Founding member of the Peel-Harvey Catchment Council (PHCC), Andy Gulliver retired from the PHCC Board after more than 20 years of tireless efforts for the protection and restoration of our natural environment.

The PHCC is a not-for-profit, community based Natural Resource Management organisation that promotes an integrated approach to catchment management and the way we protect and restore the environment within the Peel-Harvey catchment.  PHCC work across 1.2 million hectares of surface water catchment that flows into the internationally important, Ramsar listed Peel-Harvey Estuary.  PHCC has ~30 staff that work out of the head office in Mandurah and regional offices in Boddington and Waroona.  The operations team are supported by a dedicated, skills based Board of Management.

Andy gave a heartfelt message to the community group as he stood aside for incoming members, stating,

“It’s not often in life that you get a chance to see a vision fulfilled and even less likely that you would be part of it.  I am truly grateful to the fantastic people, both past and present, who have made the PHCC what it is today and feel privileged to have worked together over the past 20 years helping our community understand, embrace and care for the special place we live in.

Our vision was driven by a common purpose, shared values and a relentless drive. To do this over such a long period is a testament to the passion, resilience  and wisdom of our own ‘elders’ who gave us direction and built bridges based on respect, integrity and the courage to communicate our story in a way that created a respected and unstoppable community movement.

I’d like to thank friends and colleagues for a memorable journey. This tremendous group of people have achieved much by living the vision of ‘people working together’. The challenge is relentless and I am delighted to make way for a new generation of committed contributors and am in awe of the sheer energy, talent and conviction I see in the team at the PHCC and in the broader community. Just imagine where we could be in another 20 years!

I will continue to be a strong supporter and advocate for the PHCC and look forward to participating in future events. Thank you again one and all.  Andy Gulliver”

PHCC Chairman, Caroline Knight praised the achievements of outgoing Board member Andy Gulliver, a Landcare pioneer for over two decades.  Caroline said that Andy’s departure “is bittersweet, to have such interest from qualified community members looking to join the Board, fabulous that our desire of succession planning and renewal is occurring but very difficult to say goodbye to such long term fabulous contributors such as Andy”.

PHCC CEO of eleven (11) years commended Andy’s support and efforts, particularly for the operations team,

“We are so grateful for the contribution Andy has made over the years, it is difficult to quantify the impact and legacy that he leaves and we are very pleased he has agreed to continue on our Agriculture Steering Committee”.

“Andy has been a long-time advocate for Landcare in the Peel-Harvey. His on-going commitment, particularly to soil health and restoring and protecting the area’s natural assets is highly valued. He is a true champion for the environment and has been an important member of the PHCC Board. Andy has left a legacy and we are so appreciative” said Jane.

Howard Mitchell, who has been on the Board since 2015 will also be missed.  Howard’s environmental planning and hydrology knowledge has been invaluable, as has his efforts on various subcommittees.  We are grateful that he has generously offered to continue to provide advice and support from beyond the boardroom.

The PHCC are excited to welcome its three (3) new members, and the continuation of Claire Read’s position. 

New members are Peter Zurzolo, Veronica Metcalf and Amanda Batt.  Peter has served on the board of several environment groups and has a long professional career in environment, research, business development and agriculture.  He was the inaugural CEO for the Western Australian Biosecurity Institute (WABSI), has been an executive on several cooperative research centres as well as a graduate of the Institute of Company Directors.

Veronica Metcalf has a wealth of environmental skills and knowledge, supported by a degree in Environmental Science (with Hons) and has worked as a Landcare Officer in the Victoria Plains.  Veronica is an upper catchment resident which is welcomed to ensure that Board representation is across the whole of the Peel-Harvey.

Amanda Batt is a broad acre farmer from the upper catchment with a Bachelor in Science specialising in Occupational Health and Safety.  Amanda has strong interests in natural resource management and sustainable agriculture. 

ENDS Media Contact:  Jane O’Malley, Chief Executive Officer, Peel-Harvey Catchment Council, Jane.Omalley@peel-harvey.org.au, (08) 6369 8800

We acknowledge the Noongar people as Traditional Custodians of this land and pay our respects to all Elders past and present