Hi!

My name is Tom Crook and I am the new Gippsland Plains CMN facilitator and programs manager.

A bit about myself…….

Growing up in Tasmania I developed an interest and passion for the environment at a young age.

I lived and worked in and around Kakadu in the Northern Territory in my early twenty’s and made it to East Gippsland in the late 1990’s where I was, and still am, captivated by its natural beauty.

In more recent times, following a long period being involved with volunteer conservation organisations and while continuing to work within the environment and renewable fuel sectors, I finished an Environmental Science degree with a specialisation in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management.

I believe that it is the environment that underpins our economy and so want to engage in work that makes a meaning contribution toward society and the natural world.

As an ecologist I believe a scientific understanding should guide and underpin how we approach conservation projects.

I have now lived and worked in East Gippsland for roughly the past 20 years, in which time I’ve worked in a range of environmentally focussed roles. Including with Wildlife Unlimited, The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority and Trust for Nature.

I currently run the East Gippsland Rainforest CMN and am really excited to have been given the opportunity to work with the Gippsland Plains CMN and its partners. I believe in ‘life-long learning’ and that there is always more to learn, especially about the environment.

I’m very interested in developing a range of projects with the Plains CMN into the future as well as getting the best value possible from the public investment we receive.

I strongly feel that a partnership approach is the best way to deliver conservation outcomes for our region and to this end my door will always be open to everyone and anyone wishing to discuss our existing projects, specific environmental management concerns or with ideas for the future. In fact I encourage you to do so!

 Best Wishes,

 Tom

 

About

The Gippsland Plains Conservation Management Network (GPCMN) brings together managers of native vegetation, regardless of tenure, in the South East Coastal Plain. Our main focus is on improving outcomes for the nationally endangered community of Gippsland Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Associated Native Grassland across private and public land on the Gippsland Plains.