OUR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION TEAM
MELANIE COSTANZO
Education Support Officer
Melanie joined the team in 2019, bringing with her 15 years’ experience in environmental science and interpretation.
With an Honours Degree in Environmental Science (Conservation Ecology) and a Diploma in Primary Education, Melanie aims to inspire the public and school students alike to connect, care and conserve terrestrial and marine ecosystems and their inhabitants.
Making the move to the Great Ocean Road after having run the SEALIFE Melbourne Aquarium Education department for 7 years, she is relishing the sea change and opportunity to support our amazing team to deliver, develop and provide engaging environmental education to all visitors of our unique coastal environments.
HILARY BOUMA
Education Leader
Coast Guardians Program Coordinator
Hilary has extensive experience in environmental education and delivers our flagship education program, Coast Guardians.
With multiple qualifications including a Bachelor of Behavioural Sciences, a Diploma of Education and further qualifications in tourism, zookeeping and natural resource management, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the role.
Hilary has worked for a range of organisations, including the Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre and Zoos Victoria.
She is passionate about connecting people with the wonders of the environment, especially the coast. Hilary aims to promote a love and understanding of the environment so that we can care for it and the wellbeing of people within nature.
PETE CROWCROFT
Education Leader
Gaining his nickname of ‘Possum Pete’ during his honours project on (you guessed it) Ringtail Possums, Pete is passionate about engaging with groups along the Great Ocean Road.
“For me, this job involves understanding and observing the coast as closely as possible, the plants, animals, physical geography and all the incredible interactions occurring. If I can capture the imagination of the people I meet and broaden their understanding of life on the coast and importantly, their role in helping it, then it has been a good day”.
Pete is a qualified secondary science and biology teacher and is currently completing a Doctorate in Education.
For more information and to speak with our team, please either fill out an enquiry form via the below link or contact education@greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au.