Damian has executive leadership experience across state, Commonwealth, and not-for-profit organisations. He is a respected leader in conservation and natural resource management, with a proven track record in strategic and business planning, change management, Board operations, and program execution.
Passionate about achieving sustainable economic, environmental, and community outcomes, Damian champions community-based approaches and solutions. His leadership in natural resource management earned him a public sector award for his contributions to the Torres Strait region.
Damian’s career highlights include leading two Landscape Boards in South Australia, supporting the establishment of environmental and commercial fisheries programs in the Torres Strait, and working with Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation on joint management operations with Queensland National Parks and Wildlife. He has also contributed to programs focused on native title, economic development, and cultural heritage.
Mobile: 0427 258 746
Pru joined Southern Gulf NRM in 2014. She comes from a rural background and brings a wealth of experience from her time working in the cattle industry over the majority of her life.
As the General Manager of Southern Gulf NRM, Pru will be instrumental in working with the CEO and the Financial Coordinator to achieve the strategic and operational objectives of the organisation as set by the Board, whilst providing leadership and operational oversight of the Projects team.
Mobile: 0428 888 079
Lyndy brings a wealth of local knowledge and dedication to conservation to the Southern Gulf NRM team. Lyndy is a born and raised Mount Isan and has spent time in the health and education industries before her interest in nature led her to complete a Bachelor of Environment and Science. Now, her passion for both plants and community shines through in her role as our Environment Team Leader as she spends her time delivering conservation projects across the region, ensuring that our natural resources are safeguarded into the future.
Mobile: 0488 661 779
Robyn joined Southern Gulf NRM in 2021 after working in the rural sector and local government since completing her Bachelor of Applied Science in 2001. Working as a team member with a variety of stakeholders, Robyn’s role spans many projects and has included the development of a Regional Biosecurity Plan in 2022.
Through her work, Robyn aims to deliver better natural resource outcomes across all her projects and, ultimately, the Southern Gulf region.
Mobile: 0418 715 390
Lucy is currently completing her honours in Environmental Science in a soil restoration project that monitors and evaluates the restoration of degraded cattle pastures in North West Queensland. During her undergraduate degree in Environmental Science, Zoology and Ecology, Lucy discovered that fieldwork was an integral part of her studies. She came to Southern Gulf NRM to pursue that work in that area. Every action she takes is aimed at leaving a positive impact on the environment, and she is passionate about sharing what she has learned with the community.
Mobile: 0466 786 218
Alet hails from the Western Cape of South Africa, where she was born and raised. In 2022, she and her family made the significant move to Australia, and she joined the Southern Gulf team in January 2025.
Alet’s academic background is extensive, holding a Bachelor of Science in Geology, Geography, and Environmental Management, an Honours degree in Geology, and a Master’s in Mineral Resource Management.
Her professional focus is on fostering collaboration with stakeholders to tackle pest and weed challenges across the Southern Gulf Region. Alet is deeply committed to promoting humane, ethical, and responsible pest and weed management practices.
Mobile: 0475 879 322
Clarissa has been a member of the Southern Gulf NRM team since June 2022. Her passion for agriculture and the environment began as a child on a beef and macadamia farm on the Atherton Tablelands.
Clarissa furthered her interest in the sector by completing a Bachelor of Science at James Cook University. Southern Gulf NRM’s land management section is Clarissa’s primary focus, and she is passionate about supporting landholders.
Mobile: 0475 675 876
Elena joined the Southern Gulf NRM team in 2026 as a Project Officer in Environment, contributing to a range of projects across the region. She holds a master’s degree in environmental science from Griffith University and has a strong interest in ecology, conservation, and sustainable land management.
Before joining Southern Gulf, Elena worked on conservation projects with Nature Nose and the Bribie Island Environmental Protection Association, where she supported wildlife monitoring, habitat assessments, and GIS mapping. She enjoys getting out in the field, exploring new landscapes, and turning data into practical outcomes. Elena is passionate about working with communities and landholders to achieve positive, long-term results for the region.
Mobile: 0403 714 837
Anthony grew up in Far North Queensland and has spent much of his life in the outdoors. Anthony is particularly interested in working with Stakeholders to support positive environmental outcomes, sustainable practices, and improve landscape health. With extensive project management experience, Anthony is committed to delivering projects with sustainable outcomes for the region.
Mobile: 0480 773 095
Emily grew up in the Gympie region and has developed a strong passion for agriculture. She is particularly interested in learning more about northern landscapes, sustainable practices, and animal health and livestock management. With future plans of pursuing a Bachelor of Agriculture, Emily is excited to continue building her knowledge and skills to support sustainable outcomes for the region.
Mobile: 0436 623 696
Dario is originally from Spain and after spending six years in the UK, he moved to Australia to pursue a PhD in Ecology at the University of Tasmania, which he completed in 2021. With a background in Ecology and GIS, Dario joined Southern Gulf NRM as a GIS Officer in October 2024. His expertise lies in applying spatial analysis to diverse environmental projects, combining research, data analysis and fieldwork to support conservation and land management efforts. Passionate about using data to generate ecological insights, Dario is dedicated to projects that integrate technical work with practical environmental conservation.
Charlotte grew up in Brisbane, joining the Southern Gulf NRM team in 2026 as a Project Officer in the Pests and Weeds unit. She has an extensive understanding of the environment and wildlife ecology, graduating from the Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Advanced Biological Sciences.
Her Honours project solidified her passion in invasive pest management, investigating the dietary patterns of feral domestic cats in north-west QLD following a rodent irruption event. Before joining the team, Charlotte has a strong background in dog handling and enjoys exploring methods of canine detection of vulnerable species. She is committed to furthering the protection of the natural environment by engaging local stakeholders and authorities in the Southern Gulf region.
Mobile: 0458 829 123
Nicole joined Southern Gulf NRM as the Program Assistant in March 2022. In 2024, she moved into the role of Communications Officer, contributing to communication across various projects throughout the region. Nicole holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business (Management/Human Resources) from Griffith University.
Email: nicole.sarmiento@southerngulf.com.au or communications@southerngulf.com.au
Tuya joined Southern Gulf NRM as the Administration Coordinator, bringing over 10 years of experience in accounting, budgeting, and procurement from her work in Mongolia and Australia. She is highly organised and enjoys supporting the team to keep projects and operations running smoothly.
