General News
18 April, 2023
HDLN names new coordinator
HEYTESBURY District Landcare Network’s (HDLN) new landcare co-ordinator Michelle Leech is following her passion for the environment and sustainability in her new role.
HEYTESBURY District Landcare Network’s (HDLN) new landcare co-ordinator Michelle Leech is following her passion for the environment and sustainability in her new role.
From an early work experience with giraffes and antelope on a game farm in South Africa, Mrs Leech always had her sights on a career that involved the natural elements.
“The environment has always called to me and has been an interest of mine and something I intended to work in from when I was a teenager,” she said.
While Mrs Leech initially hoped to work on South African nature reserves, she instead found another outdoor space after marrying John and relocating to his home in New Zealand in 2008.
“We went into farm management roles and I got involved in weed management and calf rearing and helping with the stock,” she said.
“I became the calf rearing manager and at the peak I calved down 760 calves so it was pretty full on.”
Mrs Leech also studied a Bachelor of Science at Massey University in New Zealand, majoring in geography including environmental management, catchment health and stability and communications.
“It was a broad degree but it gave me the opportunity to focus on the things I’m interested in,” she said.
After moving to Australia, Ms Leech worked with the Mary River Catchment Co-ordinating Committee in Queensland, initially in a student work placement but later in a project support role.
She then worked in a sustainability and environmental role on a dairy farm in Tasmania and for the past two years with Dairy Australia, mainly in marketing and communications at WestVic Dairy.
Mrs Leech’s main interests have always centred on sustainability and caring for the environment.
“This role is returning to the field I studied in,” she said.
“I like the opportunity to work with the community to do some good for the environment.
“I feel fortunate to have had the chance to study and be in a position where I can make a positive difference from a community and environmental and sustainability perspective.”
Mrs Leech sees an exciting future for HDLN. “We’re wrapping up the Climate Resilient Farms project and have many more exciting projects in the pipeline,” she said.
“People are now appreciating the work that landcare groups can do for their environment and I’m really excited to get going and work with the community.”