New conservation manager appointed

Experienced conservation leader Shael Martin has joined Phillip Island Nature Parks as the new General Manager Conservation.

Bringing more than two decades of environmental experience to Phillip Island, Ms Martin joins the Nature Parks following a 23-year career with the Northern Territory Government, primarily with the Parks and Wildlife Commission, and more recently with Parks Victoria in a statewide operational role.

Her career has combined conservation leadership, wildlife rehabilitation, tourism and community engagement, including nearly a decade as Director of the Territory Wildlife Park, where she oversaw animal rescue and rehabilitation programs alongside environmental education and visitor experiences.

Ahead of formally commencing, Ms Martin immersed herself in learning about the island's iconic wildlife, particularly the little penguin and says her first weeks had reinforced the global significance of the Nature Parks' work.

Looking ahead, Ms Martin hopes to strengthen conservation outcomes while deepening partnerships across the region.

She said connecting people with nature would remain central to her approach.
"A profound lesson I learned from Indigenous colleagues in the Northern Territory is that if we love Country, Country will love us back," Ms Martin said.

"We are not apart from nature, we are a part of it and fostering that connection is more important now than ever."