Our Staff

NETWORK FACILITATOR/PROJECTS OFFICER

Caroline grew up on a sugar cane farm in South East Queensland on the Mary River. Her passion for nurturing the environment grew in a little patch on the property she fondly called 'The Jungle'. Between farm chores, many hours were spent in The Jungle removing weeds, creating habitat and regenerating areas. She would invite her friends to come and explore the area and what this small area of nature had to offer.

Moving to West Gippsland in 2012, Caroline fell in love with the natural beauty of the region and all it has to offer. Living now in the foothills of Mt Baw Baw and just up the road from the lovely Blue Rock Lake, Caroline has been an active member of the Tanjil Valley Landcare group for about 3 years saying 'THIS is definitely Home. I love getting out and about, exploring everything that our region has to offer; forests, mountains, rivers, gullies, beaches, snow and sunshine. And I am so grateful to be the custodian of a small patch of this great place.'

Caroline thrives on connecting with her community and likeminded people and seeking opportunities for promoting positive change around her, no matter how big or small. Becoming part of the Landcare Network has given Caroline an exciting opportunity to continue her lifelong education and interest in regenerating the land around us and creating a more sustainable future.

E:caroline.hammond@latrobe.vic.gov.au

P:0472 503 088

Work days are Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm

LANDCARE FACILITATOR

Emily 'Em' Crick is an ecologist and avid naturalist with a particular passion for native invertebrates, aquatic fauna and community engagement in the conservation space. Following a fascination with the natural world and science during her childhood, Em spends much of her free time bushwalking, rockpooling, camping, reading, creating art and taking (very amateur) photos of plants and animals for her iNaturalist account. The local bush is her 'happy place'.

Alongside her new role as a Latrobe Catchment Landcare Network Facilitator, Em works as an invertebrate ecologist surveying for local threatened species, including the Giant Gippsland Earthworm and Warragul Burrowing Crayfish. She also undertakes council duties for the Entomological Society of Victoria as their Honorary Editor, and is active in the Latrobe Valley Field Naturalists Club as both a member and a guest speaker. She loves to connect with others, sharing and learning about this amazing part of Victoria together.

Em is a passionate advocate for community engagement and educating local communities on conservation techniques and caring for country. Being afforded the opportunity to become part of the Landcare Network has allowed her to expand her knowledge and promote sustainable living in a way that is effective and compassionate, so that we may all enjoy an ecologically healthy future.

E: Emily.Crick@latrobe.vic.gov.au

P: 0484 000 614

Work days are Tuesday and Wednesday 8:30am-4:30pm, and Friday 8:30am-2:30pm