THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE MISSION
Meet The Nautical Nerds
Kai Ashton
President / Chairperson
Marine conservation advocate with extensive experience sailing and living on and around the Great Barrier Reef. Kai brings a strong personal commitment to practical, science-led reef restoration.
Jake Curnow
Secretary / Treasurer
A First Nations committee member and experienced paramedic who grew up sailing and developed a strong connection to the ocean from an early age. Jake brings strong governance, administration and compliance experience, along with a lifelong appreciation for the marine environment.
Dawn Mayes
Committee Member
A former charity director of 10 years with extensive experience in major partnerships, media strategy, campaign development and logistics, including work with government and national corporate partners. Dawn also brings experience in grant writing and securing national media coverage for high-profile campaigns.
Dr Isabelle Scott
Committee Member
Clinician and university academic with postgraduate qualifications and research experience across systematic reviews, survey studies and implementation trials. Isabelle also contributes to research ethics and has her first research publication forthcoming.
Nadine Grobler
Committee Member
Experienced paramedic and former business manager with a strong background in administration, team coordination and operational management. Nadine brings practical leadership, organisation and problem-solving skills to the committee.
Daniel Ashton
Committee Member
Commercial electrician with a strong connection to the ocean. Daniel brings practical and technical skills that support equipment, infrastructure and field operations.
Levi Bryant
Committee Member
Heavy equipment operator with extensive machinery and transport qualifications. Levi brings practical expertise supporting reef construction, deployment and field logistics.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Founding Supporter
One of The Nautical Nerds’ earliest supporters chooses to remain anonymous, preferring to contribute from behind the scenes.
With extensive experience establishing successful businesses, securing multimillion-dollar government contracts and working alongside First Nations people in Far North Queensland, he provided valuable commercial and community insight during the organisation’s early development.
He personally supported The Nautical Nerds financially before it achieved registered charity status and continues to support the organisation today. While no longer involved in day-to-day operations, he remains a trusted adviser as The Nautical Nerds grows and develops its environmental restoration projects.
WORK WITH US
Want to Be Part of What We’re Building?
We’re always interested in connecting with people, organisations and specialists who share our commitment to restoring native oyster reefs and improving the waterways connected to the Great Barrier Reef.