ABOUT US
Welcome to the Desert Channels Group
We are the natural resource management organisation for the Queensland section of the Lake Eyre Basin.
But what does that mean? Simply put, we work alongside landholders, graziers, local government, Traditional Owners and community to deliver projects that invest in our region’s soil, water, pasture and biodiversity resources. We work across 51,000,000 hectares of outback country in Southern and Central West Queensland.
Our team is experienced in weed management, feral animal control, revitalising springs, property mapping, data capture, sustainable agriculture, threatened species monitoring, re-greening pasture … well, you get the idea. We have a whole range of projects “on the go”, all to improve the condition of our region’s rich natural resources.
At Desert Channels, we invest. We roll up our sleeves and we get the job done.
THE BOARD
ANDREW DRYSDALE
Chair
A former Charleville district grazier, immediate past CEO of NRM Regions Queensland, current Chair of the Lake Eyre Basin Ministerial Forum Community Advisory Committee, Andrew stepped into the DCQ Chair role in November 2018.
Read more Equally at home in the corridors of Parliament House or around the back of a mob of sheep, Andrew is acutely aware of the challenges facing small, remote NRM organisations like DCQ. Show less
RACHAEL WEBSTER
Director
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Rachael’s background is in public health and community development, and over the years she has worked for Queensland Health, DPI, Education Queensland and RAPAD in a range of roles. She’s interested in holistic land management and the intricate connections between different social and environmental determinants and their contribution to health and wellbeing to support thriving western Queensland communities and ecosystems.
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JOHN OGG
Director
John Ogg is a man deeply rooted in the pastoral landscapes of Western Queensland. With a life steeped in the traditions and challenges of rural Australia, John brings a blend of hands-on experience and a strong sense of commitment to the organisation.
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John and his wife Helen reside in Toowoomba, yet the heartbeat of their lives reverberates from Ayrshire Downs, the family property in the Winton district that John grew up on. He travels there every few months, along with Helen, to help their sons manage the multi-property enterprise they own. For years, John worked with his brothers in the management of these properties. Five years ago he took the helm along with his sons. They operate from Ayrshire Downs, a half cattle, half sheep enterprise that is keenly looking into modest expansion into tourism and quarrying. John’s willingness to serve as a DCG director stems from his belief in the Group’s mission.
Through his new role, John Ogg hopes to give back to the community and landscape that have shaped him, saying, “All I want to see is the DCQ teams continue on doing what they’re doing. It’s a breath of fresh air to all that country out there.” With a lifetime spent in Western Queensland, John Ogg is a steward of the land in the truest sense. And as he steps into this new role at DCG, he not only brings his practical experience but also a heartfelt desire to contribute to a brighter, more sustainable future for the Desert Channels Region.
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GEORGE GORRINGE
Director
Born in Innamincka, George then moved to Windorah where he went to school. After leaving school, he went droving. He then gained experience managing different properties around the region and worked as head stockman.
Read more George was a founding member of the Cooper Creek advisory committee which consisted of graziers, conservation representatives, oil and gas and irrigators. He also sat on the Cooper Creek Catchment Committee and the LEB Advisory Committee. As a Mithaka elder, George was instrumental in setting up the Lake Eyre Basin Traditional Owner Alliance with 13 different TO groups and is still involved. Show less
ROD WILLIAMS
Director
Rod grew up on sheep properties in the Longreach district before commencing a career as a land valuer with the (then) Department of Lands. During this time he developed expertise in land valuation, Crown land management, rural and regional recovery programs and natural resource management initiatives.
Read more Rod brings the knowledge of the social, economic and natural resource management challenges facing the region, and a strategic understanding of the dynamics and requirements of natural resource management organisations at the local, State and Commonwealth government levels. Show less
OUR TEAM
For general enquiries, phone (07) 4658 0600.
Leanne Kohler
Chief Executive Officer
Geoff Penton
Operations Manager
Doug Allpass
Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator
Roxane Blackley
Research and Development Manager
Bethany Murphy
Contract and Project Support Officer
Jana Sykorova
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
Jesse Watson
NRM Project Officer
Roshan Karki
GIS and Information Management Officer
Janet Woodfield
Admin and Reception
Phillip Jackson
Field Technician
Wendy Williams
NRM Project Officer
Peter Spence
Senior Project Coordinator
Jason Smith
Field Supervisor
Dexter Leonard
Field Crew
Ryan Ruwhiu
Field Crew
WORK WITH US
We offer a rewarding career and a supportive work environment that makes a difference. From field and project work to admin, research and mapping, every position is different and no two days are alike. Reach out and have a chat!
VACANT POSITIONS
Please contact us on 07 4658 0600 to find out more.
OUTBACK LIVING
Regional living offers a rewarding and interesting life. Check out some of the benefits.
INCENTIVE PROGRAM
We have an excellent incentive program and a history of staff retention.
VACANT POSITION
Applications close 5th May 2025
Corporate Services Manager
Desert Channels Queensland is looking for a Corporate Services Manager to join our senior management team.
As part of the leadership team, this position works with the CEO and Operations Manager and is responsible for providing financial, human resources, risk management, governance compliance and administrative services across the DC Group. The position works closely with employees across the organisation to ensure effective integration of administrative and financial processes into the planning, delivery and monitoring of projects primarily targeted at sustainable NRM.
The role supports key actions and activities identified in the DC Group Corporate Plan and assists in the achievement of the organisation’s vision and mission by:
- Developing, implementing, and maintaining appropriate systems and processes to ensure the smooth running of the Longreach office.
- Providing high quality financial, human resources, accounting and payroll services, including compliance with delegations, accounting standards and legislative requirements.
- Corporate services delivery including budget development, forecasting and financial systems management.
(This is a role summary. Please see the full position description.)
How to apply:
Please see the Position Description & submit:
- Cover letter with brief outline response to your potential contribution to key focus areas.
- Resume including two referees (no more than five pages).
Applications should be addressed to:
Ms Leanne Kohler
Chief Executive Officer
PO Box 601
Longreach Q 4730.
(email address included on the pdf attachment).
VACANT POSITION
Applications close 26th May 2025
Board Directors x2
Desert Channels Queensland is taking applications for to fill two new DCQ board positions.
If you’re an experienced land manager with good networks, a love for our Country, and a passion for investing in the condition of our region’s rich soil, pasture, water and biodiversity resources, this might be a role for you.
The Board is appointed to:
- Provide purpose, leadership, direction and strategic vision.
- Ensure all legal and financial responsibilities are met and that finances are sound and operations are legal.
- Undertake risk management.
- Select and support the CEO.
- Evaluate and improve its own effectiveness.
Our board directors “give back” to our region – providing purpose, leadership, direction and strategic vision to see quality, sustainable, long-term investment in natural resources in our region, no matter whether its Open Downs in the north to Channel Country in the south.
Past board members have ranged from 35 to 75yrs with a whole gamut of different backgrounds, from born-and-bred community champions to top-notch leaders/entrepreneurs/landholders/business-managers. No matter your background, we’re keen to hear from you.
(Please see the Director Application Package and submit to Leanne Kohler by Monday, 26th May 2025.)
Desert Channels Queensland is supported by the Australian Government's National Landcare Programme and the Queensland Government
