Debbie is the first point of contact for Landcare Group and Biofund enquiries. She led development of the Craters to Coast Landscape Action Plan through 2025 and has a rich background in natural resource management, including dairy farming, and in media and communications.

Louise is the first point of contact for office or partnership enquiries. She has a PhD in Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics, and extensive scientific and partnership management experience, most recently with the CSIRO, and in NRM in government agencies.

Kate started at the HDLN in 2020 as our Project Officer. She has an extensive background in energy policy and economics.

Dave has been part of the Network since it began in 1995. He is an experienced horticulturist, currently teaching at SW TAFE. David has had a lifelong involvement working in environmental improvement & education. From a Degree in Forestry he was a founding manager of the Victorian Indigenous Nurseries Cooperative in Melbourne - although still playing football in the Heytesbury district! This was a time when recognition of the importance and use of indigenous plants was just emerging. He became an environmental and horticulture teacher with South West TAFE in 1991, a role he has continued until the present day. At the same time, he began a partnership in a revegetation wholesale native seed supply and vegetation management business. A core activity was pioneering the direct seeding of indigenous shelterbelts and habitat plantations on farms throughout the district. David has enjoyed working in the natural environment and raising a family and surfing along our amazing coastline. He is looking forward to the HDLN continuing and increasing its role as a key player in driving progress towards long term environmental sustainability and conservation of our natural heritage.

Chris has been on the HDLN Committee for three years. His passions include farming, conservation, adventures in nature, cycling and swimming. He has been a resident of this region since the early 80's when he took on a job as a young vet at Timboon. Having a great community and environment in which to live is one of his drivers and with his partner Katy, they have developed their Port Campbell property to one where farming and biodiversity work in harmony together.

Regina is passionate about improving the Network's accountability and accessibility for stakeholders and members. Regina was a private sector nurse and a beef farmer. She is also a grandmother to four grandchildren, and a horticulturist growing trees for herself and The Tree Project. She is looking forward to supporting the growth of our network through the next few years using her strengths in strategic planning, governance, and financial planning.

Ben grew up in the Heytesbury region before moving away to pursue a career in architecture. He returned a few years ago and began volunteering at the HDLN nursery, before eventually joining the Committee in 2025. He now mixes his time between his bike business and building projects and loves to get out for a ride with his dog Billy.

Peter Doolan is a dairy farmer based in South Ecklin who operates a pasture-based grazing system with a strong focus on regenerative agriculture principles. His approach prioritises soil health, animal welfare, and long-term environmental sustainability, integrating practices that aim to improve pasture resilience and overall farm productivity.

Pete has been an active participant in a range of HDLN programs over the years, using these opportunities to refine and strengthen his farming practices. Through ongoing learning and engagement with industry initiatives, he has continued to evolve his approach to dairy farming, incorporating practical improvements and new ideas into his operation.

In 2025, Pete joined the Committee, bringing with him valuable on-farm experience and a commitment to sustainable agriculture.