BioDiversity Legacy’s Network and Relationships Lead Loulou Gebbie grew up on Wurundjeri Country among the cool shadows of the Yarra Valley’s towering Mountain Ash forests where she found solace, inspiration and an early love for spending time in the bush.

Her early reverence for the interconnectedness of people and nature led Loulou to embrace the belief that social and environmental justice are inseparable. This conviction was further reinforced during her studies in Australian Indigenous Studies and Human Geography, where she explored the intricate layers of intersectionality and inequities associated with human interactions with landscapes.

After deferring a Master’s degree in forest science, Loulou embarked on a journey across Australia to deepen her understanding of these landscapes and concepts. Eventually, she returned to Melbourne for study while working part-time for an economist focused on Australia’s climate transition. The last component of her degree was an internship at the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation in Gippsland, where she crossed paths with BioDiversity Legacy founder,  Jim Phillipson.

Loulou’s current role involves nurturing networks and building partnerships, bridging grassroots initiatives with larger organisations and engaging interested landholders. She is deeply committed to fostering intergenerational equity and providing opportunities for young people and future generations to connect with nature, especially in the face of current and coming climate extremes.

For Loulou, BioDiversity Legacy represents a beacon of hope amidst environmental crises. As she puts it, “BioDiversity Legacy is a framework to turn despair into action. Grassroots efforts are where real, lasting change begins.”