Meet the Board

 Andy Dunstan, Director

Andy is a marine scientist, biochemist, Master Four ship's captain, dive instructor and educator.

He holds a BSc from James Cook University and a Masters Qualifying degree from the University of Queensland. Andy is currently writing his PhD on his studies of deep sea nautilus biology and conservation, which he has also recounted in his book, 'The Great Barrier Reef Undersea Experience', to showcase a cost-effective and unique model which combines tourism, science and conservation.

Throughout his career, Andy has focused on bringing together scientific, industry, government and community sectors to work towards coral reef conservation.

He has helped to facilitate a Memorandum of Understanding for protection of the northern Coral Sea reefs, and has advised on rezoning of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. He has also co-developed minke whale and shark tourism guidelines and created a range of marine education and training programs. More recently, Andy has worked with the Worldwide Fund for Nature to describe the species diversity and unique nature of Coral Sea reefs.

Through Undersea Explorer, Andy was the North Queensland Reef Check co-ordinator from 1998. He and Jos established the beginnings of Reef Check Australia in 2001. Andy has been a board member of Reef Check Foundation Limited since it was established in 2004.

John Rumney, Director

John Rumney has made a living on the Great Barrier Reef since 1977 - first in commercial fishing and light game charters, followed by day and liveaboard diving, research and conservation co-ordination.

John was one of the original founders of Low Isles Preservation Society in 1993 and acted as President for four years from1998-2002. John was also conservation workshop co-ordinator for the 1995 Cairns Dive Festival. He has a long-term working relationship with the World Wide Fund for Nature and was very active in the Great Barrier Reef Campaign to rezone the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in 2004. John is currently working with the Worldwide Fund for Nature and PEW Environment Group on the Coral Sea campaign.

John also sits on a number of other committees including the Tourism and Recreation Reef Advisory Committee for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, the Local Marine Advisory Committee, and the Cod Hole and Ribbon Reef Operators Association.

Through these different roles John has been able to liaise with the community as well as educate industry on the importance of conservation. John has worked with the dive industry, recreational fishers, tourism and local business to bring a level of awareness of the importance of a healthy reef to each stakeholder group.

 In 1995 John initiated the Undersea Explorer project 'Harnessing the tourist dollar to fund Research and Conservation'. John was concept originator, General Manager, Skipper and was also responsible for Marketing until 2007.

Jo Roberts, Director

Jo Roberts, from the UK, has been recently voted on the board. In the past year, she has been working as our Education Officer developing and implementing the Reef IQ Educational Program. Before coming to Australia she worked as a Project Manager for a financial capability organisation in London working in schools with disadvantaged and homeless young people.

She has a Masters in Development Studies and has worked as a teacher in Chile, Nepal and China. Her love of diving and coral reefs drew her to Townsville and to Reef Check Australia where she now hopes to encourage young people from all over Australia to get involved in helping conserve Australia's unique coral reefs.

Helen Hobbs, Foundation Treasurer

Helen has been in the finance and commerce industry for the past 13 years. She has held various positions, including Tax Accountant for Ernst & Young; Finance Officer for the Australian Institute of Marine Science; Assistant Business Manager for the Townsville Grammar School; Group and Management Accountant for TimeWarner UK, based in London. She is now Manager, Assurance & Advisory for PricewaterhouseCoopers in Townsville.

Helen has been involved with Reef Check Australia on a Pro Bono basis since August 2007 as a supporter of not-for-profit organisations in the Townsville region. She is a registered member of CPA Australia and holds a degree in Commerce and a Master of Business.

Krystal Stubbs, Company Secretary

Krystal joined Reef Check Australia as Company Secretary in September 2008 and now acts as one of the Company's named representatives on legal documents as well as maintaining the company records. She also practises as a lawyer at Connolly Suthers Lawyers in Townsville. Her specialities include general commercial law, company law, property law and wills and estates. This means she can ensure that Reef Check Australia complies with relevant legislation and regulations, as well as keeping the board members informed of their legal responsibilities.

Krystal has always had a keen interest in environmental conservation and chose environmental law and environmental studies while completing a Bachelor of Laws degree at James Cook University (Australia). Becoming a PADI certified open water diver in 2008, Krystal hopes to further her scuba diving skills by getting more dives under her belt and completing the PADI Advanced Open Water and Rescue Diver courses before joining the Reef Check Australia training course so that she can become more actively involved in helping monitor the reef.