Meet the Watergum team, comprised of a committee and team of staff, all of whom are dedicated professionals working to bring our vision and mission to life.
Committed to connecting the community with the environment, we deliver tangible results.
Meet our committee
Our committee comprises experienced professionals who guide Watergum’s strategic direction and initiatives. Their diverse expertise and commitment to environmental conservation ensure that our programs are effective and impactful.
By providing valuable oversight and support, they play a crucial role in driving our mission forward and ensuring our focus on effective action to support our community and wildlife for generations to come.
Wal Mayr
President
Having built a nationally recognised mapping business, Wal’s well developed business acumen drives Watergum’s strategic direction and innovative thinking. In the environmental field, Wal is a leader in his own right for his achievements coordinating Austinville Landcare and regenerating his own 25Ha property in the hinterland.
Andrew Taylor
Vice President
Andrew practices in corporate and intellectual property law and his willingness to share his knowledge and expertise has strengthened Watergum’s outcomes. Andrew fulfills his environmental passion by managing the 43Ha Dundas Nature Refuge, in the hinterland of Brisbane.
Heather Mayr
Treasurer
Heather brings invaluable experience to Watergum as a Chartered Accountant and experience as a long term teacher in the Griffith University Business School. Heather’s love of native flora and passion for the environment is evident; she has dedicated herself to restoring her property alongside her husband Wal.
Sue Durance
General Member
Sue has been an integral member of the Watergum committee since 1992. She brings valuable insight into the holistic operations of the organisation. Sue is passionate about protecting vulnerable species such as the Critically Endangered Ormeau Bottle Tree and influences change through community engagement and stakeholder education.
David Cuschieri
General Member
David is a solutions-based thinker, combining his business and creative backgrounds with his passion the environment. He heads Koalas On the Green, a grassroots environmental organisation that creatively connects businesses and communities with biodiversity.
Warwick Fegan
General Member
Warwick joined the Watergum Board in 2024 after more than 15 years’ working in scientific roles across local, state and federal governments within Australia and Europe. Mostly recently Warwick has held environmental leadership positions at the City of Gold Coast, Griffith University and the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation. His passion for nature extends to his personal life, where he is often hiking or running through mountains.
Carmel Peacock
General Member
Carmel brings over 30 years experience in nature conservation, environmental policy, and strategic land management to the Watergum Board. As a local government environmental policy advisor, she is passionate about strategic initiatives that deliver on-ground, lasting outcomes. Living on small acreage in the hinterland, Carmel is excited about the future of biodiversity on the Gold Coast and spends her free time hiking, cycling and paddling.
Bernadette Cooney
Secretary
Bernadette’s vibrant personality and diverse range of professional experience in administration has contributed to her success as Watergum’s Secretary. Bernadette has a real understanding of community needs, having recently retired as a Tutor/Support Officer for Indigenous Australian midwifery students.
Meet our staff
Our staff are essential to the success of Watergum’s mission, bringing a wealth of expertise and dedication to every project. Their deep understanding of environmental issues and innovative solutions drives our impactful programs.
By fostering strong community connections and promoting conservation, they help translate our vision into real-world results. Their commitment and passion are the foundation of our efforts to protect and restore natural ecosystems.
Kristyn Way
Chief Executive Officer
Kristyn holds a degree in Environmental Science with a major in Conservation Ecology, and has relevant project management and GIS experience. She is passionate about understanding and restoring our natural environment, and believes in the importance of working closely with communities and stakeholders in generating meaningful outcomes.
Emily Straton
Contracts Manager
Emily holds a Bachelor of History from the University of Leeds, England. On relocating to Australia, Emily immersed herself in the environmental sector, gaining a wealth of experience volunteering before joining Watergum. Emily is passionate about environmental restoration for the benefit of native species and promoting environmental awareness.
Kristina Duncombe
Contracts Manager
Kristina holds a Bachelor of Environmental Science from Griffith University. Kristina oversees all contracts at Watergum Community, liaising with partners and clients from local government and private sectors.
Caitlin Mandrusiak
Project Officer
Caitlin has a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Marine and Wildlife Biology. Caitlin loves the variety her role brings – on any given day you may see her on the beach collecting data of marine debris, or in our fresh water rivers and creeks sampling and identifying macro-invertebrates.
Jenna Versluis
Community Engagement Officer
Jenna has a Bachelor Degree in Ecology and Environmental Science, majoring in Freshwater Ecology and Eco-Chemistry. She brings extensive experience as a lead Environmental Advisor in the mining industry. Jenna loves our citizen science programs, using her AUSRIVAs accreditation to run waterbug surveys.
Aleta Saville
Administration Officer
Aleta has a background in finance and veterinary nursing. She has dedicated her time for years as a volunteer for Wildcare Australia and Currumbin Wildlife Hospital. Since joining Watergum Aleta has found a new passion for Platypus Watching and you’ll often see her assisting with surveys.
Jai Randhawa
Field Officer
Jai has an extensive experience in fauna surveying and wildlife photography, and has several years of environmental volunteering under his belt. He joins Watergum as a Field Officer, helping to support restoration and citizen science programs, as well as lead our drone surveying projects.
Ali Flynn
Field Officer
Ali has a Bachelor of Marine Science, majoring in Ecology. She loves being in the field and has a particular interest in marine and waterways conservation. Ali enjoys connecting science with hands-on community projects that help protect local ecosystems.
Gemma Newton
Project Officer
Gemma holds a Diploma in Conservation and Ecosystem Management from TAFE Queensland with experience in environmental management, conservation, and animal care, including fieldwork and data analysis. Gemma is passionate about contributing to the protection of Australia’s native biodiversity by focusing on the education and management of invasive species.
Are you passionate about the environment? Learn how you can join the Watergum team.