About
The Victorian Rabbit Action Network (VRAN) was established in 2014 to promote community-led action for more sustainable and effective rabbit management in Victoria.
VRAN is governed by a board composed of leaders from the community, industry, and government, all of whom bring a wealth of skills to the table.
Why Our Work Matters
The Victorian Rabbit Action Network represents a fresh strategy in addressing the rabbit issue. We unite people and facilitate the sharing of ideas and joint decision-making to find effective long-term solutions.
Empowering the Community
We are connecting knowledge and knowhow locally, regionally, nationally and globally.
"It’s really important to empower the community so the people who have to provide the solutions are actually involved in the decision making. They then have ownership not only of the problem but of the outcomes as well."
- Gerry Leach (VRAN Chair)
"VRAN’s collaborative, facilitative approach places win–win at the core of problem solving. We support people’s desire to effect change, grounded in peoples’ experience at the frontline of rabbit management. Scientific and government expertise is in essence on tap, not on top. By fostering respectful relationships, reciprocity, critical thinking, learning and accountability, we seek to empower everyone involved."
- Lisa Adams (VRAN Secretary)
"We have shown what a small conversation between public and private sectors can achieve . We now have an internationally recognised program, that is all about the power of coming together in new ways."
- Michael Reid (Former VRAN Associate Member)
Our People
Together we collaborate to develop and implement opportunities and strategies that empower community-driven initiatives targeting rabbit management.
"VRAN isn’t just about rabbits. VRAN is very much about people. It’s about helping people overcome the problems that they have with rabbits. It’s about bringing people and ideas together, learning from each other and helping overcome the challenges and also most importantly empowering people to make decisions that they are able to carry through themselves.”
Gerald Leach, VRAN Board Chair.
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VRAN Board
Gerald Leach (VRAN Chair)
Chair, Victoria Farmers Federation Land Management Committee and Chair, National Farmers’ Federation Natural Resources Committee
Neil Devanny (VRAN Deputy Chair)
Member, Gooram Valley Landcare Group Committee and Granite Creeks Project Inc.
Lisa Adams (VRAN Secretary)
Director, Lisa Adams and Associates
Simon McGuinness (VRAN Treasurer)
Independent Community Representative
John Matthews
(Retired) Biosecurity Manager, Established Invasive Animals, Agriculture Victoria
Mentors
Neil Devanny (VRAN Deputy Chair)
Member, Gooram Valley Landcare Group Committee and Granite Creeks Project Inc.
Brad Spear
Pest and Weed Management Consultant, Enviro Vic 2000
Tim Bloomfield
Pest Animal Consultant, Environment First Pty Ltd
Tom Miller
Natural Resource Management Officer, Central Highlands Water
Associate Members
Damian McMaster
Team Leader Invasive Species – Department of Energy Environment and Climate Action
Vanessa Lucy
Invasive Species Program Officer - Department Environment, Land, Water and Planning
Chelsea Vercoe
Regional Manager Plants, Chemicals and Invasives South West - Agriculture Victoria
VRAN Support
Nicole Garfi
Community Pest Management Officer – Agriculture Victoria
VRAN
A Catalyst for Change
The Victorian Rabbit Action Network has facilitated the development of the Victorian Rabbit Management Strategy, which is a first for the nation.
The strategy establishes a framework to enable us to all work together to tackle this difficult environmental problem. It guides our organisational goals, clarifying our purpose and our key objectives.