Stephen Van Leeuwen

Professor Stephen van Leeuwen, Australia’s first Indigenous Chair of Biodiversity and Environmental Science at Curtin University is a proud Wardandi Noongar with strong connections to Country in the Busselton - Margaret River region of Western Australia. As a botanical ecologist, research scientist and executive manager Stephen has established a diverse pedigree across biodiversity inventory, landscape ecology, threat mitigation, nature conservation and sustainable land management domains. Stephen is empowered with the skills to combine his broad scientific competencies with a commitment to leadership in environmental research. Stephen is a member of the Department’s Indigenous Advisory Committee, Senior Indigenous Facilitator and Deputy Hub Leader of the National Environmental Science Program’s Resilient Landscape Hub and also contributes to the Threatened Species Scientific Committee, National Landcare Review Expert Reference Panel and other national, state and non-government committees. Stephen is passionate about Closing the Gap on Indigenous disadvantage and achieving self-determination. He believes that to realise self-determination it is critical that decisions about the livelihoods and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians and most importantly their cultures, customs, heritage and stewardship of land, water and sea Country are made with if not by them – Always Was, Always Will Be.