Dimi Ratnayaka

Conservation Project Officer and GIS Analyst, Landcare Australia

Champion Story

Dimi works as a Conservation Project Officer and GIS Analyst, combining hands-on fieldwork with spatial analysis.

Dimi Ratnayaka

Her role involves tree planting, weed control, and operating everything from tractors to 4WDs and side-by-sides—definitely the most enjoyable part of her role, as it allows her to be outdoors actively contributing to environmental restoration. Alongside fieldwork, DImi specializes in GIS analysis; collecting data and creating graphical representations of the sites the team works on. Dimi is a licensed drone pilot, currently involved in an exciting project using drones to survey koalas across the Greater Sydney region.

In what ways would you like to see the Australian landcare movement March Forward?

As a woman working in a field traditionally seen as a man’s domain, I’d love to see Landcare Australia continue to break down outdated perceptions and empower women to thrive in all aspects of environmental work. Strength shouldn’t be the only measure of capability—there are always different ways to solve a problem or complete a task. Recognizing women’s resilience, innovation, and expertise will help create a future where opportunities are based on skill and passion, not assumptions based on gender conceptions. By embracing this mindset, we ensure that every person, regardless of gender, has the chance to contribute meaningfully to the landcare movement.