MEDIA RELEASE
20 December 2023

Change of leadership ushers in a new era for the state’s peak environment body

After 10 years at the helm of the Conservation Council of South Australia, Chief Executive Craig Wilkins will step down from the role to focus on critical work preparing for climate change. 

The announcement comes after another successful year of wins for the organisation, including the protection of Mirnu Wirra in the southern Park Lands, the passing of the federal Restoring our Rivers Bill and the end of the government’s proposed nuclear waste dump at Kimba.

Since 2013, Craig has led the organisation in the creation of The Joinery environment hub on Franklin Street, the successful campaign to stop the Weatherill government’s high-level nuclear waste dump and the protection of SA’s marine sanctuaries network.

“It has been an enormous privilege to be at the helm of such a vital organisation through this important time of change,” said Mr Wilkins.

“Conservation SA plays a unique and essential role: as the voice of our sector, facilitating action, building alliances and stepping up when threats or opportunities emerge.

“With a committed Board, passionate staff team and experienced new leadership, the Conservation Council is in excellent hands for this next phase of its work championing nature and climate in South Australia,” he said.

New Interim Chief Executive Kirsty Bevan	Outgoing Chief Executive Craig Wilkins	Conservation SA President David Bacon

Kirsty Bevan, Chief Executive of the Nature Conservation Society of SA (NCSSA), will step in as interim Chief Executive in early 2024 while the Conservation SA Board prepares for the next phase of the organisation.  She will continue as Chief Executive of NCCSA, supporting both organisations during this period of transition.

With more than 20 years’ experience in the environmental science and natural resource management sector, Ms Bevan has made a name for herself leading teams through rapid priority changes and organisational transformation.

The Conservation SA Board also has new leadership, with President David Bacon voted in at the 2023 Conservation Council AGM in November.

For over 50 years Conservation SA has been the voice for the environment in SA, speaking and acting on behalf of over 60 climate and nature community groups and their 90,000 supporters.