Community Consultative Committee 

Dr Sally Driml has a strong background and experience in policy and economics applied to environmental management, eco-tourism and protected areas. She is currently an honorary senior lecturer and researcher at the University of Queensland. 

Dr Driml has more than 30 years of varied experience researching and working across issues such as climate change, protected area management and tourism in the Wet Tropics region and other significant areas in Queensland and Australia. She has strong industry links and takes a proactive and collaborative approach. 

Ingrid Marker is a lifelong advocate for the environment and has been active in the conservation community living in the Wet Tropics for 35 years. Located on the Cassowary Coast Ingrid is a founder of the Cassowary Keystone Conservation community group, contributing to legislative reform through strong partnerships and persistence. She is committed to protecting the southern cassowary including caring for orphaned, sick and injured birds.

Ingrid has collaborated with various ecologists, environmental organisations, policy advisors and Traditional Owners to lobby for strategies that will provide protection for keystone species like the cassowary.  In 2017 Ingrid founded Guardians of the Wet Tropics dedicated to ’Protect life on the edge‘ for private property owners neighbouring Wet Tropics rainforest campaigning for State legislative amendments. Guardians aim to protect, nurture and educate, focussing on keystone species as the pillars of the ecosystem. This tireless dedication saw her recognised with the Peter Hitchcock Community Champion Cassowary Award 2024.

With experience in advocacy and community engagement, Bronwyn works to achieve conservation and climate resilience outcomes across Far North Queensland. She is passionate about environmental and climate justice, focusing on community-led action and cross-sector collaboration to protect and sustain the region’s unique ecosystems.

Abi has worked at the Daintree Discovery Centre for more than 15 years and has held the role of Centre Manager since 2016. She currently serves as Treasurer on the Daintree Marketing Co-operative Board and as a Director on the Tourism Port Douglas Daintree Board, where she has represented the Daintree region since 2018.

Originally from the United Kingdom, Abi is highly motivated and passionate about nature, sustainability and eco-tourism. She brings to the Committee a wealth of industry experience, local insight and a genuine commitment to the protection and promotion of the region.

Boyd is Cairns TAFE's principal trainer for conservation, and has worked extensively with Indigenous ranger groups and mainstream enrolments throughout northern Queensland since 2011. He aims to foster knowledge-sharing opportunities and collaboration between regional peak bodies in his work with Treeforce and TAFE.

With university degrees and diplomas spanning environmental science, sustainability, education and construction, Boyd is a broad-based industry expert.

Boyd loves the Wet Tropics and his roles in environmental education, enabling young people to make a difference in their world.

Steven Nowakowsi

Steven Nowakowski is a committed environmentalist who has spent decades campaigning for the protection of areas adjacent to and within World Heritage Areas.

Steven considers himself a grass roots activist and is involved with many community campaigns and environmental organisations. He expresses his love for wild places through photography, which he considers a crucial tool to showcase the importance of such places.

Over years of campaigning, Steven has made life-long connections with Traditional Owners, community groups and conservation organisations. He believes his passion and commitment combined with his networking skills can connect the community with conservation outcomes.

Annette’s professional achievements include implementing a STEM program for high-performing First Nations students and, for the last five years, conducting WSS’s Philosophy Café, where students discuss environmental ethics. She also led the transformation of a rainforest plot on WSS grounds into an outdoor learning area called Naturopolis, which promotes connection with nature and is set to become the hub of student wellbeing activities in the future. 

Tamara gets involved in local revegetation and beach clean-ups, and is currently Chair of the Daintree Marketing Co-op which aims to facilitate tourism in the greater Daintree region.

Working collaboratively to achieve positive social and environmental impacts is key to Tamara’s approach—she is looking forward to utilising her diverse skillset for the good of the community and environment.

Lloyd Singleton is a proud Yirrganydji man and a dedicated land and sea ranger committed to preserving and sharing his cultural heritage. With extensive experience in cultural heritage preservation, ecosystem management, and applying traditional and scientific approaches for sustainable stewardship, Lloyd is passionate about caring for Country and passing knowledge to future generations. He actively engages in community initiatives that strengthen connections between people and place and plays a vital role in promoting Indigenous culture and environmental stewardship. Through education and hands-on experiences, he strives to empower young people with the knowledge and skills to uphold their heritage. Experienced in cultural fire practices, biosecurity, coral reef monitoring, and cross-sector communication Lloyd fosters collaboration with multiple stakeholders to address environmental challenges.