Mel Cowlishaw

Experience

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  Surf Life Saving Queensland

  Jan 2007 - Jan 2008

  Dangerous Marine Creatures Program Coordinator

  Primarily responsible for ensuring effective collation, development and dissemination of resources and information relating to dangerous marine creature safety and associated education and awareness programs. Monitor, update and develop protocols, policies and practices in relation to dangerous marine creature safety and response issues. Conduct and/or coordinate marine stinger safety education and awareness forums, workshops for relevant individuals and groups. Liaise with relevant personnel and organizations that have direct involvement with Dangerous Marine Creatures. Develop and implement proactive public relations and media campaigns. Show less

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  Marine Stinger Advisory Committee

  Jan 2008 - Jun 2012

  Chair - Research Working Group

  The MSAG aims to provide a collaborative, coordinated and balanced response to the marine stinger issues for stakeholders, the media and community.

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  Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

  Jan 2008 - Jan 2009

  Research Assessor

  Prepare environmental impact assessments for proposed activities (particularly research) in and adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Prepare permits and exercise delegations related to processing permit applications to conduct activities in the Marine Park. Assist in the review of impact management strategies for permitted activities and with the development and review of policy and procedures for environmental impact management and permissions.

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  Ronald McDonald House Charities

  Jan 2008 - Jan 2016

  Co-Chair the organisation of the largest fundraising event for the Ronald McDonald House North Queensland. Engage sponsors and the media; event management and coordination; manage and lead teams. Ronald McDonald House Townsville provides accommodation for families of seriously ill children and premature babies, predominantly from North Queensland. We are the fourth largest house in Australia and proudly represent a growing population in the North. We take pride in our House being a Happy House. All guests, staff and volunteers embrace the special gifts and experience of each other and we are all focused on enabling our children to live healthier happier lives.

  • Chair Ronald McDonald House North Queensland Ball Committee

    Jan 2011 - Jan 2016

  • Member Board of Directors

    Jan 2008 - Jan 2016
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  Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

  Oct 2009 - now

  Oversee the management and strategic improvement of permissions and EMC compliance systems. Manage and administer the sustainable funding initiatives in line with relevant legislation for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Develop and manage business systems linked to sustainable funding initiatives and environmental impact assessment.

  • Director

    Jun 2021 - now

  • Assistant Director

    Mar 2021 - Jun 2021

  • Assistant Director, Natural Science

    Dec 2019 - Mar 2021

  • Assistant Director, Reef 2050

    Mar 2016 - Nov 2019

  • Manager, Protection Strategies and Systems

    Jul 2014 - Mar 2016

  • Manager, Sustainable Funding

    Oct 2009 - Jun 2014
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  Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

  Jan 2011 - Jan 2014

  Committee Member - North Queensland Jelly Baby Gala Ball

  Assisting with the organisation and running of the North Queensland Jelly Baby Gala Ball which raises funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

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  Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand

  Jan 2012 - Jan 2015

  Secretary - Far North Queensland Division
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  Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ)

  Jul 2018 - Sept 2022

  • Committee Member

    Aug 2021 - Sept 2022

  • Vice President

    Jul 2020 - Aug 2021

  • Committee Member

    Jul 2018 - Jun 2020
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  Surf Life Saving Queensland

  Oct 2023 - now

  Board Member