Debra Tarabini

Chief Executive Officer

Debra Tarabini has led Rangelands NRM as Chief Executive Officer since 2018, guiding the organisation through a period of significant growth and transformation. With over 25 years of leadership experience across agribusiness, manufacturing, and natural resource management, Debra brings strong strategic, financial, and organisational expertise to her role.

Under her leadership, Rangelands NRM has delivered major, landscape-scale programs that strengthen the resilience of Western Australia’s rangelands and the communities who live and work within them. Debra has been instrumental in building partnerships with Traditional Owners, pastoralists, government, and industry to promote sustainable land management, biodiversity conservation, and climate adaptation across more than 220 million hectares.

Debra has overseen the successful design and delivery of multi-million-dollar projects focused on regenerative agriculture, cultural land management, drought resilience, and ecosystem restoration. She has also strengthened Rangelands NRM’s governance, financial sustainability, and collaborative approach to regional development.

Debra is passionate about uniting science, culture, and community to create lasting environmental and social outcomes. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to integrity, collaboration, and innovation in managing Australia’s unique rangeland environments.

Joined Rangelands NRM: 2018

Qualifications: Master of Business Administration from Notre Dame University, Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Email: debrat@rangelandswa.com.au

Mobile: 0408 940 544

Debra Tarabini | LinkedIn

Paul Buckman

Chief Operating Officer

Paul Buckman is the Chief Operating Officer at Rangelands NRM, leading the organisation’s operational strategy and regional development initiatives across Western Australia. With a background in economics, finance, and marketing from Curtin University, Paul brings extensive experience in business management, stakeholder engagement, and natural resource program delivery. He is passionate about strengthening regional resilience through sustainable land management and effective collaboration with communities, industry, and government partners.

Joined Rangelands NRM: 2019

Qualifications:
Bachelor of Business (Honours) – Finance & Economics and Marketing, Curtin University of Technology, GAICD (OoM)

Email: paulb@rangelandswa.com.au

Mobile: 0411 496 838

Paul Buckman | LinkedIn

Priscilla Batey

Company Accountant

Priscilla recently joined Rangelands NRM as Company Accountant, where she oversees financial management, reporting, budgeting, and compliance across the organisation. She ensures accurate and timely accounting processes, supports audit preparations, and works closely with leadership to inform strategic financial decisions.

With strong skills in accounting, financial analysis, and regulatory frameworks, Priscilla is committed to supporting Rangelands’ mission to nurture and protect land and sea country across Western Australia.

Joined Rangelands NRM: 2025

Email: priscillab@rangelandswa.com.au

Priscilla Batey | LinkedIn

Jo Lassey

Administration Manager

Jo is an experienced Administration and Operations professional with over 25 years of experience providing executive support and organisational leadership across corporate, community, and not-for-profit sectors. In her current role as Administration Manager at Rangelands NRM, she oversees the administrative and corporate operations, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and strong support for the Executive, Board and broader team.

Joined Rangelands NRM: 2025

Email: jolassey@rangelandswa.com.au

Jo Lassey | LinkedIn

Dr. Cara Sambell

Program Manager

As Program Manager at Rangelands NRM, Dr. Cara Sambell leads the planning, delivery and evaluation of natural resource management programs across Western Australia’s rangelands. She works closely with Traditional Owners, pastoralists, field teams, government bodies, and other stakeholders to design high-impact projects that restore ecosystem health, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen climate resilience.

Joined Rangelands NRM: May 2021

Email: caras@rangelandswa.com.au

Dr. Cara Sambell | LinkedIn

Greg Hales

Program Manager

Experienced Senior Environmental Management Officer with a strong track record in overseeing environmental projects, regulatory compliance, and implementing sustainable practices. Adept at building stakeholder relationships, driving collaborative initiatives, and ensuring adherence to industry and environmental standards. Passionate about contributing to sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, and healthy land management. Eager to bring extensive experience to a company dedicated to environmental stewardship in Australia.

Joined Rangelands NRM: Feb 2025

Qualifications: The University of Western Australia
Bachelor of Science - BS, Natural Resources Management and Policy

Email: gregh@rangelandswa.com.au

Greg Hales | LinkedIn

Dr Josh Vido

Program Manager

I am a highly passionate soil ecologist with a strong research background spanning microbiology, soil-plant interactions, biodiversity, and ecology. I am deeply committed to sharing knowledge and translating complex soil ecological concepts into practical solutions that advance biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, and effective land management. Drawing on extensive hands-on experience in both laboratory and fieldwork, I specialise in experimental design and data analysis aimed at informing on-ground management practices. Driven by curiosity and innovation, I continuously develop new ideas and theories to deepen our understanding of soil ecosystem functions and their complex interactions.

Qualifications: La Trobe University
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Soil Microbiology and Ecology
Jan 2019 - Jun 2023
• Produced two first-author publications and presented at numerous scientific conferences on the microbial response to using deep-banded amendments for problematic subsoils in broad-acre cropping systems
• Industry funding and collaboration with Grains Research and Development Corporation and Agriculture Victoria, including communicating research at stakeholder meetings
• Utilised next-generation sequencing technology and advanced bioinformatics to produce tangible and novel insights into soil and crop productivity

La Trobe University
Bachelor of Science - BS, Honours in Soil Microbiology
Feb 2018 - Oct 2018Feb 2018 - Oct 2018

La Trobe University
Bachelor of Science - BS, Majors in Microbiology and Zoology
Mar 2014 - Oct 2017

Email: joshuav@rangelandswa.com.au

Dr Josh Vido | LinkedIn

Anne Marie Huey

Program Manager

Anne Marie Huey was raised on a cattle property in North Queensland and has built her career across northern Australia’s agricultural and pastoral sectors. She began in extension and research roles in Queensland and the Northern Territory before moving to the Kimberley in 2007, where she worked with the Department of Agriculture and Food WA (now DPIRD).

In 2014, Anne Marie transitioned to full-time pastoralism, managing Dampier Downs Station with her partner. Alongside station operations, she contributed to industry development as the Climate Mate for the Kimberley with the Northern Australia Climate Program, supporting pastoralists in adapting to climate variability.

Anne Marie has also shared her insights through industry articles and programs, highlighting the importance of business resilience and sustainable land management in northern Australia.

In 2025, she joined Rangelands NRM as a Project Manager in the Broome office, bringing her deep regional knowledge, practical pastoral experience, and commitment to strengthening the resilience of rangeland communities.

Joined Rangelands NRM: Oct 2025

Email: annemariehuey@rangelandswa.com.au

Anne Marie Huey | LinkedIn

Paul Leoni

Senior Projects Officer and Contracts Manager

Joined Rangelands NRM: 2022

Qualifications: Qualifications: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) environmental Management

Email: paull@rangelandswa.com.au

Mobile: 0431 462 266

Paul Leoni | LinkedIn

Carson O’Dell

Project Officer

Joined Rangelands NRM: 2022

Email: carsono@rangelandswa.com.au

Mobile: 0423 148 180

Carson O’Dell | LinkedIn

Sam Burges

Project Officer

Growing up in a multigenerational farming family in the Wheatbelt, I witnessed firsthand the highs and lows of changing climates and land management practices. Each generation has faced its own unique challenges in agriculture, and I believe we are now at a pivotal moment, one that will shape Australia’s land management legacy for decades to come.

I believe actions speak louder than words. Before advocating for change, I reflect on my own impact and strive to lead by example in my personal life.

In my role in the NRM sector, I focus on the importance of healthy, resilient landscapes that can support future generations of farmers and First Nations peoples who are deeply connected to the rangelands.

Joined Rangelands NRM: 2025

Qualifications: BA: Sustainable Development and International Aid and Development.
Murdoch University

Email: samb@rangelandswa.com.au

Sam Burges | LinkedIn

Carla Davey

Project Officer

Joined Rangelands NRM: March 2025

Email: carlad@rangelandswa.com.au

Jayde Higginbottom

Project Officer

Joined Rangelands NRM: August 2025

Qualifications: La Trobe University
Master of Science - MS, Microbial ecology / Wetland Ecology

La Trobe University
Honours, Microbial Ecology

Email: jaydeh@rangelandswa.com.au

Jayde Higginbottom | LinkedIn

Dr. Wayne Gregson

Chairman

Wayne is a highly esteemed and trusted leader with a proven track record as a confident and adept decision maker, with a strong background in risk management.  He is a powerful organisational influencer and advocate who has been central to shaping and directing the culture and future of the WA Police and Fire Emergency Services. His multifaceted, big picture thinking allows Wayne to have a unique perspective and high impact influence in business leadership, leading and delivering measured organisational growth and change aligning operational framework with corporate goals.

Joined Rangelands NRM: 2025

John Hart

Vice Chairman

John Hart OAM is Executive Chair of Australian Chamber – Tourism, Tourism Training Australia and Australian Grape and Wine, and on the Board of Tourism Australia, the Australian Business Register, the Angus Knight Group and Food Standards Australia and New Zealand.

He was Chief Executive Officer of Restaurant & Catering Australia, the peak industry body representing restaurants, cafes and caterers for 18 years. He was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for service to the tourism industry in 2021 and holds a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Business Law and a Master of Business Law.

John currently also served as Chair of the Commonwealth Vocational Education and Training Advisory Board between 2013 and 2017 and was previously on the Prime Ministers Business Advisory Council.

Kellie Properjohn

Director

Kellie Properjohn served 36 years with WA Police, rising to Assistant Commissioner and leading major reforms in strategy and technology. She later became a Partner at Deloitte, specialising in public sector transformation and justice reform. Kellie has served on several boards, including P&N Bank and now Rangelands NRM, bringing a high level of experience and leadership expertise.

Kellie Properjohn | LinkedIn

Paul Stone

Director

Paul Stone is the Director of Callidum Consulting, providing leadership, organisational improvement, business development, project delivery, and enterprise management advice to clients in the energy and resources sectors across Australia. He also serves as the President of the Petroleum Club of Western Australia, demonstrating his commitment to industry development and collaboration. Paul brings extensive experience in strategic planning and stakeholder engagement, contributing valuable insights to the Rangelands NRM Board.

Joined Rangelands NRM: 2025

Email: pauls@rangelandswa.com.au

Paul Stone | LinkedIn