With expertise spanning health, education, governance, business, communication, community development and nature pedagogy our Board brings a rich tapestry of knowledge and skills to guide our mission. Together, they will help shape a future where all children in Queensland can thrive through play in natural spaces.
Meet our Management Board
Tony Burns
Board Chair
info@natureplayqld.org.auAn achiever with a heart of gold, Tony brightens the lives of everyone he meets. At a young age his parents instilled in him the mantra that giving back is the best reward in life. There is no disguising the intense passion, dedication and inspiration that Tony brings to his life and others.
This drive and purpose contributed to Tony being named 2017 Finalist for the NT Australian of the Year and an Ambassador for 2019 Australia Day Awards. His passion is infectious and Tony leads his teams with an enthusiasm that is undeniable. In 2016 Tony’s team at HPA made Australian history by becoming the first Not for Profit business to win not only the inaugural ‘Charity Award Telstra Business of the Year for the Northern Territory’ but also the overall ‘Telstra Business of the Year for the Northern Territory’.
This drive and purpose contributed to Tony being named 2017 Finalist for the NT Australian of the Year and an Ambassador for 2019 Australia Day Awards. In June 2021 Tony was Awarded the Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division for service to people with disability, in recognition of his extensive work and philanthropy in the sector over a number of years.
With a zest for life, Tony’s infectious passion inspires all of those around him.
From Tony... "One of my favourite nature memories is from childhood, climbing the giant fig trees near my grandparents' house. Their twisting roots created perfect little nooks to hide in, and their massive branches felt like secret pathways to another world. Even now, nature still gives me that sense of wonder and connection. A simple walk through the forest or a quiet moment by the ocean recharges me and helps me feel grounded, no matter what else is going on."
Kymberley Walker
Board Treasurer
Kymberley is an Occupational Therapist, former legal practitioner, and a passionate advocate for children’s play. As the founder of Naturally Kids Allied Health, she supports neurodivergent children and their families across Townsville and North Queensland. In 2022, she pioneered Joey’s Mob, Townsville’s first nature-based occupational therapy program, creating inclusive spaces where kids can thrive outdoors.
A mum of two, Kymberley understands the importance of unstructured play in nature and champions opportunities for all children to connect with the outdoors. Her dedication to this mission has led to her appointment as an inaugural board member of Nature Play Qld, where she hopes to drive change for children’s development and wellbeing through play at a broader, societal level.
Bec Burch
Board Secretary
0438 869 641info@natureplayqld.org.auBec’s expertise is in nature pedagogy, and at heart is an early childhood educator who is passionate about giving children opportunity for free play in nature. Her background is founded in teaching with a career working with children in nature play and bush kindy settings and directing and managing early learning services through change management. She currently runs Cottonwood Learning, a Gold Coast nature immersion program that takes children into bush and beach spaces in all weather for children to play and learn.
Bec’s other parallel career path has been teaching and mentoring adults to take their teaching to the next level at TAFE, University and Nature Play QLD and currently through Bush Kindy Australia. She mentors, coaches, trains and inspires educators through professional development to enrich their teaching opportunities. Bec is actively engaged in the wider national nature play network groups and a passionate advocate in our sector.
Her underlying beliefs are that nature is life’s ingredient that is needed for holistic development and overall wellbeing. She believes that nature immersion provides an opportunity to build resilience, confidence, ecological literacy and empower children with valuable life skills.
Scott Kirk
Board Member
Scott Kirk is a dynamic and results-driven executive with a proven track record of driving business growth, optimising operations and leading high-performing teams. With more than 20 years of senior level experience, Scott specialises in developing and executing strategic initiatives that expand market share, increase revenue and enhance operational efficiency.
A innovative, hands on leader and strategist, Scott has successfully scaled businesses by identifying new opportunities, streamlining processes and leveraging data-driven decision-making. Scott’s expertise spans business development, financial management, strategic partnerships and innovation ensuring sustainable growth in competitive markets.
Throughout his career, Scott has led cross-functional teams to achieve ambitious targets, fostered strong client and partner relationships and implemented cutting-edge solutions that drive profitability. Passionate about mentoring and empowering teams, Scott cultivates a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
Frances Adcock OLY
Board Member
With a background in journalism, public relations and communications, I bring to Nature Play QLD a deep understanding of crafting impactful narratives, storytelling and engaging diverse audiences.
My experience includes writing content for the national broadcaster, crisis communication at a global humanitarian charity and advocating for climate-friendly policies. Each role has given me the ability to create meaningful content and foster positive public engagement.
As a mother of two young boys, exploring the countless natural waterholes of the Sunshine Coast, and learning along the way has been such a beautiful time in our lives.
A life playing in nature is something we are so grateful for here in Queensland, it encodes creativity, learning and understanding of the natural world that cannot be taught in a classroom setting. In a fast paced digital world and where families are isolated in communities this has never been more important.
Today, nature serves as my family’s sanctuary, offering peace and inspiration, and reminds me of the importance of preserving these spaces for future generations.
Tom Ridgway
Board Member
BE(Hons), MPhil, MEngSc, CPEng, MIEAust, NER, RPEQ
Tom Ridgway is an experienced engineer with over 10 years working in the research, design, operation, maintenance, and construction of major water infrastructure.
With a background in engineering design and operation, Tom has held leadership positions in both major engineering consultancies and water infrastructure organisations across Australia. Tom has a strong understanding of and commitment to program delivery and organisational governance.
Tom is a passionate advocate for Nature Play and believes in the purpose of Nature Play for all members of the community and the long-lasting benefits it can have. As a young man growing up around Brisbane, Tom spent the majority of his spare time outside on adventures where he developed his passion for the outdoors and the development benefits it provides.
In his downtime, Tom enjoys music, walking and spending time with his young family.
Andrea Herde
Board Member
With 21 years of experience at Energy Queensland, Andrea has developed a deep expertise in organisational change, process optimisation, business transformation and initiative management. Throughout her career, she has successfully led and supported initiatives that balance strategic vision with practical execution. She has a people-centric focus, delivering meaningful outcomes that align with organisational goals and consider user experience.
Andrea connects to nature best focusing on a mountain or ocean view to keep her grounded; she finds clarity in the reminder that she is but one part of a much bigger world.
She is passionate about contributing to positive change and is committed to helping the committee achieve its mission of developing resilient, healthy and creative people.
Operations Working group Sub-Committee
Debbie Laporte, Angela O'Dea, Tobias Volbert and Tamsin Scott.
0488 171 383info@natureplayqld.org.auThe Operations Working Group Sub-Committee has been the unwavering force behind Nature Play QLD, keeping our mission alive through challenging times. In the absence of funding during the pandemic, their dedication, passion, and behind-the-scenes efforts ensured that children and families across Queensland could continue to access opportunities to play, explore, and connect with nature. Their commitment reflects the heart of our vision—to inspire a childhood filled with outdoor adventures and lifelong connections to the natural world.
