Our Team

James joins Environment Tasmania as Executive Officer and lives in northern Tasmania. His background is in environmental law and policy, having previously lobbied the UK government and water industry for NGO WildFish. In his role, James will work to safeguard the long-term future of Environment Tasmania whilst also looking to grow and strengthen the organisation. 

Rebecca lives on turrukana/Tasman Peninsula where she fostered a love for Tasmania’s spectacular coasts and marine environment. She has experience in a variety of roles including Seed Technology Assistant at Kew, Ecology Researcher, Bush School Practitioner, Food Co-op Co-ordinator, Community Garden Co-ordinator and Environmental Campaigner.

Jaclyn grew up in Tasmania and has always had a passion for the ocean, the natural environment and all things sustainability. Her favourite thing to do is spend time on the beach with her friends, usually on the Tasman Peninsula or the East Coast. Jaclyn comes from a background in education and works on our communications. 

James Watts is our Save the Skate Campaigner. He is passionate about protecting Tasmania’s unique wildlife and untouched wilderness. After spending ten years in Melbourne working in marketing and conservation science, James has returned to his hometown of Launceston.

Jess is a lover of all things wilderness, animals and art who is currently based in Nipaluna / Lutruwita. She has studied visual art and design and specialises in abstract, vibrant landscape paintings. Over the last 10 years, she has been challenged by managing busy retail stores and offices and enjoys using her multitasking experience as a force for change.

Philip is involved in both environmental and political activism. He was formerly Party Manager and Campaign Manager for the Tasmanian Greens and worked in Forestry Campaigns in Tasmania. He was a local government elected representative for the Greens for 13 years. He was the Chair of the Hobart City Council’s Finance and Audit committees for several years and has worked in the Commonwealth public service in several management roles and held union representative roles.

Mary worked in natural and cultural heritage management and environmental education for several conservation agencies in NSW. Moving to Tasmania, she was a founding member of Harvest Launceston Community Farmers’ Market. Now living on the Tasman Peninsula, she continues to contribute to environmental conservation through participating in Landcare revegetation programs, wildlife surveys, community gardens, and natural and cultural landscape and marine management.

Dr. Michael Cahill is a tech leader and entrepreneur, best known for his role as Vice President of Engineering at MongoDB and as the founder of WiredTiger. With a PhD in transaction processing, he has left a lasting mark on the database landscape, contributing to features like multi-version concurrency control, including the core algorithm used in PostgreSQL. Michael is deeply engaged in the startup ecosystem. As a startup founder, angel investor, and advisory board member, he enjoys mentoring budding entrepreneurs through early-stage growth. Additionally, he applies his experience to empower small NGOs working to protect nature.

Dr Phill Pullinger grew up in North-West Tasmania and has had a love of the outdoors and passion for and  involvement in nature conservation since childhood. Phill is a medical doctor and GP with interests in remote health, Aboriginal health, after hours care and emergency. He has Masters degrees in economics and in public policy, has previously been awarded Tasmanian Young Achiever of the Year and the DH Drummond prize in economics, is a US State Dept. I.V.L.P. alumni, and is author of 'Tarkine Trails'. He currently works on Bruny Island and in Hobart. 

Austra has long been involved with public sector unions, environmental issues and political advocacy, including lobbying politicians, submissions to various inquiries and extensive policy development work. Austra's passion is the protection of Tasmania's wild forests, and she ably contributed to Forest Peace Deal negotiations. Austra's work is recognised through being a Life Membership of the C.P.S.U. and the Tasmanian Greens, and being listed on the Honour Roll of Tasmanian Women.

For over 15 years, Kelly has worked in the nexus between marine conservation advocacy, sustainable development, and market-based interventions. She has extensive experience in applying business principles, government relations and stakeholder engagement to an environmental science context. Kelly has worked with international marine conservation organisations and coalitions. She is a Queenslander by birth, Canadian by journey, and now a proud Tasmanian.