Pheonix Wildgrace– Koala Liasion

Pheonix has always been passionate about driving social change and creating meaningful impact through purpose‑led marketing and storytelling. She joined the AKF team in 2026 as our Koala Liaison at HQ, bringing both strategic insight and creative energy to the role. Holding a double degree in Business (Marketing) and Creative Industries (Entertainment) from QUT, she is curious by nature and solution‑focused in her approach. At her core, she believes in the power of creativity, community, and connection to spark meaningful transformation. This belief underpins her contribution to AKF’s mission to save the koala from extinction and safeguard critical habitat.

David Staines– GIS Mapping

David has returned to work with the AKF in 2018 as a GIS/Mapping consultant. In the early nineties his role was as a GIS/Mapping Officer in the pilot research project the Joint Regional Koala Habitat Study that evolved into the Koala Habitat Atlas. With a 40 year history in Cartography, David enjoys the GIS analysis that underlays the Koala’s habitat mapping. He also assists in the data statistical/GIS analysis and map production. Dave likes explaining to people the importance of mapping and how it contributes to ensure the sustainability of Koalas in the wild.

Mitchell Peake– GIS Mapping

Mitch joined the AKF in 2023 as a GIS officer, working on the many mapping needs of the organisation including the AKF’s Koala Habitat Atlas. While studying for his Bachelor of Animal Ecology, Mitch learned the importance of having a strong spatial component to any type of environmental project, completing a minor of Geospatial Analysis (GIS). Mitch has hands on experience rescuing koalas for many years throughout the Moreton Bay region and has seen first-hand the plight our endangered marsupial friends are facing. Mitch also has experience in environmental project management, overseeing multiple revegetation projects throughout Moreton Bay. He’s looking forward to using his technical and practical skillset to help the koala Australia-wide and continue the great efforts made by the AKF in reversing the downward trend of our national icon.

Ian Harling– Quinlans ‘Jack of all Trades’

Ian, originally from England, works regularly at the AKF’s property Quinlans, after starting as a volunteer. Sharing the same vision for the property as Deborah, Ian works closely with AKF staff and volunteers to bring ideas to fruition. From landscaping to building to plumbing, Ian loves that he’s able to put the sustainable and creative ethics that both the AKF and he believe in as part of his working day. He loves that he’s able to help the AKF with it’s primary goal: protecting the natural environment that the Koala and other native species so desperately need to survive.

Cesar Alvarado Rivera– Finance

Cesar is Colombian, he moved to Australia in 2019. His natural environment is full of plants and light. He loves all animals in general and Australian wildlife in particular. He enjoys long walks, reading, listening to music and as a good old school guy he loves going to the cinema. Cesar is an international accountant with experience in different industries and he has worked with AKF since 2021. He is a BAS Agent and currently applying for his Tax Advisor registration.

Christopher Kwan– Retail and Online Shop

Christopher has always been interested in sustainability. His years have been filled with physical growth and spiritual growth, and with those strategies he has had the pleasure of sharing with others. In that pursuit, with his family now, he found himself in Warialda. Christopher saw the Koala Manifesto and knew he had to be part of the AKF team. How many chances do we get to save a world renowned Aussie Icon?