Board Member update at Nature Parks

The Phillip Island Nature Parks Board of Management has welcomed three new members this month, with the term coming to an end for their predecessors.

As a Minister-appointed governing body, the Board aims to help achieve the vision at the Nature Parks 'to create an island haven where nature and people thrive together'.

The Nature Parks farewelled board members Michaela Salvato and Dr Bev Munro as their terms came to an end on June 30.

As residents of the Bass Coast community and with deep care for Phillip Island, they have helped shape the organisation through collective insights and dedicated contributions.

Dedicating eight years of service, Michaela is a long-standing local resident of the Bass Coast community and served as a Board Member since July 1, 2018.

In 2025, Michaela was appointed Interim Chair, where she provided steady leadership and ensured a smooth and successful transition to the incoming Chair.

"Michaela's dependability and calm leadership were especially evident during her time as Interim Chair," said Matt McDonald, Chair at Phillip Island Nature Parks.

"Her willingness to step forward and guide the Board through a period of transition demonstrated her deep commitment to the Nature Parks and the confidence we all place in her judgement and character."

Dr Bev Munro is a local resident of the Bass Coast community and has been a Board Member since July 1, 2023.

"Bev's leadership in reconciliation has had a profound impact on our organisation," said Mr McDonald.

"Her lived commitment, community connections and thoughtful guidance have strengthened our reconciliation journey and ensured the values and aspirations of our Reconciliation Action Plan are meaningfully embedded across the Nature Parks."

The Nature Parks welcomes new Board Members Jacquie White, Mark Lucas and Terry Robinson who were appointed on July 14, 2026, along with Michelle Dickson who has been reappointed for another three-year term.

Jacquie White brings over 20 years of experience in the environment sector across coastal, catchment and integrated water management, as well as community and stakeholder engagement.

Jacquie is the Executive Officer of the Association of Bayside Municipalities and runs a consultancy in event management and stakeholder engagement.

Mark Lucas is a senior executive with extensive board, management and leadership experience in public, private and Government organisations with his most recent role as Chief Financial Officer at Zoos Victoria.

Mark is a Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority board member and was also a member on the Nature Parks Tourism Subcommittee.

Terry Robinson has more than 25 years of diverse experience in the tourism and events industry and previously worked as Operations Manager at Phillip Island Nature Parks.

Terry is leading the Gippsland Visitor Economy Partnership at Destination Gippsland.

"We have a special role here on Milawul, caring for places of immense environmental, cultural and community significance.

I look forward to bringing to life our new strategy together with the team at the Nature Parks and with support from volunteers, partners and the community," said Mr McDonald.

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