Where Every Child Can Have a Go
Over 20,000 Students
provided with information and education about the natural environment, biodiversity conservation, threatened wildlife, water quality, waste minimisation and more.
Hundreds of Environmental Education Events
engaging young people in curriculum-linked and hands-on activities, connecting with local community members and industry experts.
Over 800 Teachers
connected with through free curriculum-linked resources and training sessions to build their capacity in environmental education topics.
About us
Petaurus Education Group Inc. was developed in late 2014 with a commitment to providing free environmental education programs to rural schools, empowering students to become active and engaged members of their community and responsible environmental stewards.
Petaurus is a registered charity and has reached national and international acclaim in the environmental education sector.
We provide free environmental education initiatives that encourage young people in our regional communities to become responsible custodians of our local landscapes, waterways, biodiversity and First Nations culture
To create sustainable, resilient regional communities where every child has access to quality education that inspires and engages them in the exploration of their environment and community.
Biodiversity Conservation
Cultural Connections on Country
- Personal Sustainable Actions
The kids were really engaged and excited. We loved how interactive and fun it was. Petaurus really knew what they were talking about and created a hands-on educational day for all students
Head of Science- Walcha Central School
Our Board
Darren Grigg
Board Member
Adrian Wells
Board Chairperson
Maggie Watson
Board Member
Ruth Davys
Board Member
John Murphy
Board Member
Owen Dunlop
Board Member
Our Team
Toni Terlich
Executive Officer
Toni brings over 30 years of experience in the finance sector, including more than 20 years in managing small, national, listed, and not-for-profit businesses. With a Bachelor of Accounting from CSU, Toni possesses a deep understanding of the local community in which we operate. In her role at Petaurus, Toni leads operations and staff, implements business strategies, evaluates project performance, and supports the needs of our team.
Evie Frawley
Project Officer
Evie is a Project Officer based in Albury. She joined the Petaurus team in 2023 and has since played a pivotal role in supporting schools right across NSW to enhance their sustainability efforts. Her work extends beyond the office, fostering connections with local communities and stakeholders.
Martin White
Project Officer
Martin ‘Jnr’ White, born in Darwin with roots in Daly River and East Alice Springs, has a deep connection to Country. Since 2008, Martin has used his extensive knowledge and experiences as an Aboriginal man to deeply inform his approach to mentoring and supporting young people in schools, fostering their growth and development. His understanding of the land, its flora and fauna, and the cultural significance of Country provides a unique and enriching perspective for the young people he supports. He uses his personal journey and cultural background to connect with and empower young people, helping them navigate their own paths with confidence and respect for their roots.
Tahlia Stewart
Project Officer
Tahlia Stewart is an ecologist and landcare specialist with extensive knowledge of the Western Murray, Riverina, and Western Plains regions. Passionate about conservation, she works to protect and restore local ecosystems through sustainable land management and community-driven initiatives. Beyond her ecological expertise, Tahlia is dedicated to environmental education, inspiring children to connect with nature and their local communities. She creates hands-on learning experiences, outdoor workshops, and school programs that foster a deep appreciation for the environment. Her work bridges science, education, and community engagement, making her a respected advocate for sustainability. Whether restoring landscapes or teaching young minds, Tahlia continues to make a lasting impact.
Chanel Parmenter
Project Officer
Chanel has been working in education as a high school teacher for over a decade. Her expertise spans a variety of subjects, including English, Humanities, English as an Additional Language (EAL), and trade-based areas like the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL). Through her extensive experience with students of diverse interests and her own journey as a parent, Chanel has come to appreciate the significance of integrating nature into the learning process. She believes that immersing ourselves in and embracing nature’s classroom is crucial for developing skills to utilize and protect it. Chanel continues to find fulfillment in facilitating and providing enriching learning experiences for students across NSW.
Rhiannon Oates
Project Officer
Rhiannon is an experienced environmental educator with a passion for ecology and conservation. She joins Petaurus after an expansive career in field ecology and environmental education. Rhiannon finds great joy in being outdoors, and connecting people to the natural environment.
Claire Chepel
Project Support Officer
Claire has a background in zoology, environmental education, and ecological consulting. With experience in both fieldwork and education, she is passionate about translating complex ecological concepts into engaging, hands-on learning experiences for students. Her work focuses on biodiversity conservation, sustainability, and fostering connections between communities and their local environment. She aims to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards through immersive field excursions and interactive STEM education programs.
Lachlan Spalding
Project Support Officer
Lachlan has a background in environmental science and uses this effectively not only in education for Petaurus, but also in aiding studies for Charles Sturt University and seed collecting with Murray Local Land Services. He is always looking at ways to gather and implement a range of skills across his professions.
David Dunn
Wiradjuri Elder and Educator
David Dunn’s Aboriginal name is Gaagang. He is from the Wiradjuri Nation. Uncle David Dunn is an Aboriginal man who is an artist, Elder, teacher and mentor. David has a colourful, vibrant and contemporary artistic style and he paints important trees, wildlife and his people’s stories from his heart and with his soul. David uses some of the traditional symbols his father and uncles taught him but he also uses his own style. David is passionate about teaching youth about the connection they can have with country.