FunGIS Executive
Desiree Gowell
Position: Chair
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Desiree is a GIS Consultant currently working at Niche Environment and Heritage in Cairns. Desiree has used GIS for mapping and managing data for eradicating yellow crazy ants, assisting in the development of Queensland planning and biodiversity assessment tools and mobile app development for field data collection. Desiree joined FunGIS in 2017 to get involved with the local spatial community, then joined the Exec in 2018. She has a BSc in Zoology and MSc in Natural Resource Management - when not talking nerdy on GIS and conservation, she’s playing board games, camping or escaping to the rainforest to look for cool native creatures.
Anne Stapledon
Position: Appointed Secretary
I’m a teacher, community development worker and demographer and the focus of my work is empowerment, particularly for those who are disadvantaged.
I was introduced to GIS in 2001 by FunGIS life member Bob Peever and I’ve maintained my interest because of its potentials for:
- communicating demographic statistics at a glance;
- providing a means of empowerment for Indigenous people, particularly teenagers; and
- providing a potent tool for community development in rural/regional areas.
While I’m a spatial fringe dweller (ie. definitely not a teckie) I have a great deal of fun using GIS software (when Bob is able to lend me his laptop) and I particularly enjoy participating in the FunGIS network - grouse bunch of people.
Hans Wurzel
Position: Deputy Chair
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Do not let the title of ‘Fisheries Biologist’ fool you into thinking that Hans is not a keen spatial analyst. He is currently working with the Impact Assessment and Management (IAM) team in Fisheries Queensland and is tasked with updating the ‘Queensland Waterways for Waterway Barrier Works’ spatial data layer. Hans also assists the IAM team by preparing maps that aid in the planning assessment of development that could potentially impact on fisheries resources.
Gary Searle
Position: Treasurer
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Gary is a Spatial Analyst and Town Planner who studied at James Cook University. Gary spent 7 years in Local Government on the Tablelands before joining Terrain NRM in 2013. Gary enjoys problem solving and finding ways to make and present maps that are meaningful and useful.
Tom Orr
Position: Executive Committee Member
Tom attended Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand where he gained a BSc in Zoology and a MSc in Geology. He has worked for more than 40 years as a geologist in Asia, Africa and Australia. These days he runs a small consultancy in Mission Beach together with his wife and fellow geologist Lisa. Most work revolves around the use of GIS which they have been using for more than 30 years. They have provided datasets to such organisations as the USGS, AGSO, BRGM, US National Hurricane Centre, and French Red Cross as well as numerous Universities and students. Tom is a keen sports photographer, drone pilot and gardener. Highlights of recent years include drone work for ABC Landline (his favourite TV show), nomination for Cairns Regional Council Volunteer of the year, being a Batonbearer for the Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay, building a Japanese Garden in his backyard and receiving the New Zealand Defence Force Service Medal.
