinator

Ron is the coordinator of the Northern Gulf Indigenous Savannah Group (NGISG) and is also a Senior Lecturer in Cultural Awareness Relationship/Partnership Development and the Chairman of Ngudda-bul-gan Tribal Aboriginal Corporation.

Married with 3 children, Jun-ju-lud as he is known in his native Djungan language was a keen rodeo participant but is now attached to the sidelines. Fishing, camping and horse riding are still passions.

In 2005 the NGISG was winner of the Alcan Landcare Indigenous Community Award – Queensland Landcare Awards.

‘Connection to Country’ is everyone’s business. ‘Caring for Country’ is the duty of the chosen.

Ricky Archer: Indigenous Mapping Officer

Ricky is the son of Ron and joined the NGISG as the Indigenous Mapping Officer in November 2005.

He aims to work collectively with land owners and traditional owners to record and archive the mapping of Cultural Sites to better manage and maintain these sites of significance. He is achieving this through use of GPS/GIS techniques and hopes to be able to pass these techniques on to other indigenous communities in the Northern Gulf region.

Interest include Rugby League, fishing - particularly of the barbed variety - camping, and he strums a mean guitar.

Vickie Mylrea: Admin/Accounts Officer

Vickie’s responsibilities range well beyond the administration of the Northern Gulf Indigenous Savannah Group. She writes grant applications, assists in reporting, does the accounts and tracks projects and is the first point of call for this busy office.

She is married with two boys, Oliver and Thomas. The family farm near Dimbulah grows small crops such as capsicums and lychee fruit trees. This ensures that she has virtually two full time jobs that together keeps life real.

Carpentaria Ghost Nets Program Team

Riki Gunn: Project Coordinator

Riki’s current role is coordinating the Carpentaria Ghost Nets Program which involves reducing the impact of Ghost Nets (feral foreign fishing nets) on the marine life of the Gulf of Carpentaria. To achieve this Riki coordinates indigenous involvements and the formation of partnerships between community, non-government organisations and all levels of Government.

Riki was born in Adelaide and graduated from Flinders University with a degree in Theatre but followed her yearnings for a coastal life in Northern Australia. After arriving in Darwin and gaining a position as a cook on a prawn trawler she moved up the ranks to eventually captain her own trawler and eventually settled in Karumba. She has also expanded into the tourism industry, successfully managing her own motel (Matilda’s End - Holidays Units, Karumba). She lives with her partner of 28 years, Neil who was on of the pioneers of the Barramundi Discovery Centre in Karumba, a not for profit organisation breeding Barramundi to restock local waterways.

Her hobbies (when she’s got time) include gardening, lead-lighting and reading.

Grace Heathcote: Project Officer

Grace is the Darwin-based Project Officer for the Carpentaria Ghost Nets Programme and when not out bush can be found in the offices of the NRM Board NT. She is working to develop partnerships with groups in the NT and the Kimberley to help them manage ghost nets washing up on their coasts. Grace has a Bachelor of Arts/Science and a Masters degree in Natural Resource Management. Her interests include marine ecology, diving and swimming in the ocean, all of which are unfortunate hobbies in a place popular with crocodiles and stingers!

Grace and her husband are on a westward migration around Australia - having grown up in Tassie, lived in Northern Queensland for 2 ½ years and now based in the NT/Kimberleys they are seeing just how diverse, beautiful and BIG Australia is.

Jennifer Goldberg: Project Officer

Jen operates out of James Cook University in Cairns as project officer for GhostNets Australia. Her role spans the practical side of GNA’s work with Ranger Organisations in the Gulf of Carpentaria and Cape York. This includes helping to manage the derelict net issue; developing and strengthening partnerships; ground support with the off-shoot GhostNet gear workshops and programme; and assisting to progress GNA into the international arena.

A Bachelor of Science (Hons), a Graduate Diploma in Geographic Information Systems, and an adventurous streak have enabled Jen to enjoy a wide variety of work across Australia.

She has many diverse interests outside of work hours and pursues an ongoing love affair with the cello, the sea, birds, music and all things unusual.

Executive

Chair of Directors - John Bethel

John was a foundation member of the NGRMG and has served as chairman since its inception, being re-elected in November 2007. He is the owner of Huonfels Station and at the forefront of technology leading the Geographical Information Systems in assisting property management.

He began a strong involvement with the Landcare movement in 1990 and has served in many capacities including Chairman of the Etheridge Landcare Group Inc, and the ‘Gulf and Grazing’ representative on the Northern Queensland Regional Assessment Panel, and was elected onto the Queensland Landcare Council. John also served 3 years on the inaugural board of the Queensland Beef Industry Institute and has also participated in numerous forums on production and research issues relating to the beef industry.

Deputy Chair - John Wason

John has been Deputy Chairman since 2003 and was re-elected at the Mt. Surprise AGM in 2007. He is married with a grown-up family and lives in Mutchilba. He is Chairperson of the Barbarrum Aboriginal Corporation and is involved with Traditional Owner Groups in the region supporting on-ground work.

John worked for the Department of Natural Resources for over 26 years selling water to property owners and consequently has a lot of on-ground connections with stakeholders in the region.

He regularly represents the NGRMG at national and state meetings and conferences.

Director of the Local Government sector – Mrs Corrie Pickering

Mayor of the Croydon Shire.

Corrie has lived in the Croydon Shire for the past 40 years mostly on a grazing property raising her 4 children. She also ran the local butchery business for 20 years.
She has had 15 years experience in Local Government, 3 as Councillor and 12 as the Mayor.

Corrie has been a member since the inception of the NGRMG Ltd. She was appointed the Local Government representative in 2005 and is a member of the “Finance and Audit” committee.

Director of Communities sector - Mr John Colless

John Colless has spent 40 years in agricultural marketing and agribusiness where he had the opportunity to travel internationally and to most areas of Australia including his beloved tropics. Since semi retirement to Tropical North Queensland in 2002 he and wife Kathleen have purchased and operate Wetherby Station at Mount Molloy.

Prior to relocating to North Queensland he chaired two Community Advisory Panels (CAP) in NSW– Sydney Gas Coal Bed Methane Gas CAP, Camden and Tahmoor Coal CAP, Tahmoor. Subsequently he was President of Private Forestry North Queensland and a member of community organisations.

John is currently a member of the Mitchell River Watershed Management Group, Mount Molloy Rural Fire Brigade and has recently been appointed to the board of Northern Gulf Resource Management Group and Grassroots Innovations.

With this background he brings much experience in agriculture, marketing and the commitment for sustainable rangeland management and development.

Director of the Industry sector and Secretary - Mr Joe Lockyer

Joe is a prominent tourism business manager and proud father of 2 children. In partnership with his wife he designed, created and built the Bedrock Village Caravan Park and Bedrock Village Tours in Mt. Surprise. He is a Savannah Guide with an enormous knowledge of the region and spent 5 years at Undara Lodge as tour guide and maintenance manager. Prior to that he was a station mechanic and property manager.

Joe’s enthusiasm for, and knowledge of, the region make him an invaluable member of the NGRMG team.

Director of Conservation sector – Sarah Hoyal

Sarah Hoyal is currently the Coordinator of the Cairns and far North Environment Centre, the peak conservation group in the FNQ region. She has over 12 years experience working in the environment and community sector, which includes working for a Senator in Federal parliament, with Industry, government and Indigenous organisations as a consultant, and in community work both as a volunteer and paid employee. Sarah has travelled extensively and maintains a strong passion for environment and social justice issues.

Director of Indigenous Sector - Shannah Richards

Shannah Richards is a young Ewamian person and is excited to be the Director of Indigenous sector. Shannah works for the Ewamian Aboriginal Corporation, as a Project Officer and Tenement Administrator. Before that she worked for Queensland Gold and Minerals in exploration as a field technician , where the majority of works was in the Etheridge Shire. She has come to know the area and the people quite well and is very excited to be on the board of such well known organisation and look forward to working with and meeting everyone involved.