Great Southern Reef Foundation
Science. Stories.
Scientists, storytellers, educators and collaborators working together for the future of Australia’s temperate reefs.
People.
The people behind the work
Meet our core team
DR. SAHIRA BELL
Executive director • co-founder
Connecting marine science with practical conservation, Sahira leads the Foundation’s strategy, partnerships and research alignment.
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Sahira is a marine ecologist whose PhD explored climate change and marine heatwave impacts on kelp forests. Her research highlighted a gap between scientific knowledge, decision-making and community understanding. She works with scientists, government, industry and communities to translate evidence into conservation outcomes, bringing research, lived experience and local knowledge together.
STEFAN ANDREWS
CREATIVE director • co-founder
A marine biologist and filmmaker, Stefan brings the reef’s stories to life through film, education and public engagement.
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Stefan leads the Foundation’s creative vision across documentaries, visual storytelling, campaigns and education resources. He works with researchers, educators and communities to make marine science accessible and grounded in place. He also supports school and community programs and serves as Communications Officer for the Great Southern Reef Research Partnership.
HILLAREY JONES
Program Coordinator • Impact Producer
Bringing people and projects together, Hillarey coordinates events, campaigns, partnerships and community engagement.
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Hillarey brings experience in curatorial practice, writing and digital media strategy, with a Masters in Curatorial Sciences from the École du Louvre and a Bachelor degree from the University of Connecticut. Following work in Paris, Berlin and at the Linda Pace Foundation, she now supports GSRF project delivery in South Australia—from Eat an Urchin to screenings, education events and creative collaborations.
DR CATIA FREITAS
Helping learners connect with the ocean, Catia turns marine science into practical, curriculum-linked learning.
Ocean Literacy Specialist
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Catia designs and delivers school and community education programs with teachers. Her background spans marine science education and informal learning, with a focus on inquiry, place-based learning and ocean stewardship. She develops resources connected to GSRF films and projects and supports teacher professional learning, including in coastal and inland communities.
JENNIFER MCQUEEN
Finding the people and stories behind the science, Jennifer helps new audiences discover the GSR.
Media & Storytelling Officer
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Jennifer is a writer and communications strategist whose work spans climate science at CSIRO, biosecurity, sustainability and environmental advocacy. She works with researchers to untangle complex subjects and uncover the details that make a story worth telling. At GSRF, she brings this curiosity to the reef’s marine life, people and places.
OUR BOARD
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Dr. Scott Bennett
CO-FOUNDER & CHAIR
Scientific leadership and long-term vision, connecting the Foundation with Australia’s research community.
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Prof Emma Lee OAM
INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT
A trawlwulwuy woman from tebrakunna Country, Emma brings leadership in Indigenous marine governance, cultural authority and self-determination
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MATT NOFFS
STRATEGY
A social entrepreneur and leader of the Ted Noffs Foundation, bringing experience in systems change and social innovation.
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Naomi Noffs
GOVERNANCE
Co-founder of the Street Universities, bringing community-building experience and a commitment to inclusion and integrity.
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John Fuhr
INNOVATION
Connecting storytelling, strategic marketing and partnerships across seafood, tourism and forward-thinking industries.
Our Beginnings
A shared vision for the reef
In 2022, the Great Southern Reef Foundation was established by four people united by a commitment to Australia’s temperate reefs. Their combined expertise in science, storytelling, education and conservation helped shape the work we continue today.
Sahira Bell
Scott Bennett
Stefan Andrews
Kingsley Griffith
Meet the Scientists
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Scott Bennett
The concept of the Great Southern Reef originated from a paper published by Bennett and colleagues in 2015.
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Thomas Wernberg
Professor Thomas Wernberg is a renowned marine ecologist with a profound connection to the ocean, particularly the study of kelp forests.
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Adriana Vergès
Professor Vergés' passion extends beyond the realm of research as she consistently focuses on applying her findings for real-world impact.
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Melinda Coleman
Melinda Coleman, a leading marine scientist and geneticist, is on a mission to unlock the secrets of the Great Southern Reef.
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Sean Connell
In the realm of marine ecology, Professor Sean Connell stands as a prominent figure and a true trailblazer.
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Scott Ling
Associate Professor Scott Ling has dedicated his career to the understanding and preservation of Australia's marine ecosystems.
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Prue Francis
Prue Francis stands at the forefront of ocean literacy and marine conservation, engaging students, educators, and the wider community.
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Gretta Pecl
Gretta Pecl has built a global reputation as a marine science communicator and advocate for citizen science.
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Michael Sams
As manager of marine and coastal programs at Parks Victoria, Sams combines research with strategic action to address complex ecological challenges.
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Nathan Knott
As a Principal Research Scientist working at the intersection of research, policy and management, Dr. Nathan Knott brings almost three decades of experience to help us understand temperate marine systems.
Be a Part of the Story
A shared reef.
Our work connects people through research, education, storytelling and community action. Discover what we do, or get in touch to explore working together.