Dr Andrew Thomas- Executive Officer
Dr Andrew Thomas has been the Executive Officer of the Cooks River Alliance since October 2021. He is responsible for overseeing the operations and strategic direction of the Cooks River Alliance, providing support to the Alliance’s secretariat team in the execution of their respective roles. Andrew brings over 30 years of experience to the Alliance secretariat, including areas as diverse as materials engineering, environmental management, and asset management across the government, consulting, research and not for profit sectors. His formal qualifications reflect that diversity including a PhD in societal systems theory (social science), a Bachelor and Master’s in the environmental sciences, and an associate diploma in materials engineering.
Claire Wheeler- Senior Catchment Officer
Claire Wheeler is the Alliance’s Senior Catchment Officer and is solely responsible for delivering the Coastal Management Program (CMP). As part of the development of the CMP, Claire liaises with representatives from six councils and Sydney Water, as well as other stakeholders within the CMP study area, to manage the delivery of sub-projects by consultants, including carrying out field work and the production of technical reports. The CMP, a grant-funded project with expenditure split across numerous years, involves multiple milestones that are to be reported against at the completion of each sub-project in the NSW Government’s Grant Management System.
Jason L’Ecuyer- Senior Engagement Officer
Jason L’Ecuyer is the Alliance’s Senior Engagement Officer. He works directly with the community to translate their aspirations for the catchment and with partner organisations, to translate their plans into coordinated action. Jason facilitates collaboration between councils, organisations and land managers, for the mutual benefit of the river and catchment. He also works with over 30 community groups across the catchment, to coordinate and communicate on-the-ground work and advocacy. He oversees Alliance’s communications channels. Jason coordinates the annual Wurridjal Festival.
Stacey Gilbert- Aboriginal Landcare Coordinator
Stacey Gilbert belongs to Dharawal land and is the Aboriginal Landcare Coordinator at Cooks River Alliance. She has a background in caring for country activities and cultural education. Stacey is responsible for overseeing the Aboriginal Partnership Strategy, supporting and platforming First Nations voices within the Cooks River Catchment and supporting landcare and other environmental groups and activities.
In her role as Aboriginal Landcare Coordinator, she helps support environmental groups and activities by: facilitating or supporting environmental workshops and events, supporting collaboration with councils, nurseries, communities and other environmental groups.
Are you a local community member or group working to improve the Cooks River catchment, get in touch with Stacey to find out how we can support your group or activities. Contact info@cooksriver.org.au.
