FunGIS Executive
Desiree Gowell
Position: Chair
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Desiree is a spatial analyst currently working on the Wet Tropics Management Authority’s Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program. Desiree uses GIS to process and manage all the Programs data, map yellow crazy ant distribution, operational surveillance and baiting activities and progress towards eradication. Desiree joined FunGIS in 2017 to get involved with the local spatial community. She has a BSc in Zoology and MSc in Natural Resource Management - when not talking nerdy on GIS and conservation, she’s usually escaping to the rainforest, camping and looking 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.
Alys Wall
Position: Executive Committee Member
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Alys is a Geographer with a MSc in Physical Geography from The Pennsylvania State University and a BA from the University of Hawaii in Geography, Business and Environmental Science. She was a NASA Space Grant Fellow at the University of Hawaii. She is an experienced spatial scientist, project manager, GIS data manager and GIS technical analyst with over 30 years of experience. In Australia, she has worked for Brisbane City Council, Cairns Regional Council, Queensland Government and for the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, the Bureau of Meteorology and the National Water Commission. In 2019 she launched TerraScene, a tech start-up that specialises in 360° panorama photo services for business and industry.
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.
