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Abzeco Staff
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Abzeco is staffed by qualified and experienced botanists, zoologists,
engineers and landscape designers. The director of the company is Richard
Francis. |
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Karl Just
Karl is a botanist who also has a strong interest in zoology, geology
and cultural and natural history. Karl has undertaken fauna and flora surveys
throughout most regions of Victoria, in Western Australia, South Australia,
Thailand and the cloud rainforests of Fiji. Karl has been involved for a number
of years in detailed ecological restoration and monitoring projects throughout
the Yarra valley, Volcanic Plains and Kinglake Ranges, where he continues to
work with a wide range of ecologists, park rangers and naturalists. Although
interested in all things ecological, Karl has a particular interest in native
orchids, fire ecology, and, grassland, desert, rainforest, riparian and wetland
ecosystems. He is currently studying the little known often overlooked world of
bryophytes.
Contact Karl on mobile: 0434 815 374 or by email: karljust@abzeco.com.au
Katherine Whittaker
Katherine is a biologist with a Bachelor of Science degree in
Zoology and Botany and a Graduate Diploma in Environmental & Conservation
Biology. Katherine is particularly interested in remnant vegetation management
and has worked in number of high conservation significance grassland
undertaking both restoration and assessment projects. She is currently
undertaking in situ management of Diuris fragrantissima in Sunshine for DSE,
Grassland management for Whittlesea and number of vegetation assessments and
management plans for vegetation in northern and eastern Melbourne.
Contact Katherine by email: katherinewhittaker@abzeco.com.au
Justin Pegg
Justin is a biologist who has a Bachelor of Science (majors
Environmental Science & Conservation and Australian Wildlife) from
Melbourne University. He is also currently undertaking a Masters of Environment
& Sustainability at Monash University. Justin is particularly interested
developing his botanical skills while working on vegetation restoration,
assessment and mapping projects throughout Victoria.
Jack Latti
Jack has an Advanced Diploma in Horticulture and has a broad knowledge,
detailed understanding and experience in the propagation, planting and salvage
of a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic flora species. Jack assists in the
management of a range of Abzeco projects including the Gellions Run Xerochrysum
palustre recovery project and restoration of the Woodleigh School Wildlife
Reserve.
Andre Messina
Andre is a botanical taxonomist who is currently completing a
PHD at Latrobe University. He is investigating taxonomic and ecological
relationships within the Asteraceae family. Andre has extensive botanical
experience throughout Victoria and much of eastern Australia having undertaken
surveys throughout rainforest, grassland, alpine and heathland ecosystems.
Andre has worked in restoration and revegetation projects throughout the Yarra
Valley, and has had a strong involvement in recovery programs for a range of
threatened flora.
Gareth Cook
Gareth is a very experienced bushland manager having worked in
the restoration industry for over 10 years. During this time Gareth has worked
for a range of private vegetation management firms and in the Hume City Council
bushcrew. Gareth has been directly involved in identification and control of
weeds and restoration of a wide range of vegetation types. Gareth has a range
of licenses and permits include earthmoving, chainsaw and chemical use
qualifications. He has a keen
interest in grassland restoration and regularly spends weekends revisiting
sites he has worked on in the past.
Nick Evans
Nick is a botanist with a BSc in Biology and Chemistry, Honors
in Phytochemistry and several years experience in field work. Nick has a
firearms license , ethical hunting/marksman accreditation, first aid training
and chemical use qualifications. He
is currently undertaking vegetation restoration, assessments and GIS mapping of
vegetation in Greater Melbourne and Gippsland. Nick has a keen interest in the
potential uses and chemical interactions of plants and the control of exotic
flora and fauna.
Brad Jenner
Brad is a keen field naturalist with several years experience in
bushland management, mostly concentrated in the Yarra Ranges area. Brad has
undertaken flora and fauna surveys across Victoria with the Victorian Field
Naturalists Club and regularly heads for the hills in his spare time.
Haley Davis-Harcourt
Haley has a Diploma in Conservation and Land Management. Haley
has experience in Bushland Management through involvement with Friends of
Blackburn Lake, voluntary work on the Helmeted Honey Eater recovery project and
work in the Holmesglen Indigenous Nursery. While with Abzeco Haley has worked
on a range of grassland and woodland restoration projects including Nassella
spp. control for Whittlesea Council.