Land's Edge - Staff

Land’s Edge is proud of the high quality of its teaching and administrative staff. All staff are professionals in their field with a commitment to, and enjoyment of, education outdoors - as well as to working with young people. Due to the wide range of services Land’s Edge provides, types of staff qualifications vary. As a minimum, Land’s Edge follows staff qualification guidelines suggested by: NSW Department of Education and Training ACT Department of Education and Training The Adventure Activities Standards NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services ACT Department of Environment and Heritage Relevant peak industry bodies

The examples below reflect the minimum standard qualifications required in each position outlined.

• Position: Outdoor Education Group Leader - Bachelor of Arts (Outdoor Education) - Wilderness First Aid Certificate - Bronze Medallion
• Position: Curriculum Based Field Study Guide - Bachelor of Science - Senior First Aid - Bronze Medallion
• Position: Activity Guide - Surfing - Certificate in Outdoor Recreation - Surf Guiding - Surf Bronze Medallion - Senior First Aid
• Position: Activity Guide - Snorkelling - Surf Bronze Medallion - Senior First Aid
• Position: Activity Guide - Canoeing - Certificate in Outdoor Recreation – Canoeing - Surf Bronze Medallion - Senior First Aid

However the range of qualifications of Land’s Edge staff is far more extensive and currently includes:
- Bachelor of Applied Science - Bachelor of Environmental Science - Bachelor of Arts - Nature Tourism - Bachelor of Arts – Outdoor Education - Bachelor of Sports & Outdoor Recreation - Bachelor of Sport & Outdoor Recreation / Bachelor of Education - Bachelor of Education - Graduate Diploma of Education - Graduate Diploma (Natural and Cultural Heritage Interpretation) - Certificate in Workplace Training and Assessment - NASDS Snorkel Instructor Certificate - PADI Open Water Diving Certificate - Certificate III in Surf Guiding (TAFE NSW) - Surf Coaching Certificate (Surfing Australia) - Small and Heavy bus licences

Our Executive Team

Antony Butcher, Founder & Director
Antony Butcher and Fleur Harmelin founded Land’s Edge together in 1999. Antony has a Diploma of Education (Secondary Teaching) and a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Outdoor Education). He is currently studying for a Master of Emergency Management (Charles Sturt University). He has over 20 years’ experience in Australia and overseas working with young people outdoors. Antony believes that education outside the classroom provides opportunities for students to experience the journey into adulthood in a positive way while engaging in the unique challenges this type of education provides.

Fleur Harmelin, Founder & Director
Fleur divides her energies between her work, her family and her own personal achievements which include competing in ultra marathons in NSW, Queensland and New Zealand. Fleur has a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Outdoor Education) as well as a Diploma of Education (Secondary Teaching). She has over 20 years’ experience in Australia and overseas working with young people outdoors. Fleur believes that young people benefit enormously from spending unstructured time in inspiring outdoor locations, which in turn allows them time for investigation of their environment and themselves and for creativity and reflection.

Steve Bickerstaff, Risk Management and Staff Development Manager
For over 25 years Steve has centred his personal and professional life around mountains and skiing. Highlights include Olympic Cross Country Coach for India in Kashmir and three-time Australian Telemark FIS Speed Skiing Champion.

For the past ten years Steve has worked extensively with Land’s Edge to develop its journey-based programs and refine its risk management procedures. Steve is responsible for Land’s Edge staff development. Steve is also employed by TAFE NSW to deliver its Alpine Competency Modules to Certificate 3 and 4 Outdoor Recreation students and has contributed to the National Outdoor Industry Training Package.

Chris Schiller, Outdoor Education Operations Manager
Chris’ formal qualifications include a Bachelor of Business in Tourism & Hospitality and his Certificate III & IV in Outdoor Recreation from Blue Mountains TAFE where he accepted the ‘Outstanding Student Achievement Award’ in 2008.

As Outdoor Education Operations Manager, Chris brings his organisational and business skills - as well as his experience and exceptional ability in logistics management in the field - to the fore.

Kevin Mehorter, Logistics Coordinator
Kevin has a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Business Administration) from Gordon College, Boston Massachusetts. Kevin’s passion is to see young people gain a greater understanding of their abilities and worth through education outside the classroom.

Dale Frankham, Operations Manager, Land’s Edge Sydney Harbour
Dale has recently joined the Land’s Edge team where he is based at Chowder Bay.  Dale is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Land’s Edge Sydney Harbour facility and as first point of contact for Land’s Edge Sydney Harbour curriculum and recreation programs, Dale’s experience and skills in education outdoors programs come to the fore.  Dale is also a Land’s Edge outdoor education coordinator and guide leader (GL) on Land’s Edge programs in the field.

Dale holds a Bachelor of Environmental Science from Macquarie University with majors in Biology and Ecology, a Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation (specialising in outdoor activities) and a Leaders Wilderness First Aid.  Dale has a personal interest in the natural environment, photography, outdoor pursuits, surfing, SCUBA, adventure activities and travel.

Simone Bird, Communications Consultant
Simone Bird received a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Communications) from Canberra University in 1990 and has worked in the field of public relations and communications ever since. Simone currently works with clients involved in education, the environment and and the arts - her personal areas of interest. Simone works closely with Land’s Edge on a daily basis to develop and monitor its external and internal communications strategies.