Get To Know Us

Our Team

Meet the dedicated team working every day to protect our wildlife and create a future where Australia’s unique species can thrive.

Chief Executive Officer

Abi Smith

Fauna Ecologist | Conservation Leader | Not-for-Profit Specialist

Abi Smith (she/her) is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Threatened Species Conservancy (TSC). A fauna ecologist with over 25 years of experience in threatened species recovery, wildlife management, and animal husbandry.

Her career spans senior roles across federal and state government, not-for-profit organisations, zoos, and museums—where she has led large teams, conducted ecological research, developed recovery strategies, and delivered large-scale conservation programs across Australia and it’s islands.

Abi specialises in ornithology, herpetology, and island conservation, with a strong interest in translocation ecology. She is also a committed leader in the environmental sector, currently serving as a National Committee Member for the Australian Island Alliance, as Deputy Chairperson (Operations) for Landcare Victoria Inc., Chairperson of the Pink-tailed Worm-lizard Recovery Team, and a member of several scientific advisory groups.

Abi holds a Master of Environment (Policy and Governance), Bachelor of Science (Ecology), Diploma of Leadership and Management, and a Diploma of Governance (Not-for-Profit).

Threatened Flora Ecologist

Dr. Stan Wawrzyczek

Stan (he/him) is a botanist and pollination ecologist. He is passionate about protecting and restoring native flora along with their ecological interactions. His PhD, completed in 2025, investigated the importance of birds, mammals and insects for pollination of the heathland banksias in the southwest Australian biodiversity hotspot. Stan's expertise is in flora and fauna surveys, plant reproduction, and population genetics.

Through working with TSC he aims to help understand the threats our flora and the pollinator communities are facing, and design and implement conservation actions to ensure our most vulnerable species are secure and thrive.

Threatened Species Ecologist

Mitch Burrows

Mitch (he/him) has been working in the ecological science and landscape management industries as an environmental science professional for over 10 years.

Mitch has an Honours degree in Marine Science and specialises in marine mammal ecology, ornithology and native flora ecology. Mitch is the author of the recently published 'Field Guide to the Native Flora of Millowl (Phillip Island)'.

Having worked previously in both the public and private sectors, Mitch has a well-rounded understanding of the conservation science industry as a whole and applies this knowledge effectively in threatened species conservation. Additionally, Mitch has experience working with many marine megafauna species including humpback whales and Australian fur seals, cryptic inshore dolphin species, marine plants, migratory shorebirds and lots more.

Driven by a ceaseless desire to understand and protect the natural world, Mitch supports the TSC through on-ground conservation research and advocacy.

Senior Threatened Fauna Ecologist

Dr. Matt West

Matt West (he/him) is a fauna ecologist with extensive experience in threatened species management that includes wildlife population monitoring, conservation translocations, recovery planning, and breeding of species for captive conservation programs.

Matt gained this experience as an academic researcher, as a zookeeper and zoo researcher, as a private wildlife consultant and by assisting environmental not-for-profit organizations.

Whilst broadly interested in all taxa and particularly native Australian vertebrates, Matt has dedicated most of his career to understanding and preventing the decline of threatened amphibians. He is an advocate for strengthening relationships with communities and Traditional Owners in recognition that effective partnerships with these groups are crucial for conservation success.

Matt holds qualifications in Zookeeping, a Bachelor of Science, Masters of Reproductive Science and a PhD in Amphibian Ecology.

Threatened Flora Ecologist

Eleanor Fox

Elle (she/her) has been working in the field of ecology and environmental management for over 15 years. Elle has her Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Management, Honours in arid ecosystem ecology and herpetology. She is currently completing her PhD at Federation University Australia, investigating the genetic structure of two critically endangered Victorian Eucalyptus species.

Elle has worked previously as a Landcare coordinator, thoroughly enjoying her time working with local communities to carry out ecological rehabilitation work and revegetation projects on their properties. Elle has worked with native small mammals, reptiles and birds of prey, but is always drawn back to her passion for botany and discovering what underpins the structure of Australian ecosystems. Elle supports the TSC through communications and the development of online resources.

Senior Threatened Flora Ecologist (Advisor)

Dr. Christine Allen

Christine (she/her) is flora ecologist with a background in managing complex projects combining conservation, land management and community engagement. Christine completed a PhD in threatened flora translocations in the Stirling Range National Park, South-west Western Australia in 2014.

Since then, she has worked for the Western Australian Government as a threatened flora officer in the Wheatbelt with a jurisdiction equivalent to the size of Turkey.

Christine also worked with not-for-profit Greening Australia in Perth and ACT, where she managed large-scale land revegetation programs in collaboration with landholders, community, local and state Governments. Christine enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for the natural world with all walks of life and finding solutions to benefit people and biodiversity.

Senior Landscape Ecologist

Ben Thomas

Ben Thomas (he/him) brings almost 20 years’ experience as a Landscape Ecologist to his volunteer role with the Threatened Species Conservancy (TSC). He has worked across state and local governments as well as the not-for-profit sector, and currently serves as Reserves Manager at Phillip Island Nature Parks. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Nature-based Tourism and a Diploma of Management.

Ben’s expertise spans island pest eradication, threatened flora and fauna recovery, fire and biodiversity interactions, and grassland conservation. He has served as a Threatened Species Officer in central Victoria, and worked extensively on Norfolk Island, leading eradication programs and strengthening biosecurity.

Recognised for his practical land management skills and conservation leadership, Ben has guided teams and programs to deliver measurable outcomes for biodiversity. He often volunteers his time and expertise on the ground for TSC, directly contributing to efforts that save and recover threatened species across Australia.

Since TSC’s inception in 2018, Ben has been a dedicated supporter, contributing his skills, experience, and leadership as a volunteer. His long-standing involvement has been crucial to TSC’s success, and he remains an invaluable part of our on-ground conservation team.

Trainee Ecologist / Social Media

Vickie Wong

Vickie (she/her) is currently studying a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Ecology & Conservation Biology and Earth Science.

After finishing her internship with TSC, Vickie is continuing to help out as a volunteer. Throughout her time at TSC, she has been involved with Black Gum conservation in Woodend, drafted progress reports for the recovery of the Pink-Tailed Worm-Lizard, and has assisted with social media.

Vickie has always been fascinated by the natural world, with a particular interest in all things reptiles. She is keen to continue fuelling her passion for conservation science, particularly in the conservation of threatened reptile species.

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