NCS Management Committee
Nature Conservation Society of South Australia
President
Dr Patrick O’Connor
Patrick has a lifelong commitment to nature conservation and has had a distinguished career in research, consulting and government in nature conservation and natural resource management. Patrick has a joint appointment as Associate Professor in conservation ecology and economics in the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics and the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology at the University of Adelaide. Patrick’s main research interests are in the economics of ecosystem services and nature restoration. Patrick is an author of more than 50 scientific papers, one text book and many consultancy reports on nature conservation and environmental science. Patrick has a long experience in governance of not-for-profit and community organisations including as current chairperson of the National Landcare Network and as a past President of Cystic Fibrosis Australia, Vice-President of the Nature Conservation Society, a Director of Trees for Life, and President of Cystic Fibrosis South Australia. Patrick has been a contributor to NCSSA steering committees since 1999.
Vice President
Doug Bickerton
Doug has more than 26 years of experience in the fields of ecology and natural resources management, including threatened species, pest plant and animal control, habitat management and landscape restoration. He has proven proficiency in planning and policy, having worked for government, NGOs and as a consultant. For many years, Doug has been a member and committee member of numerous environmental organisations including threatened species recovery teams and Friends groups. In the past, Doug has been president of the Weed Management Society of SA, committee member of the Council of Australasian Weed Societies, a long-standing committee member of the Australasian Network for Plant Conservation and the Technical Advisory Committee for Trees For Life. Other skills include qualified expertise as a trainer, and the down-to-Earth experience developed from running a successful landscape gardening business.
Treasurer
Melissa Feller
Melissa is an Accountant within the Business Advisory division at William Buck Chartered Accountants and Advisors. Melissa holds a Bachelor of Accounting from the University of South Australia and is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. Prior to joining the Business Advisory division, Melissa was a member of the Audit and Assurance team which included auditing not-for-profit associations registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission (ACNC). Melissa works with a diverse range of clients across numerous industries and structures and has a keen interest in business and financial management.
Secretary
Nick Lawry
Nick is a young Economics (Adv) student with a long-standing passion for nature and public policy. He spent the majority of his Uni life as a Union Organiser, working successfully to bring people together for common causes and to take action. He currently works as a Compliance Officer at the SDA Union, managing data processing and analysis for major projects. Nick is an enthusiastic hiker and camper who loves exploring South Australian nature. He is excited to use his skills in ecological economics and public policy.
Member
Dr Anthelia Bond
Annie is a Visiting Research Fellow in applied ecology and economics at the University of Adelaide. She has extensive committee experience, having previously served on the NCSSA management committee, the National Parks Australia Council, and the Northern Territory Environment Centre management committee. With more than 20 years’ experience working for the conservation of South Australia’s biodiversity, Annie has held a variety of roles in government, NGOs, universities and the private sector, including three years in the NCSSA’s advocacy role. Annie would like to strengthen the NCSSA’s position as a strong and uncompromising community voice for science-based conservation.
Member
Meredith Hennessy
Meredith is a legal and communications professional who specialises in creating effective and compliant governance procedures and engaging communication strategies. She currently practises in civil litigation within the Crown Solicitor’s Office and is completing a Masters of Social Work. Meredith is passionate about nature conservation and preserving biodiversity, with a special interest in birdlife and sustainable food systems.