Science Careers for Change

All interested students are invited to take part in an online event during National Science Week 2024 - Science Careers for Change: Making a difference through Science & Conservation. 

This virtual event offers the opportunity for a multitude of disciplines to connect with, learn from and be inspired by professionals in the fields of environmental science and conservation. 

In sharing their experiences, insights and passions, our presenters from the Bush Heritage team will provide valuable information and advice about career pathways, opportunities and the benefits of working in this diverse and important field. 

Event times

VIC, NSW, ACT, TAS, QLD     11.00 am - 12.00 pm 

SA, NT                               10.30 am - 11.30 pm 

WA                                     9.00 am - 10.00 am

Please direct inquiries to Alysha van Eyk via email

Bush Heritage Presenters

RHYS SWAIN

National Fire Program Manager

Rhys started his career with a Marine Science and Management Degree and worked in various marine based roles throughout the Great Barrier Reef, Cape York, and the Torres Strait Islands, before moving to WA to work at the Kimberley Land Council. Over the last 12 years Rhys has focused his career on supporting fire management activities across much of the north of Australia, with the last 4 years dedicated to a national role across Bush Heritage’s Reserves and Partnerships.

VIKKI PARSLEY
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Manager

Vikki is a Yuin Walbunja Murramarang Wiradjuri woman who grew up on the South Coast of NSW. With over 25 years’ experience Vikki has worked with NSW National Parks & Wildlife service, Catchment Management Authorities and in Heritage Consultancy supporting Aboriginal communities towards culturally led conservation practices. She has a keen passion for looking after country using Cultural heritage and mapping techniques, oral histories, geographical mapping systems, language revitalisation and cultural revitalisation to ensure the protection and management of Indigenous knowledge systems for future generations. Vikki is also a strong advocate for Indigenous women’s knowledge and equity.

FELICITY SHAPLAND
Special Wildlife Reserve Project Officer

Felicity holds an honours in Geographical Science and has worked in the environmental sector in Project Management, ecology and GIS roles. She has been instrumental in developing and securing Special Wildlife protections on several of our Queensland properties. Her work ensures that these properties are protected in perpetuity and can never be impacted by mining, logging or commercial grazing. Felicity is passionate about delivering real conservation outcomes, stemming from conservation work in her early career in Central America.

Our host

ALYSHA VAN EYK
Career Development Mentor, Seeding the Future 

Alysha joined Bush Heritage in 2020 and currently works in the Seeding the Future team supporting student placements across Australia in addition to interns in the South-East region. Alysha previously worked in Natural Resource Management and habitat restoration after completing a Bachelor of Science and is currently completing a Master of Environmental Management from Charles Sturt University. Alysha lives in Naarm (Melbourne), Victoria. 

Bush Heritage acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the places in which we live and work. We recognise and respect the enduring relationships they have with their lands and waters, and we pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.