The Toolijooa Team

OUR TEAM

Toolijooa is comprised of over 200 staff members dedicated to ecological restoration. Our professionals hold a common goal of wanting to contribute to the conservation and restoration of our natural heritage. Our team members hail from a wide range of backgrounds and contribute a depth and diversity of knowledge and experience in the fields of bushland management, ecology and ecological restoration.

Managing Director
Steve Anstey holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Science majoring in Plant Biology and Environmental Management and a Certificate in Bushland Regeneration from Macquarie University. Steve’s experience in horticulture began in 1992 and then furthering his level of expertise to natural area management and bush regeneration in 1996.

Business Manager
Rob Laird’s extensive experience at Toolijooa, spanning over a decade, showcases his commitment and dedication to the company's success. As the Business Manager, he is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of Toolijooa Environmental Restoration. Working closely with the Director, Rob plays a pivotal role in the development of business strategies and direction, leveraging his expertise to drive growth and achieve organizational objectives. With over 20 years’ experience in landscaping and bush regeneration, working as crew, supervisor and project manager across the full spectrum of restoration works, Rob also provides valuable mentorship and guidance to the project management team.

Rob's qualifications further demonstrate his commitment to professional growth and development. Currently pursuing a Juris Doctor degree, he holds a Bachelor of Environmental Science, a Graduate Certificate of Ornithology, a Certificate IV in Horticulture (Parks and Gardens), as well as certifications in First Aid and OH&S Induction for Construction Work in NSW.

With Rob Laird at the helm as Business Manager, Toolijooa Environmental Restoration thrives under his strong leadership, strategic vision, and dedication to achieving operational excellence.

Project Managers
Toolijooa's project teams are led & coordinated by dedicated Project Managers to ensure the delivery of quality services and outcomes. Toolijooa’s highly qualified & experienced team of Project Managers are pivotal to the company’s structure and efficient operation. Each Project Manager coordinates and oversees all aspects of operation within each of Toolijooa’s regions.

Regional Manager - Hunter Valley, Newcastle and Central Coast Regions
Chris Whackett has completed a Diploma of Conservation and Land Management from RMIT in Melbourne. Chris has been actively involved in NRM throughout NSW and Victoria since 2009. He has taken on a variety of roles in the industry, including 5 years as a bush regenerator, 2 years as a Site Supervisor and 2 years as a Project Officer. Chris has been a Project Manager since 2017 and Regional Manager for the Hunter Valley and Central Coast region since 2024.

Project Manager - Eastern Sydney
Maddison Holmes holds a Bachelor of Science (Biology & Environmental Studies) from the University of Sydney & a Certificate III in Conservation & Land Management. She has been involved in the environmental restoration industry since 2014, having progressed through several roles including trained bush regenerator, Site Supervisor, Park Ranger (NZ), and Project Officer. In her current role as Project Manager since 2018 she leads a dynamic, adaptable, and passionate team that strive to achieve the highest standards of environmental management and restoration.

Project Manager - Western Sydney
Dominic Noonan holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Environmental Management & Tourism) from UWS Hawkesbury and Certificates III and IV in Natural Area Restoration. Dominic has extensive experience in bush regeneration since 2009, transitioning from Project Officer into Project Manager in 2015.

Project Manager - Southern NSW
Brendon Levot has worked in the Environmental Industry for both private industry and Local Government since 2003, with expertise in the field of Biosecurity, Conservation and Ecosystem Management. He has studied Certificates III and IV in Conservation Land Management and Certificate IV in Government Investigations. Brendon begun with Toolijooa in 2003, working as a Field Officer/Training and Support Officer/Site Supervisor. Brendon has been performing the role of the Southern Division Project Manager since 2023.

Project Manager - Northern Sydney
Grant Auld holds a Bachelor of Science in Urban Ecology from the University of Technology, Sydney and a Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management from Ryde TAFE. Grant has extensive bush regeneration experience, starting with Toolijooa in 2009 as a crew member and working his way through various roles including Site Supervisor and Project Officer, until starting in his current role as Project Manager in 2020.

Project Manager - Sydney
Ryan Mandell holds a Bachelor of Environmental Science (Biology) from the University of Technology, Sydney. Ryan had five years’ prior experience in landscaping before moving into Bush Regeneration in 2008. Ryan joined Toolijooa in 2010, becoming a Project Manager in 2013. He has ably led Toolijooa’s service expansion into the area of track and landscape construction in natural areas.

Project Manager - Queensland
Rick Arbon holds a Diploma of Conservation and Land Management. Rick had 3 years of prior experience in various roles within the Landscape Industry before moving into Bush Regeneration in 2010, enjoying 5 years as a Site Supervisor and 1.5 years as a Project Officer before taking on the role of Project Manager in 2017. In 2018 Rick moved to QLD to assist in the expansion of the Toolijooa QLD division which continues to go from strength to strength with the support of Rick’s management and his growing team.

If you are interested in employment with Toolijooa Environmental Restoration visit the careers page of this website.