About us
Petaurus Education Group Inc. consults on, develops and delivers a range of learning and curriculum experiences, resources and initiatives for schools and community groups to connect with land, water, productive farming, sustainability and cultural issues at the local and state-wide level. Petaurus has reached national and international acclaim in the environmental education sector.
The group is incorporated in NSW so that it can receive, manage and report on local, state and commonwealth funded programs.
Our Past Work
Gallery
To encourage, support and connect our regional communities with their natural and cultural environment through the development and delivery of quality engagement, education and communication programs that promote positive change.
A balanced, productive and resilient regional landscape with engaged communities.
- Provide high quality educational outreach programs to specific groups and the broader community.
- Promote and inspire the next generation of Australians to discover and explore science and innovation.
- Act as a broker through hosting and supporting community group positions, such as Landcare, that build up the capacity of regional communities.
- Develop and deliver natural resource management, conservation and Cultural partnership programs that increase the resilience and capacity of regional communities.
- Provide consultation and advice to government organisations, non-government organisations, businesses and community groups on best practice methodology surrounding programs.
- Practice sound governance.
Our Board
Adrian Wells
Board Chairperson
Karen Retra
Secretary / Treasurer
John Murphy
Board Member
Ruth Davys
Board Member
Maggie Watson
Board Member
Darren Grigg
Board Member
Our Team
Toni Terlich
Business/Finance Executive
Toni, our business and finance executive, is a registered BAS Agent with the Tax Practitioners Association and has 18 years’ experience in accountancy. She supervises and leads Petaurus’ operations and employees, implements our business strategies, evaluates project performance, and supports the needs of our staff.
Caitlin Lawrence
Business/Partnerships & Programs Manager
Caitlin is a Programs Coordinator with a background in environmental science and education. Caitlin enjoys running a state-wide program around sustainable agriculture geared to year 11 students. Caitlin also provides advice on development, best practice and evaluation methods for new projects.
Owen Dunlop
Co-Founder
After decades as a school principal and working in education consultancy, Owen saw a need within Australian schools and developed Petaurus to bring nature and Culture to the classroom. Owen’s passion and expertise is second to none and he has travelled internationally, providing advice and guidance to many organisations on best practice methods within the education sector.
Fionne Matthews
Administration Officer
Fionne is an experienced administrator who has recently joined Petaurus after over two decades in the local government sector. She is looking forward to supporting the team as they deliver projects that inspire young people and the wider community to appreciate and care for the natural environment.
Lou Bull
Squirrel Glider LAMP Project Officer
Lou works extensively with landholders in the Burrumbuttock area to secure viable populations of squirrel gliders through community action. A thoughtful and passionate coordinator, Lou manages the on-ground works program by engaging one-on-one with community members in target areas.
Paula Sheehan
Landcare Coordinator
Paula Sheehan is the Regional Landcare Coordinator for the Murray region, based in Holbrook and works with Petaurus as a Local Landcare Coordinator. An outstanding capacity builder and facilitator, Paula supports the coordination of local and regional activities and partnerships.
Jasmin Maiden
Design & Delivery Officer
Jasmin, our comms/media specialist, has experience designing and managing printed and digital resources such as books, videos, animations and branded products. Jasmin has great finesse in catering the design to suit clients while also designing and managing web/ social media pages for Petaurus.
Samantha Davies
Education Project Officer
Samantha is an Education Project Officer based in Hay. She is passionate about providing rural and isolated students opportunities to connect to their communities and environments. She joins Petaurus with a background in teaching Distance Education in the Northern Territory and New South Wales.
Dominique Cole
Education Project Officer
Dominique is a registered teacher and Education Project Officer based in Albury. She joins Petaurus in 2022 and is looking forward to providing unique experiences to students across NSW. Dominique enjoys making learning fun and accessible for all students.
Leanne Smith
Project Officer
Leanne is a highly committed educator with proven abilities in preparing and delivering programs that bring positive change to young people and the environment. Her background in Environmental Management has seen her conduct research and conservation projects both locally and internationally. Leanne enjoys demonstrating with her licenced collection of wildlife.
Bronwyn Hicks
Education Project Officer
Bronwyn is an Education Project Officer for the Lower Murrumbidgee and Murray regions. Based in Hay, Bronwyn is a registered teacher and enjoys being an active member of her local community. Bronwyn is passionate about providing quality education for students and local community members in rural areas.
Kaye Cook
Education Project Officer
Kaye is a teacher at Gol Gol Public school and is passionate about environmental education. Kaye is coordinator of their Cultural and Environmental Immersion Centre situated on the Murray river near their school. She will be supporting Petaurus in the delivery of various sustainability programs.
John Dent
Education Project Officer
John joined our team in 2021 and has worked in Riverina schools all his teaching life. Owen and John first met while teaching in Finley in the late 1970’s. John was Principal at Glenroy Public School in Albury before his retirement from the NSW Department of Education where for a time was reliving Director of Schools for the Albury area. We welcome his experience and passion for working with young people.
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.