Our People

Founders, Lizzie Corke & Shayne Neal

The Great Ocean Ecolodge and Conservation Ecology Centre are the life’s work of Shayne and Lizzie.

Growing up in the Australian bush lead them to study Zoology and Natural Resource Management and during this time they learned how fragile the world’s ecosystems are. They understood not only the importance of caring for ecosystems but also the imperative for inspiring and engaging others in conservation.

Together they established Conservation Ecology Centre in 2001. Demonstrating amazing entrepreneurship their first step was to create the Great Ocean Ecolodge as a social enterprise to underwrite the Conservation Ecology Centre Trust, thereby increasing the Trust’s sustainability and also providing important opportunities to educate and engage people in conservation efforts.

Recognition for the Founders

The Great Ocean Ecolodge opened in 2004 and since then has received a number of awards. That year it won the Victorian Tourism Award for Best New Tourism Development.

In 2005 the Great Ocean Ecolodge was awarded Advanced Ecotourism Accreditation by Ecotourism Australia and Lizzie was named the Prime Minister’s Environmentalist of the Year, the first female and youngest-ever recipient of the award. In 2007 The Australian Geographic Society bestowed the Conservation Award on the couple. Lizzie has also been a member of the National Environmental Education Council and the Otways Landscape Community Council.

In 2008 Lizzie and Shayne’s daughter, Tess, arrived to join the team. Of course her first word was ‘Koala’.

Great Ocean Ecolodge Team

The skills, knowledge and experience of our team is our greatest asset.

With outstanding professionalism, dedication, passion and a friendly smile, they go above and beyond every day to create the very special Great Ocean Ecolodge experience.

Our philosophy is that the team who plays together stays together. We work hard, have lots of fun, respect one another’s skills and experience and feel privileged to work in such a magnificent place.

Meet our Conservation Ecology Centre Team

Visit the Conservation Ecology Centre website to learn more about our people, including our Patron and Board members, and our dedicated Research Team.