Consultants assisting with developing or implementing project related activities.

Professor David Ellis and Dr Sara Beavis of the Australian National University will perform a critical role in the project, coordinating the three ANU teacher associates and playing a lead role in the organisation of fieldwork activities and the ANU seminars. Both consultants are very experienced in working on collaborative projects and have already participated in agency and community meetings in the lead up to development of this project including:

•Linking school students and teachers with University researchers.
•Increased scientific understanding of our local catchments.
•Collaboration on education projects between key agencies involved in the management of local catchments.
•Involvement of the local community in research projects
•Opportunities for students to make a real contribution to the protection of local ecosystems.
The ANU approach involves linking student learning, research and stakeholder needs and identifying key knowledge gaps.Two seminars with project partners have already been held.
Contribution of organisation to the project Coordination of teacher associates, expert advice in fieldwork protocols in Earth and Environmental Science, contribution to development of teacher and student teaching and learning materials, assistance with fieldwork planning and delivery, school visit support, session delivery at Environmental Science expo and organisation and support of seminars at ANU.

Dr David Heggie
Geoscience for Coastal Waterway Management
Dr Heggie is well known in the area of estuary research and co-authored the CD-ROM “Australian Estuaries and Coastal Waterways: a guide to the biogeochemistry of sediments and water”. Dr Heggie supported the ASTA SCIps project with Bournda EEC in 2005 and the ASISTM project in 2005-6. Dr Heggies role will be to provide technical advice on estuaries.

Professor Brian Timms -University of Newcastle
Professor Timms is an enthusiastic scientist who has the ability to motivate students. He was a key factor in the success of the 2005 ASTA SCIps project at Bournda EEC and was a successful presenter at the ASISTM workshop and careers expo in 2006. Brian is recognised leader in the study of coastal lakes and their biota and will support careers expo and workshop.

Dr Graham Skyring -Skyring Environmental Enterprises
Dr Skyring is well known in the area of estuary research and co-authored the CD-ROM “Australian Estuaries and Coastal Waterways: a guide to the biogeochemistry of sediments and water”, with Dr David Heggie. Dr Skyring successfully related experiences and knowledge to students in the ASTA Scips and ASISTM projects coordinated by Bournda EEC and will provide technical advice and support

University of NSW
Faith Ochwada and Sam Elhassan are conducting a prawn research project at Wallagoot Lake. The project has important implications for recreational fishing and community use of fishing resources. Faith and Sam assisted Bournda EEC with presentations to local high school students on March 1 & 2 2007 and will act as consultants in the area of fisheries research and estuary management.

Bega Valley Shire Council
Bega Valley Shire Council Environmental Services can provide support with community liaison, data collection and management and public awareness of the sensitivity of local estuarine environments. Environmental Services Coordinator, Derek Van Bracht has attended several meetings with the project partners in 2006-7 and has an important role in coordinating the project at a local government level.

Nicholas Yee
Nicholas Yee is currently completing his Phd study on marine algae. In March 2007 Nick collaborated with Bournda EEC as a presenter at an environmental "expo" at Wallagoot Lake. Nick's work with the Royal Botanic Gardens and other marine researchers is highly relevant and will support the studies of local marine resources and estuaries which will be undertaken during this project.

Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority
SRCMA has worked closely with Bournda EEC on education projects in 2006-7. CMA officers, Helen Davies and Shannon Brennan are available to provide natural resource management expertise and resources to support student research work. Both officers are excellent young role models, demonstrating rewarding careers to be found in E&ES

Far South Coast Landcare Association
FSCLA members David Newell and John Carter bring enthusiasm and a wealth of local experience in fieldwork and community liaison to the project. They will assist with fieldwork activities and the careers day expo and help students explore the link between scientific research, agency activities and community based projects eg. Landcare