Simone is the Director of People Strategy at Melbourne-based global BI software developer Yellowfin with 20+ years of cross-sector experience in a range of roles. She has significant experience in strategy and process development, change management, negotiation and advocacy. Simone has been a part time resident at Woolamai for almost 20 years and has developed strong connections to the community and environment of Phillip Island and the Bass Coast through Landcare. She is a founding member of the 3Creeks Landcare group and a lifetime member of the Australian Conservation Foundation.

Simone holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Arts, University of Melbourne, 1990-1995 and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Catherine Basterfield is the Chief Executive Officer of the Phillip Island Nature Parks. Catherine commenced her career with the Nature Parks in 2009 holding executive roles in finance and operations before becoming the Chief Executive Officer in 2017.

Catherine brings to the Nature Parks experience in risk management, strategy and financial management from her roles at KPMG Australia and Bupa UK. She enjoys combining these skills with her passion for the environment to achieve positive economic and conservation outcomes for Phillip Island.

Catherine holds Board positions at Destination Phillip Island and the Penguin Foundation. She is also a founding Committee Member of Not In My Workplace.

Dr Peter Dann (AM) is the former Research Director at Phillip Island Nature Parks. He has published over 200 papers and book chapters and edited a book on penguin ecology and management.

His main research interests are population regulation, demography, climate change, foraging ecology, mitigation of anthropogenic threats to seabirds, the ecology of islands and the conservation of threatened species.

He has a life-long commitment to science-based wildlife management and threatened species conservation and is an honorary fellow of Birdlife Australia, a Board member of the World Seabird Union and co-chair of the scientific committee for the World Seabird Conference in Hobart in 2021.

Peter was made a member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the King’s Birthday honours 2023 - For significant service to conservation, and the preservation of sea birds.

Peter has held visiting fellow positions at Otago and Cambridge Universities and the University of Cape Town and currently the University of Melbourne. His commitment to wildlife conservation has been enhanced by the privilege to co-supervise 15 PhDs, 7 MScs & 18 BSc/BEnvSc (Hons) at a variety of tertiary institutions in Australia and overseas.

Jane is a long-term Phillip Island community member and environmentalist. She has served as a board member of the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority and non-profit Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation, and on the committees of local environmental groups.

Jane has completed governance training by the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is co-owner of a land development business that incorporates sustainable development principles.

Jane holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Environmental Science), Charles Sturt University, 2001 and a Bachelor of Business (Communication), Queensland University of Technology, 1992.

Heather is a senior philanthropy leader with significant experience in the Australian higher education sector and the UK not-for-profit sector. Currently Deputy Director Development at Monash University, Heather is a values driven, professional relationship-based fundraising and philanthropy expert with a proven track record of consistently delivering transformational philanthropic income. Deeply committed to the sector, Heather is a Board Director at Take 3 for the Sea, and SOFII - the Showcase of Fundraising Innovation and Inspiration, she also actively volunteers for wildlife, environmental and conservation organisations including as a former Penguin Guide Team Leader for the St Kilda colony. Heather holds a Masters Degree (MA) in Philanthropic Studies through the UK Centre for Philanthropy (University of Kent) and is a Member of the Fundraising Institute of Australia (MFIA).

Euan is currently the Head of Sustainability for Ampol and has over 20 years cross industry experience in governance, strategy, and risk management globally.

Euan has served on the board of the Royal Victorian Aero Club and currently sits on the Monash City Council Environmental Advisory Committee and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment Australia Steering Group. These roles have allowed him to combine his business skills with his passion for the environment.

Euan holds a Bachelor of Science (Applied Biology) and post graduate qualifications in environmental management & engineering from the University of Strathclyde, a Global Executive MBA from Monash University and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

With over 20 years of global experience across several continents, Peta is a dynamic leader in the tourism and attractions industry. From Australia and the United Kingdom to the United Arab Emirates and the United States of America, she has delivered results in strategy development, business operations, and commercial growth. Bringing a mix of commercial acumen and fun into everything she does, her experience has provided her with diverse and comprehensive business experience across various attractions (zoos, aquarium, science centres, waterparks, ice rinks, theme parks, nature parks, heritage museums).

Peta’s notable projects include roles in opening world-class attractions like Melbourne Aquarium, Dubai Aquarium, The Green Planet Dubai, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi and St Louis Aquarium, along with leading the Phillip Island Nature Parks Tourism team during the impacts of COVID-19 . As a result of her achievements, Peta was recognised in the Blooloop Top 50 Zoo & Aquarium Influencers for 2023, reflecting her commitment to shaping the industry's future. Whilst running her own consulting, Peta is also part of USA based group Canopy Strategic Partners, who are dedicated to helping mission-driven organisations in areas such as strategy, commercial and operational planning, along with delivering outstanding and unforgettable guest experiences to create a better future for the planet.

As a member of the APAC Advisory Board for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions and a member of the Lost Dogs Home Audit and Finance Committee, Peta is actively engaged in shaping the future of the attractions industry and has a personal passion for all things animals.