Our Team
THECA Volunteers
THECA could not exist without the contribution of many volunteers as well as the committee members. They are involved in bushcare, children’s activities, workshops and field trips, projects, birdwalks, as well as the essential office and maintenance tasks needed. New volunteers are always welcome.
Committee Members
Our Committee members are indeed committed to environmental issues and to the community.
Charles Worringham
President
After a 30-year academic career in movement neuroscience, Charles is applying his research background to a number of environmental and sustainability projects, ranging from reports and media stories on India’s energy transition to setting up THECA’s carbon dioxide monitoring project. He joined the committee in 2018. In stepping up to the role of President, he aims to build on THECA’s impressive record of community-based environmental science and education. At a time when environmental challenges are affecting all aspects of life, he believes that understanding and responding to their effects both locally and globally is more important than ever.
Justin Watson
Vice President
Justin has lived in the western suburbs since 2000 and has been a member of THECA for nearly as long. He is an ecologist and has worked throughout Australia and Africa. Most of his current work is in the Planning and Environment Court (as an expert witness) or as technical reviewer, where he is engaged by local governments and the State to assist in ecological matters. He has also provided a review of Commonwealth EPBC Act provisions. Current conservation, research and academic pursuits include terrestrial and restoration ecology, indigenous protected areas/conservation, Torres Strait biodiversity and conservation projects, threatened species management and conservation. His PhD focussed on biodiversity, rehabilitation, understanding ecosystem functioning and identifying a practical approach to restoring landscapes. We are fortunate to live in an area that still has a reasonable level of biodiversity and intact bushland and Justin feels THECA has an important role to play in helping the local community understand, appreciate and protect (as best we can) the environment of the western suburbs.
Maria Miller
Secretary
Maria ia a former public servant and globetrotter. She enjoys the outdoors, citizen science (including iNaturalist) and, promoting habitat awareness in public green spaces. She has lived in the area since 1997 and is a THECA member since 2014.
Ian Ferguson
Treasurer
Ian has been a member of THECA since 2015 and is a retired accountant and retail property manager. He has been involved as an administrator in a number of community groups and lives at Chapel Hill on the edge of Cubberla Creek.
Jocelyne Bridier
CHRISTINE ZUPANC
VOLUNTEERS
These volunteer members have taken on responsibilities for specific areas and projects.
Mother of Millions Club - Maria Miller
Hilltopping Bushcare - Justin Cappadonna
Librarian - Jocelyne Bridier
KAY SMITH
Office Assistant
LIFE Members
Our Life members have shown tremendous committment to environmental issues, to the community and THECA as an association. For each one, we are very grateful.
RACHEL GRIFFITHS
Education Officer
With 40 years of experience as a teacher and educational consultant and author, Rachel is a founding member of THECA. With involvement in all aspects of THECA, she has a special interest and expertise in running educational programs for children.
MARGARET DE WIT - OAM
As the former local Councillor she has been involved with THECA and its predecessor since 1997. She has supported the Art Shows since their inception and made sure the venue is a lasting asset to promote environmental activities.
LYN COLE
Inducted in 2022 for her steadfast leadership on the early committee and ongoing, tireless work with Habitat Brisbane through the Wandering Weeders Group on Mt. Coot-tha.
Dawn Muir
Inducted in 2022, she has held various roles on the committee and shares her ornithological knowledge widely through workshops and formerly guiding THECA's bird walks over many years.
DON SANDS - OAM
Inducted in 2022, he was instrumental in founding THECA and launching several conservation programs including the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly Project through host plant understanding and revival of vines in the Hut environs.
Jenny and Bryan Hacker
Inducted in 2023, Jenny and Bryan have been long term THECA members and volunteers. They have helped with many plant workshops and have contributed to the Newsletters over many years. They are strong supporters of a healthy environmental community.
