Our land. Our story.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CEO

Shane Charles is a strategic leader who somehow manages to blend big‑picture thinking with genuine country‑town practicality. With deep roots in agribusiness, regional development and governance, he’s known for uniting people, cutting through noise and keeping things moving forward. Shane ensures the Koala Farmland Fund stays purposeful, commercially sharp and grounded in sustainable farmland stewardship — all with his trademark calm, considered style.

GENERAL MANAGER – BIODIVERSITY OFFSETS & PARTNERSHIPS

Rob Martyn is an agribusiness executive who knows farming from the boardroom and the back paddock. With experience across large‑scale operations, asset management and agricultural investment, he brings a practical, sleeves‑rolled‑up approach to productivity and risk. Rob is our clients’ first port of call — partly because of his deep offset expertise, and partly because he’s impossible not to like.

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Jason Frecklington is a seasoned project and land management professional with three decades of experience spanning agriculture, renewable energy and Indigenous engagement. Known for blending practical know‑how with strategic insight, he’s delivered complex projects across remote Australia and built trusted relationships with landholders and traditional owners. With an MBA and deep on‑ground expertise, Jason brings calm leadership, sharp judgement and a genuine commitment to sustainable, community‑minded land stewardship.

BIODIVERSITY PROJECT MANAGER

Jacqui Castor is the guru ecologist who turns complex biodiversity challenges into clear, achievable plans. She leads the Koala Farmland Fund’s ecological strategy with a mix of scientific rigour, practicality and does it all with great humour. Jacqui works closely with clients to meet regulatory requirements while delivering real environmental outcomes. As you might have guessed - she is a details gal, and her attention to detail and grounded approach ensure our land stewardship is both credible and genuinely impactful.

PRINCIPAL ECOLOGIST

Sarah Tune is the Group’s Principal Ecologist and the steady hand guiding the Koala Farmland Fund’s biodiversity outcomes. With deep expertise in habitat assessment, ecological monitoring and landscape‑scale conservation, she helps farming and nature work together rather than compete. Sarah’s scientific insight and calm, thoughtful style strengthen the Fund’s commitment to responsible, future‑focused land management.

FARM MANAGER

Gary Brennand is a seasoned agricultural operations manager with decades of hands‑on experience across broadacre cropping, livestock systems, and rural infrastructure. He leads on‑ground execution across the Fund’s properties, ensuring operational excellence, safety, and productivity. Gary’s practical knowledge and leadership style drive consistent performance and resilient farming outcomes.

FARMHAND

Lucas (also known as Barrell) is another jack of all trades. he also has experiecne in civil construction and agriculture which makes his skillset invaluable. He can fix just about anything and holds us all accountable with regular maintenance on all equipment.

FARMHAND

Bodie is a true Brisbane Valley local who lives in Toogoolawah. Whilst he and his family are from the land, he also has awesome experience in civil construction and can drive just about anything. He is also a keen hunter and he helps us eradicate non native pests which can ruin the environment.

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER

Tristan Rolls is the Group Financial Controller who brings order, clarity and the occasional spreadsheet masterpiece to the Koala Farmland Fund. With strong capability in management accounting, systems optimisation and financial governance, he keeps the numbers honest and the decision‑making sharp. Tristan’s analytical depth ensures the Fund always has a clear view of its financial position and future trajectory.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Renee Mulholland is the Koala Farmland Fund’s Chief Financial Officer and the steady voice ensuring our financial governance stays sharp. With expertise in investment oversight, compliance and strategic reporting, she leads the Fund’s finance and risk functions with clarity and confidence. Renee’s analytical strength and calm leadership underpin the Fund’s long‑term financial resilience and transparent investor communication.

BOARD MEMBER

Rob Hart is the Managing Director of Upscale Funds Management and Chair of Upscale Carbon. Following a 25-year international career in blue-chip companies, he founded the firm with a vision to build climate-resilient, ESG-focused investments. His pioneering funds manage thousands of hectares of Queensland farmland. Rob leverages his deep environmental expertise to merge sustainable agriculture with robust financial returns.

BOARD MEMBER

Ronald Thompson is a founding Operations Director at Upscale Funds Management. As a Nuffield Scholar with over 30 years of agribusiness experience, he specializes in integrating carbon farming and biodiversity offsets into traditional agriculture. Ronald previously managed a massive $200 million property portfolio for Origin Energy. At Upscale, he leverages his unique on-the-ground knowledge to identify farmland upscaling opportunities, delivering secure, climate-resilient returns for environmental investors.

BOARD MEMBER

Ivan is a highly regarded entrepreneur and senior businessman who has successfully built and scaled multiple regional companies, including Progress Petroleum and Alpine Refrigeration. With a foundational background in accounting, Ivan currently owns and serves on the boards of two commercial construction-related businesses. At Upscale, he leverages his sharp financial oversight, commercial property development expertise, and deep understanding of corporate board governance.

BOARD MEMBER

As a Senior Partner and Principal of Life Legal Legacy Lawyers in Brisbane and Toowoomba, he has spent over 25 years specializing in asset protection, taxation management, and estate planning. Beyond his legal practice, Tom has managed significant investment funds and delivered multiple successful commercial and residential property developments across South West Queensland. He brings deep expertise in governance, legal compliance, and AFSL frameworks to the Upscale board.