The Committee of the Greater Sydney Landcare Network volunteer their time, expertise and experience to guide the successful implementation of projects that will benefit the Greater Sydney area for generations to come.
These are our committee members for 2021/2022. If you are interested in becoming a committee member please feel free to contact us.
Bev Debrincat, Chair
Bev Debrincat is a founding member of the Greater Sydney Landcare Network and is a representative for Greater Sydney on the NSW Landcare NSW Council and is on the Landcare NSW Executive.
Bev is also the Founder and Executive Director of International Environmental Weed Foundation (IEWF), runs the Habitat Network, and is co-founder and a coordinator of The Habitat community native plant nursery and food garden in Ryde.
Her education and experience encompasses systems development and management in the computer industry, marketing, bushland management (formerly an on-ground supervisor with the National Trust). Bev was responsible for starting the Volunteer Bush Regenerators’ Network in Ryde (Sydney).
As a landholder, in the Macleay Valley Coast (Northern Rivers NSW) has co-managed the regeneration and restoration of the 22.92 hectare property of which 22.8 hectares including Littoral Rainforest, Coastal Wetlands and Dunes are under a Voluntary Conservation Agreement under the National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974.
Bev is part of a world-wide network of scientists and practitioners interested in Restoring Natural Capital (RNC) and maintains the RNC Alliance website.
Bev and her various projects have been successful in winning and managing grants for coastal dune restoration, littoral rainforest restoration, urban bush regeneration, creek and corridor restoration and establishing The Habitat and education programs.
Suzie Wright, Vice Chair
Suzie Wright was the Regional Manager for Conservation Volunteers Australia, based in the Penrith Office. She grew up in Western Sydney, and has a degree in Health Science and Clinical Research.
Suzie has been a passionate environmentalist, as a volunteer and in Green politics since 2005. She represented Western Sydney University in a range of relationship liaison roles, working with Government, business and the community sector to deliver sustained and mutually beneficial outcomes.
Suzie has a good network across many sectors in Western Sydney and has a strong commitment to “connecting people with nature” which she sees as the best solution to most environmental challenges.
Suzie has been instrumental in a new project soon to be initiated by Greater Sydney Landcare Network, which will be facilitating the planting of 100,000 trees in hot spots across Sydney. This is part of the Million Trees Program, a collaboration between Department of Primary Industries and Environment and Landcare NSW.
Glenda Steain
Glenda is a community Committee member with a long history working in the sustainable agriculture field. Glenda is a member of the Cattai Hills Environment Network. She also facilitates Greater Sydney Landcare’s Sustainable Agriculture Workshops, including Wollondilly Weeds.
Photo to follow.
Chris Noon – Acting Treasurer
Chris has a strong background in Streamwatch and chairs the Streamwatch sub Committee within GSLN, which drives our Streamwatch Program. Chris also has a strong tie with Landcare, having been a member of Still Creek Landcare Group for some time. Chris offers strategic thinking to encourage the flourishing of Streamwatch in its secondary phase. Chris has been the acting treasurer for Greater Sydney Landcare since 2022.
Photo to follow.
Sue Ellen Smith
Sue Ellen has a keen interest in western Sydney and the conservation of its remaining native vegetation. Sue Ellen has spent many hours as an on-ground volunteer carrying out bushcare and landcare across many parts of Greater Sydney. She also has a great talent in photography and we hope to feature her photography more throughout this website.
Photo to follow.
Nicole Heta
Nicole is employed by the Coastal Environment Network (CEN) and includes Water Watch and Dune Care in her daily working responsibilities. Nicole keeps the central coast connected to the GSLN with her representation on the Steering Committee and also offers great links to other projects and partners within CEN, including Land for Wildlife.
Photo to follow.