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.
Paul Donatiu
Vice President
Paul’s in depth knowledge of the environmental industry and extensive experience working for organisations such as Griffith University, WWF and Healthy Land and Water make him a valuable asset to the Watergum committee. Paul is extremely passionate about the natural environment and is a keen Field Botanist.
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.
Natalie Hoskins
General Member
Natalie has worked as an Environmental Scientist in the Gold Coast for more than 30 years, and has gained the respect of industry leaders, government representatives and community groups alike. Natalie had the initial inspiration for PlatypusWatch, one of Watergum’s core programs.
Andrew Taylor
General Member
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.
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.
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.
Rosalinde Brinkman
Chief Executive Officer
Rosalinde has a Bachelor of Wildlife Management, with a major in community engagement and coastal habitats. Her main passion is environmental research and connecting community to science and on-ground initiatives. Rosalinde is the 2024 Queensland NextGen Landcare Award winner and volunteers for Wildcare in her free time.
Emily Vincent
Contract Delivery 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.
Kristyn Way
Contract Administration Manager
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.
Nikki Tomsett
Invasive Species Manager
Nikki holds a degree in Environmental Management majoring in Natural Systems and Wildlife. She brings years of professional experience in field ecology and science communications to her role at Watergum. Nikki is passionate about helping the community feel empowered to take effective, practical action to protect and improve the environment.
Kelsi Taylor
Invasive Species Officer
Kelsi holds a degree in Environmental Science majoring in Ecology and Conservation, with previous experience in academic and non-profit spheres. Kelsi enjoys growing our citizen scientist network and performing data analysis and visualisation behind-the-scenes.
Caitlin Mandrusiak
Community Engagement 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.
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.
Jenna Versluis
Field 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.
Jackson Merrigan
Field Officer
Jackson is currently studying Bachelor of Environmental Planning and Science at Griffith University. Jackson is a passionate conservationist and environmentalist, with a particular interest in urban ecology/biodiversity and botany.
Charley Rayner
Field Officer
Charley has a Bachelor of Science majoring in Zoology and Ecology and is currently working on her honours project investigating platypus conservation. Charley enjoys getting into the field to collect data, and making environmental science more accessible to the community.
Are you passionate about the environment? Learn how you can join the Watergum team.