(Ecorich) The Project Team

Eco-Rich Grazing | Project Team | Publications | Photos | Project Location | Research | Related Links

The project team comprises specialists from DPI and DSE. Our areas of expertise range from ecology and agricultural research to economic policy.

Steve Clark - DPI, Hamilton
Ph: (03) 55730977
Email: Steve Clark

Steve has over 20 years of experience with the pastures of south-western Victoria. He has worked on many aspects of pasture agronomy e.g. seed and seedling biology, cultivar development and evaluation, grazing management systems, simulation modelling and climate variability impacts on production. Since 2002 he has been the team leader for the Grazing for Biodiversity and Profit project.

Jaimie Mavromihalis - DSE, ARI-Heidelberg
Ph: 9450 8638
Email: Jaimie Mavromihalis

Jaimie is the Project Officer for Grazing for Biodiversity and Profit. Jaimie is an ecologist who specialises in sustainable agriculture and threatened species ecology. She has an in depth knowledge of plant community ecology and experience with sustainable grazing programs such as SGSL (Sustainable Grazing on Saline Lands) and considerable plant survey expertise.

Dr. Josh Dorrough - DSE, ARI-Heidelberg
Ph: 9450 8712
Email: Josh Dorrough

Dr Josh Dorrough was awarded his PhD in 2002 for his work on The impact of grazing and exotic invasion on the persistence of native grassland (Australian National University, Canberra). For the past two years he has been member of the Flora Ecology Research Group at ARI working on a variety of grazing management projects such as managing native vegetation for wool production and biodiversity (Land, Water and Wool), new dimensions in planning agricultural landscapes (Our Rural Landscape), and Eco-rich Grazing (ESAI).

Dr. Vivienne Turner - DSE, ARI-Heidelberg
Ph: 9450 8662
Email: Vivienne Turner

Dr Vivienne Turner has had a varied career as an ecologist spanning 25 years which has included appointments as a university academic as well as a government ecologist. She has broad ecological expertise and has worked on mammals, birds and insects as well as higher plants. Since joining the Victorian State government as a senior ecologist in 1999 she has developed a portfolio in landscape processes. Vivienne has worked on a broad range of projects under the theme of sustainable agriculture and plays a large role in a new Government initiative called Our Rural Landscapes.

Jim Crosthwaite - DSE, East Melbourne
Ph: (03) 9637 8457
Email: Jim Crosthwaite

Jim is an economist by background. He now works in the Department of Sustainability and Environment on biodiversity policy, with a focus on biodiversity and agriculture. He has a special interest in thinking about conservation in the context of the farm business. A range of his work can be found through a google search for "crosthwaite farm business". Jim brings his expertise in economics, policy development and project management to the Grazing for Biodiversity and Profit project.

Jeff Hirth - DPI, Rutherglen
Ph: (02) 6030 4580
Email: Jeff Hirth

Jeff has 30 year experience in pasture agronomy research with a strong focus on annual and perennial pasture legumes and their interactions with soil acidity, fertility, structure, macrobiota and water supply as well as interactions between plant water use and grazing management.

Yvonne Ingeme - DSE, Hamilton
Ph: (03) 55730734
Email: Yvonne Ingeme

Yvonne is a Flora and Fauna Management officer with the Biodiversity Unit based in Hamilton. She has been working on native grassland communities since 1992, gaining experience in the Northern Plains, Wimmera and Victorian Volcanic Plain grasslands (where she held a role as field adviser for the Victorian Volcanic Plains Tender project). Yvonne brings her knowledge of plant composition, biodiversity, ecology and management of various grassy and grassy woodland ecosystems to the project.

Bill Hill - Farmer, Strathbogie Ranges

Bill Hill and his wife Debbie run a 560 ha grazing property (fine Merino sheep and Angus cattle) on three blocks in the foothills of the Strathbogie Ranges south of Benalla. Their pastures are a mix of native and introduced grasses. In 2002 Bill joined the eco-rich grazing team in the capacity of advocate farmer. Although none of the research has been conducted on his property, Bill is considered a vital part of the project team as he helps to keep us real! He regularly connects us with the realities of farm life.