Rob is actively involved in one of the North Coast's favourite pastimes - surfing. When not riding waves himself, Rob is involved in judging amateur surfing competitions and is a committee member of Surfing Far North Coast. Rob has lived in the area for over 20 years and loves the diversity of the people and nature that is found in this part of the world.

Rob has been with GeoLINK since 1993, lending his Town Planning, Environmental Auditing and Project Management expertise to many GeoLINK projects. Rob has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Coastal Management) and a Diploma of Applied Science (Resource Management). He has extensive experience as an Environmental Auditor and is certified with the Quality Society of Australia's Register of Certified Auditors. Rob is a member of the International Association for Impact Assessment, the Planning Institute of Australia and the Environment Institute of Australia and is also a committee member of the South East Queensland Policy and Practice Committee for that organisation. Rob was appointed a Director of GeoLINK in July 2002.

As head of GeoLINK's Town Planning division, Rob is principally involved in Local Government Town Planning projects, specialising in the coastal zone.

Rob has valuable expertise in the areas of:

• statutory and strategic planning;
• coastal planning;
• environmental management and auditing;
• community consultation; and
• quality assurance implementation.

Simon joined GeoLINK from Bellingen Shire Council where he held the position of Director of Environmental Health and Planning. During his six years with Bellingen Shire Council Simon also held the positions of Planner and Senior Planner where he gained substantial experience in the areas of development control and strategic planning. Through his position as Director Simon was also responsible for environmental health, building and economic and community development. This followed five years working for Dalby Town Council as a Development Officer dealing with all planning and development related matters and as Manager of Community Services, where he was responsible for the programs of town planning, environmental health, building and economic and community development.

Simon's extensive planning expertise is complemented by his stakeholder consultation facilitation and experience project management and in community and economic development matters.

Daniela has international planning experience, having worked with the provincial Department of Housing in South Africa, and with private property developers both in Victoria, Australia, and in Johannesburg, South Africa. Daniela has provided town planning (focussing on social and economic planning) and strategic planning expertise on a range of projects for private clients and State Government. Daniela also has many years of business experience, outside of her Town Planning profession, which contributes to her understanding of community needs and urban land economics. She has built her communication and relationship building abilities through other business experience during her professional career, and so demonstrates aptitude in social planning and community consultation and negotiation (in three languages).

Craig is one of three founding members who began GeoLINK in 1991. Not surprisingly, many of GeoLINK's values are refected in Craig's personal philosophies. Craig believes that GeoLINK has an important role to play in helping community and government achieve better environmental outcomes for the region. Craig is passionate about family, the environment, social equity and tolerance. He is interested in travel and learning about other cultures. In his spare time, Craig loves to surf and enjoys listening to jazz and blues music.

Craig was awarded a Master of Engineering Science from the University of NSW, a DipTech from NSW Institute of Technology, and is a certified Local Government Engineer. He is a member of the Institution of Engineers, Australia; the Australian Water Association; the International Erosion Control Association; the Tree Protection Committee Ballina Shire; and is President of the Northern Rivers Group AWA.

Craig specialises in Civil Engineering Works, Public Health and Environmental Engineering. Craig has gained extensive experience in Civil and Environmental Engineering and Project Management through his involvement in a diverse range of projects for Local Councils, State Government Authorities and the private sector.

His expertise includes:

• investigation and design of water supply and sewerage infrastructure for towns and urban developments;
• hydrological studies;
• documentation of stormwater management plans and watercourse rehabilitation works for urban and rural developments;
• design and documentation of engineered wetlands and a range of other water quality control measures;
• preparation of soil and water management plans; and
• environmental impact assessment.

Craig has also:

• prepared engineering designs for numerous urban and rural subdivisions and streetscape projects;
• undertaken the investigation and project management of wastewater and water supply strategies for rural towns and tourist resorts;
• prepared site contamination assessments and solid waste management studies; and
• documented Headwords Contributions Plans for Local Government.

Tim has a passion for recycling. The recycling of reclaimed water may be on his mind during business hours, but after hours, Tim can often be found perusing the wares in local second-hand clothing outlets. Tim's recycled wardrobe often makes an appearance at his local lawn bowling club, where he cuts quite a dashing figure playing lawn bowls on a Friday afternoon in a safari suit. Tim also spends much of his spare time enjoying the great outdoors - surfing, bushwalking and ocean swimming.

Tim has over 13 years experience as an Environmental Engineer in both the public and private sectors. Tim has a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) from the University of New South Wales and a Master of Coastal Resource Management from the University of Technology. Tim is a member of the Australian Water Association.

Tim joined GeoLINK in 2000 and specialises in alternative collection and treatment systems for stormwater and sewage.

Tim's expertise lies in:

• strategic, conceptual and detailed design of wastewater management systems;
• stormwater management, modelling and design;
• water sensitive urban design;
• water quality modelling;
• environmental impact assessment; and
• coastal engineering.

Charlie joined GeoLINK in 2006, having worked with community groups and managed coastal restoration projects as a Coastcare Facilitator for over a year. Before Coastcare he worked on sustainable use of estuaries with Oceanwatch, an NGO representing the environmental interests of the commercial fishing industry. Charlie also has experience in fisheries research and management, community environmental education and commercial waste management.

Through his varied career, Charlie has built strong skills in project management and community and professional consultation. The change to more technical work at GeoLINK is a very welcome one, and the multidisciplinary sustainability ethic is one he shares with a passion.

Charlie is yet another blow-in from Sydney but plans to stay on the North Coast for the requisite 30 years to be considered a local, with plenty of surfing and bushwalking to pass the time.

Duncan is an Environmental Engineer who has worked for a range of consultancy firms in Australia and overseas. He specialises in waterway management, stormwater and wastewater treatment systems and waterway health assessment.

Duncan has been involved in the design of innovative water sensitive urban design (WSUD) and integrated water cycle management (IWCM) solutions for development projects. His key technical skills are in the areas of hydrologic/hydraulic modelling, pollutant export modelling and the formulation of management strategies. He also has considerable experience in the application of geographic information systems (GIS) to environmental studies.

His expertise includes:
WSUD / IWCM

• 
  Site appraisal and determination of key environmental protection objectives.
• Development of water sensitive urban design (WSUD) solutions that provide appropriate environmental protection, ensure sustainable use of water resources, and enable seamless integration of water management elements into urban design.
• Modelling of stormwater generation and assessment of treatment options.
• Design of vegetation-based stormwater treatment systems (e.g. wetlands, bioretention systems, swales).
• Assessment of alternative water supply options, including water balance modelling and matching suitable water sources to appropriate end uses.
• Application of decentralised wastewater treatment technology and products.

Waterway Management

• Assessment of hydrologic characteristics and modelling of runoff processes.
• Hydraulic modelling of rivers, estuaries, lakes and floodplains.
• Conceptual design and evaluation of flood management measures (e.g. levees).
• Water quality modelling (lakes, reservoirs, rivers, estuaries).
• Assessing and modelling pollutant export from catchments.
• Formulation of management strategies for waterways and catchments.
• Application of geographic information systems (GIS) and mapping software.
• Design, implementation and management of water quality monitoring programs.

Trevor and his family have lived on the North Coast for ten years. He enjoys the local lifestyle and open spaces. Trevor takes an interest in all things mechanical, even outside the workplace, and enjoys examining engineered structures, such as buildings and bridges on his travels. Trevor's engineering and design skills are evident in his personal as well as his professional life. In his spare time, he enjoys his hobbies, including building model trains and working with timber, making toys and models. Trevor has a strong commitment to the community and has been a member of Rotary for 30 years.

Prior to joining GeoLINK, Trevor worked in the private sector in a number of multidisciplinary consultancies. Trevor has extensive experience in Civil Design and Engineering and has worked on a wide variety of projects, including mining, sporting complexes, velodromes, drive-in theatres, railways and airports. He is an Associate Member of the Institution of Engineers, Australia.

Trevor joined GeoLINK in 1992 and became a Director in 1995. He is responsible for the activities of the Civil Design Division of GeoLINK, which carries out civil design and documentation using CivilCAD and AutoCAD. Trevor is also responsible for the preparation of specification and contract documents. Trevor is interested in the challenges involved with finding quality solutions to multi-faceted projects and the implementation of these solutions.

Trevor's experience as a Civil Designer includes:

• concept and design documentation for urban and rural subdivision developments;
• road design (industrial access roads, rural roads and highways) including traffic management issues; and
• preparation of engineering designs for numerous urban and rural subdivisions and streetscape projects.

Trevor's Civil Engineering skills include:

• water supply and sewerage schemes;
• stormwater management works;
• design and documentation of vacuum sewer reticulation systems; and
• contract administration.

Michelle joined GeoLINK as a Civil Engineer in 2005 after graduating with Honours from the University of Tasmania with a Bachelor of Engineering. Prior to this, Michelle had worked as an undergraduate Engineer at Carroll Consulting Engineers between 2003 and 2004, while completing her studies.

Michelle has written a research thesis on the prestress design in cylindrical concrete water tanks, specifically with the purpose of minimising cracking. Since graduating, she has broadened her knowledge of structural and civil engineering to include environmental aspects, such as stormwater modelling and management. She has a strong sustainability ethic, and in her position at GeoLINK, Michelle has been freely able to explore sustainable solutions for all projects she has involvement with.

Michelle's experience as a Civil Engineer lies in:

• preparation of engineering designs for urban and rural subdivisions and streetscape projects, primarily using CivilCAD design software and AutoCAD drafting software;
• road and intersection design;
• hydrological investigations and assessment;
• concept and design documentation for urban and rural subdivision developments;
• design and documentation of conventional and vacuum sewer reticulation systems;
• stormwater network (DRAINS) modelling and design; and
• preparation of Reviews of Environmental Factors.

Garry joined GeoLINK following twenty years of landscape architectural experience in Australia and overseas. During this time, Garry held a number of positions in both the public sector and private practice, and most significantly as Landscape Architect for ten years with the University of Sydney. This role was pivotal in shaping Garry's strong belief that the best design solutions are achieved in an integrated manner and undertaken by a well coordinated, multidisciplinary team. Project experience at the University clearly demonstrated the value in adopting this approach, particularly in the successful delivery of complex projects involving a diverse range of politically sensitive stakeholders and user groups.

In returning to private practice, it was this desire to work within a multidiscipline environment that attracted Garry to GeoLINK where collaboration of the firm's broad based skill set is fundamental to the way projects are undertaken.

With a solid background of project experience and built up knowledge, Garry has brought to GeoLINK an added dimension of landscape and urban design expertise where he now specialises in the preparation of urban and landscape designs, town centre studies, open space and recreation masterplans, and landscape strategy plans.

Jane has a strong background in design, having worked as a Landscape Designer with Architectural and Landscape Architectural firms. She has particular experience in higher end residential projects and in taking a project from brief development to completion. Jane understands the value of effective communication and collaboration with the client, other consultants and contractors in the delivery of outstanding landscape solutions.

Jane specialises in coastal landscapes, having undertaken design work in Melbourne, Torquay, Sorrento and the Far North Coast of NSW. Water sensitive urban design and creative use of appropriate indigenous plants is a key design feature of Jane's work.

Since qualifying as a landscape architect in the United Kingdom, Richard has been employed in various roles within the landscape industry in the UK, Victoria and New South Wales. This broad range of practical experience has provided Richard with considerable expertise in the fundamentals of landscape design, particularly with regard to material selection, construction techniques and maintenance issues.

In the UK he was involved with the Leeds Environmental Design Agency in the landscape design and construction of their "Eco House" projects. The project involved the creation of sustainable and environmentally designed housing in an urban environment.

Richard's landscape construction experience includes the coastal walkways at Gallows Beach Headland for Coffs Harbour City Council, Emerald Beach and Repton caravan parks, and numerous residential gardens.

Richard has also been involved with the Orara Valley Bush Regeneration Group where he has gained valuable knowledge on issues associated with native flora and weed eradication.

Trent has 5 years experience as a Civil & Environmental Design Draftsperson. He has worked for 3 years as a Survey Draftsperson and a further 1 year as a Surveying Technician.

Trent has an interest in sustainable approaches to residential development and reducing the impact of new works to the environment.

Rebecca has eight years experience as an architect, working on a range of projects including residential, commercial, industrial, community and educational. This experience has given Rebecca the ability to design and manage the complete architectural process, from site analysis and feasibility through to contract administration; new developments and refurbishments

Rebecca has specialist experience in:

• Passive solar design
• Environmentally sensitive design
• Sketch design and documentation
• DA Documentation
• Contract Documentation
• Contract Administration and Site Inspection

Veronica joined GeoLINK as an Ecologist in 2004. Following completion of her Bachelor of Environmental Science (Environmental Management) degree at the University of Newcastle in 2000, Veronica has specialised in flora/fauna field surveys; biological monitoring; bushfire management; environmental impact assessment and bushland regeneration.

Veronica has project managed a variety of ecological projects and has significant experience and skills in liaison with and management of multidisciplinary teams.

Veronica is passionate about native flora and fauna education and conservation and in her spare time is working on a project to regenerate native rainforest on her farm near Alstonville. Veronica is also interested in bushfire management and planning for bushfire protection. Veronica has competed at the elite level in water polo and basketball and applies her experience in sporting teams to workplace team situations.

Veronica is a Member of the Environment Intitute of Australia and New Zealand, a Member of the Planning Intitute of Australia and a Certified Practising Planner.

Callie is passionate about urban and regional planning in the Coffs region and is currently completing her bachelor degree whilst gaining valuable experience working with GeoLINK as a junior planner. Callie has worked in various student planning roles for private and public sector enterprises, including the City of Sydney Council and recently worked as Heritage Planning Assistant with Bellingen Shire Council.

Mark is an ecologist who has experience in both private consultancy and local government. He specialises in botany, ecology and environmental impact assessment.

Mark has prepared and assessed Environmental Assessments, Environmental Impact Statements, Species Impact Statements, Flora & Fauna Impact Assessments, Review of Environmental Factors and a large range of ecological based management plans and reports.

His key technical skills are in the areas of botany, including threatened species and endangered ecological community identification, interpretation, management and assessment. His expertise includes conflict resolution and exploring sound balanced ESD planning outcomes.

He also has considerable experience in the Land & Environment Court and is currently studying for a Masters of Environmental Law at Sydney University.

Anna has almost 10 years experience conducting full ecological field surveys and environmental impact assessments and undertaking threatened species monitoring programs. This experience includes planning and leading field surveys, assessing ecological values, conducting and designing monitoring programs and associated analysis and reporting. Her keen interest in ecology, scientific method and impacts of habitat alteration on native systems has fuelled her participation in professional affiliations and post-graduate studies. Her post-graduate work has been published in an international journal.

Fran joined GeoLINK in 1997 following ten years as Executive Officer of the Resource Science and Management Faculty at Southern Cross University. Fran also has experience in private enterprise, having owned a diverse range of businesses in Brisbane and the local area. Fran is a qualified speech and drama teacher and has a keen interest in the theatre. In her spare time she enjoys gardening and loves to travel, particularly overseas. Fran is interested in new business ideas and the positioning of GeoLINK as a serious competitor to its city counterparts.

Fran is involved with the communication and strategic planning of the business and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Management.

Maree is our all-round office saviour, a.k.a our Office Coordinator. Having worked in a range of administrative positions, both in Australia and overseas, Maree has returned to her native North Coast to join the GeoLINK team, providing a first point of contact for clients and assisting the rest of the GeoLINK crew with all things administrative.

Kim has over 25 years experience in administration and information technology in a variety of industries. More recently she has concentrated on the engineering/IT industry including 5 years as Office Manager in the Process and Control Engineering company, Int-Elect Systems Pty Ltd, and a number of years in the engineering department of Novotel Pacific Bay Resort. Her experience in these roles increased her interest in the project management field.

Kim joined GeoLINK in early 2007 where she has had the opportunity to develop her existing skills in the project management area. At GeoLINK, Kim is involved as a project assistant on a range of GeoLINK's consulting projects, assisting the consultant staff with the coordination and administrative aspects of the project.

Tempted by a sunny relaxed Byron Lifestyle, Sally joined GeoLINK in November 2007 after 9 years living and working in Sydney. She has 7 years experience working within the marketing and advertising industry. Having studied design herself, she has a very good eye for design, colour and form. Most of Sally's career has been working within the Marketing department of various national property development firms. She has recently spent twelve months working within the digital and direct marketing department for an international advertising agency in Sydney.

Jo has over twelve years experience working within Travel and IT. She and her family moved from New Zealand three years to enjoy the idyllic lifestyle that the Ballina Shire offers. As the office coordinator for the Lennox Head branch, Jo has her finger on the pulse of what's happening in the office.

Catherine commenced at GeoLINK in April 2008 in the role of Personal Assistant to our three Principals. She relocated from southern Victoria to join GeoLINK, after working for the last 14 years at Deakin University in Geelong, where she spent 10 years in the School of Psychology first as a PA to the Professor and Chair of Academic Board, then as the School's administrative officer. In her spare time, Catherine has used her administrative skills in a voluntary capacity on committees organising events such as the 14th Dalai Lama's 2002 and 2007 visits to Geelong, an APS psychology and Buddhism interest group conference, and the 1998 Australian Jazz Convention.

Jan has been with GeoLINK since the company formed in 1991. She is involved with accounts administration and organisation of the GeoLINK library; and is a fountain of knowledge about all things GeoLINK. Jan is passionate about the environment and enjoys a wide range of activities, including yoga, walking, going to the beach, gardening, painting and dancing. Jan is actively involved with the various activities of her three daughters and is the coach of a local netball team for people with disabilities.