Our Staff

EXECUTIVE MANAGER

Growing up on a large flood irrigation dairy farm in northern Victoria, Laura became an agricultural consultant in Gippsland after graduating from university. Her main focuses in the 18 years in the industry were primarily land management based; designing sustainable and profitable small agricultural businesses on small landholdings in peri-urban areas, as well as undertaking Executive officer roles in the Victorian potato industry, and undertaking disturbance impact assessments and management strategies for various major State Government, VicRoads and private pipeline and easement works across Victoria.

She also regularly took part in soil and plant pest and disease sampling and analysis, designed and helped farmers implement nutrient and effluent retention on dairy farms, and held positions on State and Federal horticultural boards as well as undertaking other extremely varied projects within the horticultural and dairy industry.

Laura lives on a small farm in Willow Grove with her young family and is actively involved in the local school and equestrian community in the area as well as being a leader for 1st Trafalgar Scout Group. She looks forward to working with the Board and groups within the LCLN to promote, support and expand the network to engage with people across all generations and cultures to ensure a strong, sustainable future for the network.

E: laura.bowles@latrobe.vic.gov.au

P: 0417 118 233

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 10 years ago, 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

E: jodie.kurpershoek@latrobe.vic.gov.au

P: 0484 000 614

Work days are Mon-Tues and Thurs - Fri 9am-3pm