Our Team at Kaarakin
Learn more about our Team
Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre is a primarily volunteer-operated organisation, with more than 100 regular volunteers and just four part-time staff members (who also volunteer as well!). All operations are under the supervision and direction of the Kaarakin board.
Louise Hopper is our Clinic Manager and has been with us since the early days of our organisation. Her knowledge of black cockatoo husbandry is second to none and she often goes above and beyond the call of duty.
Tracy Brownell is our Volunteer Coordinator. She coordinates the dedicated volunteers as well as our corporate volunteer efforts.
Sam Clarke is our Education Officer. He is responsible for liaising with schools and for organising and conducting education incursions and excursions with our dedicated education black cockatoos, to ensure that we continue to spread the word about our wild native black cockatoos and their environment.
Our board
Chairperson
Patricia Brennan
Manager, Internal Audit and Risk Management and Director, Business Continuity. Previously held roles in internal auditing and risk management within the finance industry and a university.
Vice Chairperson, Tours Coordinator & Education Coordinator
Anne Hart
Retired after 45 years in the West Australian Department of Education. The last 15 years as Deputy Principal of Student Services. Chair of numerous committees in the Educational sector. A Perth Zoo Docent for nearly 3 years. Passionate about our native fauna and flora and conservation issues.
Secretary
Lynette Miles
Dietitian and wildlife rehabilitator specialising in the care and rehabilitation of native birds. Passionate about the conservation of our endemic black cockatoos.
Treasurer & Donations Coordinator
Cathy Burns
Registered nurse in the Paediatric Intensive Care unit at Perth Children’s Hospital.
Committee Members
Glenn Dewhurst
The founder of BCPSA, WLA and ATS and is registered as a wildlife animal rehabilitator with DBCA.
Now as the CEO of TCJ Resources. Previously held the role of police officer for 21 years and the Global Security and emergency management manager for a top 10 Australian company. Is a serving Councillor for the City of Gosnells.
Candice Le Roux
Completed a Masters Degree in Biological Sciences in 2017, following on from a Bachelor of Science in Conservation and Wildlife Biology. From Jan 2018- June 2019 I worked as the Kaarakin Education Officer. Current role is Community Tree Officer for City of Stirling.
Melissa Marshall (Chair of Media & Marketing Sub-Committee)
I moved to Perth in 2010 from country Victoria. I grew up in a farm with five younger sisters and completed my university qualifications in Albury, NSW. My career is in education, specifically in teaching science and technology and I am currently the Head of Technology & Commerce at Santa Maria College, Attadale. I have always had an affection for birds, particularly black cockatoos, and when a flock of Carnaby’s flew over me the day we landed in WA I thought it was incredible and a sign that I should get involved in their conservation.
Karen Wyatt
Chartered Accountant experienced in Audit and Risk Management.
