Introducing the FOBIF Committee for 2027

Flourishing fungi

At the recent Annual General Meeting held at the Ray Bradfield rooms on Monday 19th
October, the President’s report provided examples of the range of activities that FOBIF have been engaged in over the year in the areas of advocacy, education and activism. 
This year, two committee members have had to step down due to personal reasons. We
thank Christine Henderson and Sarah Day for their contributions. The election of office
bearers and the committee for 2027 was confirmed and appear below with a brief
biography. All bring a great mix of experience and skills to FOBIF.
President:: Frances Cincotta
Frances has been running an indigenous nursery (Newstead Natives) for 26 years and
supplies many of the Landcare groups, MAS Council, Connecting Country, farmers and
gardeners with local provenance plants for habitat restoration.
Secretary: Lisa Hall
Lisa lives in and loves the forest. After working in landscape architecture and outdoor
education she now has time to volunteer in her favourite organisations.
Treasurer: Carolyn Crowther
Carolyn is a passionate forest lover and resident of Spring Gully, Fryerstown, who brings her extensive experience from publishing and finance to FOBIF.
Committee members:
Chrissi Charles (ongoing)
Chrissi is a well-qualified vegetation ecologist with a Degree in Plant Science & a Masters of Ecosystem Management and Conservation.
Karl Just (ongoing)
Karl is local ecologist legend, with a background in botany and zoology. He is dedicated to
environmental advocacy and nature restoration and has a great podcast Just Ecology .
Sean McConnell (new)
Sean grew up in the Riverina, surrounded by the bush and developing a love for the natural world. He took this passion to study and work, completing degrees in landscape architecture and ecosystem management. Sean worked for several years as a biodiversity assessor at DELWP/DEECA and now works for DJAARA in mining-related environmental matters.
Catherine Jerome (new)
The unique Box-Ironbark forests of Central Victoria have been Catherine’s home for most of her adult life. Along with personal reading, events and group memberships she has also
learned from friends working in their different environmental fields to understand and
protect our local ecosystems. As a local teacher she promoted the environment curriculum
across her schools. As part of FOBIF she is keen to advocate for and contribute to the groups purpose and goals.
Allan Evans (new)
Allan grew up in Taradale, next to Fryers Ridge Nature Conservation Reserve. That’s where he fell in love with the local forests! Now he is a qualified climbing arborist A E Tree Care working in the local area. Allan is also a keen walker, living in Castlemaine.