Andy is a long term member of the Victorian Rangers Association and has worked with great passion and enthusiasm as a ranger over the last 24 years and epitomises the conservation ethic that brings great value and respect to this profession. He worked as the Ranger-in-Charge at Warrandyte NP and Mt Buffalo NP, where he drew great attention to the negative impact of Himalayan Honeysuckle and mused at the introduction of a computer to park management systems.

Andy also held the role as Ranger-in Charge at Warrandyte NP and was fortunate enough to undertake a ranger exchange to New Zealand in 1992. This was Andy’s first introduction to international ranger exchanges, giving him great impetus to become more involved in the world ranger network. Andy saw great value in gaining insights into other park’s systems especially in terms of indigenous culture and management focus.

Andy has held numerous committee positions in the VRA, including the Presidency from 1999-2001. There is no doubt Andy’s vision and pragmatism has helped mould the VRA into producing the outcomes we achieve today. After journeying to Africa in 2000 for the IRF Congress, Andy’s perspective as a land manager was reinforced from the other rangers he met, who work in arduous conditions at times. His input into organising the 2003 International Rangers Congress in Wilsons Prom and last year’s International Rangers Congress in Bolivia, where he helped to facilitate the passage of 14 rangers from 12 countries, was testament to his belief in the work of rangers and the ongoing protection of the planet’s natural and cultural resources. Andy was unable to make the Congress in Bolivia but his work was recognised immensely throughout the meeting, especially from the sponsored delegates.

From an article in Learning from the Land – Stories of Australian Rangers, in Andy’s own words:

 “It’s been a great job, the people I have met, the places I have been to, the variety of experiences have just been fantastic.

 I wouldn’t change it if I could.

More than anything else, it is the commitment……………….that we have contributed in a worthwhile way and touched someone with the message of the importance of conservation to the world”