Dr Sahira Bell is the Executive Director and Co-founder of the Great Southern Reef Foundation. She is a marine ecologist with expertise in climate impacts on temperate reef ecosystems and a strong focus on translating research into applied conservation outcomes.

Sahira’s research background includes a PhD examining the impacts of climate change and marine heatwaves on kelp forests. Through her scientific work, she identified a persistent gap between research, decision-making, and community understanding, particularly in how complex ecological knowledge is applied on the ground.

As Executive Director, Sahira leads the Foundation’s strategic direction, partnerships, and research alignment. She works closely with scientists, government, industry, and community to support evidence-based responses that link ecological health, human wellbeing, and long-term reef resilience across the Great Southern Reef.

Her work centres on two-way knowledge exchange, supporting approaches that integrate science, lived experience, and local context to inform practical, scalable conservation action.

Stefan Andrews is the Creative Director and Co-founder of the Great Southern Reef Foundation. He is a marine biologist, filmmaker, and ocean literacy practitioner with a focus on translating science into clear, engaging stories that drive understanding and action.

As Creative Director, Stefan leads the Foundation’s creative vision across film, education, and public engagement. His role spans documentary production, visual storytelling, campaign development, and the design of education resources that connect people to Australia’s temperate reefs. He works closely with scientists, educators, community groups, and partners to shape projects that are accurate, accessible, and grounded in place.

Stefan also oversees the development of school and community programs linked to GSRF films and initiatives, supporting teachers and learners across coastal and inland Australia.

Alongside his role at GSRF, Stefan serves as Communications Officer for the Great Southern Reef Research Partnership, where he supports the clear communication of scientific research to decision-makers, educators, and the wider public.

Hillarey Jones is the Project Coordinator at the Great Southern Reef Foundation. She supports the planning and delivery of projects across events, campaigns, partnerships, and public engagement.

Hillarey brings a background in curatorial practice, writing, and digital media strategy. She holds a Masters degree in Curatorial Sciences from the École du Louvre in Paris and a Bachelor degree from the University of Connecticut. Her early career included almost a decade working across contemporary art galleries and institutions in Paris and Berlin, followed by a role at the Linda Pace Foundation where she supported exhibitions, public programs, collection management, content editing, and digital strategy.

Since relocating to South Australia, Hillarey has played a central role in coordinating GSRF events, screenings, and community activities. She supports logistics, partner liaison, and on-the-ground delivery, helping projects move from concept to execution. Her work includes coordination support for campaigns such as Eat an Urchin, as well as community screenings, education events, and collaborative initiatives with scientists, creatives, and local organisations.

Dr. Catia Freitas is the Ocean Literacy Specialist at the Great Southern Reef Foundation. She leads the design and delivery of school and community education programs, working closely with teachers to translate marine science into practical, curriculum-linked learning.

Catia has a background in marine science education and informal learning, with experience developing resources that support student inquiry, place-based learning, and real-world ocean stewardship. Her work focuses on building understanding of temperate reef ecosystems, climate impacts, and human connections to sea and coast.

She plays a key role in developing education resources linked to GSRF films and projects, supporting teacher professional learning, and ensuring programs are accessible to schools across coastal and inland Australia.