Through evaluation funders learn about the impact and effectiveness of their investments; stakeholders can have input into future directions; and target audiences can give direct feedback and have influence on the services being offered.
RMCG is experienced in delivering different types of evaluation, including summative, ex-post, contribution analyses and collaborative outcomes reporting. We have the skills to select and apply the most effective evaluation techniques, and we use program logic or theory of action models, because they are versatile and readily understood by participants in the evaluation.
Our evaluations focus on identifying achievements as well as areas for improvement. We frame our findings as things that should continue and things that should change.
We place evaluation in a tight loop with planning. When we are working with teams on planning, we often use evaluation-based tools like program logic or theory of action. Similarly, when we are conducting an evaluation, the evaluation framework we create can provide a solid structure for project planning.
Our evaluations do more than report on project data collected and collated. We focus on interpretation of that data by considering things like the operating environment, the policy context, capacity and resourcing. Our key focus is to combine the evaluation findings with our content knowledge and experience to provide genuine insights and suggestions that will drive long term improvements.
B.Ag.Sci., M.Res.Admin. (NRM)
Shayne has over 25 years working in land, water and biodiversity management, and during that time has developed the ability to see things from many perspectives, to anticipate issues that might arise and to draw on his experience to develop pragmatic and progressive solutions. He understands on-ground work, private and public land management, planning and managing programs and projects, and policy at local, state and national levels.
PhD., B.Ag.Sci.
Anne-Maree has 25 years’ experience in dealing with natural resource and water management in agricultural industries. This has included research and development and consulting in the areas of sustainable management practices, water use efficiency, recycled water and environmental management systems. Anne-Maree has been a Non-Executive Director for GWRDC and IAL, is a Churchill Fellow and recipient of the University of Melbourne Chancellors Prize. She has extensive experience as a knowledge broker and establishing partnerships with diverse stakeholder groups including government, water and agricultural industries.
B.Env.Sci., B.Soc.Sci. (Env.), PG.Cert.CCPI.
Carl is a socio-environmental scientist with 15 years’ experience in planning, delivery and evaluation of agriculture and natural resource management programs, integrated water management, climate change and stakeholder engagement. He understands the practical implications of policy and science on communities and agriculture. Carl has worked with a range of government departments, resource management agencies, research and development corporations, private organisations and communities around Australia on catchment management, sustainable water use, resource management in agriculture/horticulture, land use, climate change, strategic planning, industry development, extension and practice change.
B.Env.Sci. (Hons)
Melissa is a Senior Consultant in the Community and Strategy team at RMCG, with extensive expertise in natural resource management, sustainable agriculture, strategy development, evaluation, and stakeholder engagement. She has a proven track record in working with diverse clients, including catchment management authorities, state and Commonwealth governments, and industry bodies. Mel is skilled in developing and implementing strategic plans that address environmental challenges and promote sustainability. Mel has also assisted clients with evaluation planning as well as mid-term and final program evaluations to assess whether they have met their objectives and deliver continuous improvement. Additionally, Mel is experienced in stakeholder and community engagement, facilitating collaboration and participation to ensure that strategies and initiatives are inclusive and effective.
B.Nat.Res. (Hons)
Steph Drum is a highly experienced and passionate natural resource management professional with almost 20 years’ experience working across government, not-for-profit and community sectors. Based in New South Wales, Steph brings a deep understanding of the local landscapes, challenges and opportunities that shape sustainable land and water management in the region.
Her expertise spans natural resource management and sustainable agriculture, policy and strategy development, program design and evaluation, and stakeholder and community engagement. She has led the design, delivery, and evaluation of a wide range of NRM programs — from threatened species conservation and landscape restoration to community-based conservation initiatives.
Steph is known for combining strong technical knowledge with a collaborative, community-centred approach. She is skilled at building trust and capability in diverse stakeholder groups, and tailoring strategies that deliver measurable environmental and social outcomes. Her work is grounded in real-world insight and a commitment to practical, lasting change.
BSc, MEnvSt, GDipPD(EnvSt)
Trent has an extensive background in environmental planning and natural resource management, with particular expertise in waterway management and planning. This includes 21 years of public sector experience working for catchment management authorities and the state government.
Trent’s work focuses on strategic environmental policy, planning and evaluation, and supporting project teams with the delivery of long-term catchment health outcomes. He is also experienced in community and stakeholder management, and has a strong understanding of the importance of genuine engagement to ensure project buy-in and support. He has worked with, and led, integrated project teams, stakeholder and community project committees, forums and working groups, and technical expert groups.
B.Env.Eng. (Hons)
Claire has more than a decade’s experience in strategic planning, facilitation and community engagement in a range of industries. Claire’s people and strategy skills are underpinned by a strong understanding of engineering and policy. She helps communities and organisations deal with complex issues, supporting insight and constructive strategy. Claire has delivered quality projects including investigations of community concerns related to mining, regional strategic planning, socio-economic impact studies and strategic planning for a wide range of organisations.
PhD., B.Ag.Sci.
Kristen is an experienced researcher and industry development specialist. She successfully combines project management skills and technical expertise to deliver projects in agriculture and water related industries. She enjoys working with landholders and large organizations to inform and clarify decision-making. Areas of expertise include strategic planning, stakeholder consultation and program evaluation.
B.Sci., Grad.Dip.Eco., Assoc.App.Sci.
Jencie understands the science and economics of natural resource management and has grounded and practical experience in soils, mixed farming and viticulture. She has highly developed skills in evaluation of agricultural and natural resource management programs, business case writing, greenhouse emissions analysis and sustainable resource use, and catchment management. Jencie knows and appreciates the issues affecting communities in rural and regional Australia.
B.Sci. (Hons)
Bec is a skilled geographer and environmental scientist with a background in water, natural resource management and regional development.
She has made important contributions to catchment and water management, salinity, compost use in agriculture and bushfire planning and management at RMCG. She works on projects with a focus on strategic planning, program evaluation and social and environmental research, primarily for government agencies.
Bec has well developed project management skills and has a practical and resourceful style. She is a highly capable writer and problem solver.
M.Sust.Ag., B.Bus. (Hons), B.A.
Clinton has extensive experience in sustainable agriculture, with a specialist focus on horticulture and intensive production systems. With a strong agricultural industry focus, Clinton has worked across a range of agricultural commodities and natural resource management issues in Australia and internationally. Clinton’s diverse range of capacities including program design and management, stakeholder engagement, partnership management, monitoring evaluation and reporting, extension, facilitation, action research and science communication.
B.App.Sci, NRM (Hons)
Brooke has over 20 years strategic planning, management and stakeholder engagement experience in the public and private sectors. Her experience in natural resource and waste management sectors, where she has used her communication, leadership, facilitation, governance, and project development skills, has led her to support governing boards and community-based organisations to set strategy and attract significant investment. Since 2021, Brooke has been working in the private sector supporting community and stakeholder engagement, strategic planning and operational reviews for local and state government and other not-for-profits. Her recent work has provided experience in social and community planning, including work with CALD communities, people living with disability, landcare and on place-based community planning.
With her roots firmly planted in the small north east Victorian town of Eldorado, Brooke values the natural beauty of regional areas and is passionate about empowering people to share their views and values to influence public decision making.
Master of Urban Horticulture, Bachelor of Commerce
Meg is a dynamic, empowering and engaging professional who offers exceptional leadership experience derived from a diverse portfolio of engagements, and a demonstrated history in delivering on strategic intent, legislative compliance, and corporate governance. She possesses a range of critical skills and competencies across the environmental industry and extensive experience in policy and strategy development and implementation in line with climate change, biodiversity and health and wellbeing strategic objectives.
Meg has worked with over 25 Councils and State Government agencies across Australia to develop fit for purpose urban greening frameworks. From the micro to the macro – Meg has a passion to be a ‘change-agent’.
M.Env., B.Sci. (Marine Biology)
Steph has ten years’ experience working in environmental management. Key areas of knowledge include general ecology and environmental policy. She has specific skills in GIS analysis, project management and stakeholder consultation. Steph’s work has focused on the delivery of balanced, practical and effective environmental interventions.
B.App.Sci. (Env.Mgt.) (Hons)
Jaclyne has experience in strategy development, community and stakeholder engagement, community based natural resource management and social research. Her projects have involved environment and sustainability planning for local government, estuary management planning, program evaluations and communication and engagement strategies for government departments. Jaclyne has a passion for working with communities to achieve practical outcomes for the environment.
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