Our People
The Australian Ecosystems Foundation Inc. is governed by a volunteer Management Committee made up of people with experience in ecosystem conservation, wildlife management, creating sustainable breeding programs, community engagement and organisational leadership. Their combined skills support our work restoring biodiversity, protecting native species and advising others on the development of sustainable sanctuary projects.
As a volunteer‑run organisation, our overheads remain low and our work stays grounded in community involvement. Our projects bring together local supporters, regional partners and national expertise to ensure that every program is practical, sustainable and built for long‑term impact.
MEET OUR 2025/26 OFFICE BEARERS
Bob Sutor
President
A proud Bundjalung man and a founding committee member of AEFI. He is also a Director of OneMob, contributing his cultural knowledge to education and community programs on country. Bob has taught Aboriginal arts, crafts and cultural practices for TAFE and is a multi‑talented creative — a graphic artist, filmmaker, traditional animator, entertainer and songwriter whose work celebrates culture and storytelling.
Professor Michael Archer AM
Vice President
A leading Australian palaeontologist and conservation advocate who has led the UNSW research team focused on the Riversleigh World Heritage Area fossil fields. Mike has been Curator of Mammals at the Queensland Museum, Director of the Australian Museum and Dean of Science at UNSW. An early scientific advisor to AEFI and a long‑standing committee member, he jointly instigated the Mountain Pygmy‑possum breeding program having proposed a fossil-record-based initiative for a conservation translocation that could save this critically endangered marsupial from extinction.
Trevor Evans
Secretary
Founded Secret Creek Sanctuary to bring Eastern Quolls back to NSW and strengthening threatened‑species recovery. As the Founding President of AEFI and a hands‑on conservationist for more than 40 years, he has led major projects in wildlife care, habitat restoration and community education. Trevor was honoured as Australian Geographic’s Conservationist of the Year in 2010 for his leadership in species recovery.
Julianne Evans
Treasurer
A former NSW Senior Executive and founding member of AEFI with extensive experience in leadership, governance and community operations. She holds an MBA, a BAdminLead and Cert IV in Life Coaching. As Treasurer and COO for Secret Creek Sanctuary and the Gardens of Stone Visitor Centre and AEFI Julie is passionate about ethical governance and supporting people and wildlife.
OUR 2025/26 COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Meet the rest of our volunteer committee members. Each contributes their unique skills and passion to the conservation of native ecosystems, the protection of biodiversity and the long-term sustainability of our sanctuaries and the native species we aim to protect and/or breed.
Patrick Medway AM
A long‑standing AEFI committee member and early advisor with extensive experience in wildlife conservation through his many years on the Australian Wildlife Society Board of Directors, where he held several leadership roles including CEO. Active in national conservation programs since the 1980s, he is also co‑author of Conservation Victories and Battles Still to Win and continues to support wildlife protection initiatives across Australia.
Glen Joseph
Studied economics and zoology at the ANU before beginning his career in wildlife filmmaking with New England Film Corp on the “Australia Naturally” series. He later founded the company that became the Spinifex Group, producing environmental documentaries and public campaigns winning contracts for various Olympic Games opening ceremonies and other major world events. Glen brings extensive expertise in media production, marketing and fundraising to AEFI.
Dr Hayley Bates
Conservation biologist and lecturer at the University of New South Wales, specialising in species limitations, adaptation and palaeoecology. Hayley’s research focuses on threatened species, including the Mountain Pygmy‑possum (MPP), through long-term work with the Burramys Project. As a new AEFI committee member, she contributes strong academic insight and practical conservation expertise to support evidence‑based wildlife protection.
Dr Stephen Van Mil
A veterinarian and wildlife advocate with a long career in animal welfare, emergency wildlife care and public education. He is the Founder and CEO of Wildlife Recovery Australia, which operates the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital and will operate the Wollemi Wildlife Hospital. A new committee member of AEFI, Stephen brings deep experience in wildlife response, veterinary care and community engagement to support improved outcomes for Australia’s native animals.
Shaun Hooper
A Wiradjuri land and sea management leader with deep expertise in Indigenous knowledge systems, cultural land stewardship and community‑led research. He works closely with the University of New England through cultural knowledge and land‑management programs and is committed to strengthening cultural practices and empowering communities to care for Country.