Justine Dillon
Manager of Kombumerri Rangers
All About Me
Justine Dillon is a proud Kombumerri, Noonuccal, Ngugi, and Gorenpul woman. Kombumerri is her father’s Country on the Gold Coast, and through her mother she is an island woman with strong ties to the peoples of Minjerribah and the surrounding island Nations. Justine has maintained an unbroken connection to her family’s lands, culture, and community, continuing the responsibility of caring for Country and sharing cultural knowledge.
Justine holds a Bachelor of Education (Primary) and has dedicated much of her life to education, community development, and cultural knowledge sharing. Her work focuses on strengthening cultural identity and creating opportunities for people to connect with Country, culture, and community.
As the Manager of the Kombumerri Rangers, Justine leads programs that support environmental conservation, cultural heritage protection, and community engagement across Kombumerri Country. Her leadership helps guide the Rangers in their work caring for land, protecting cultural sites, and sharing cultural knowledge with the wider community.
Justine also serves on the Board of Directors for the Ngarang-Wal Gold Coast Aboriginal Association, continuing the legacy of her father and supporting the organisation’s vision of cultural preservation, community strength, and connection to Country. Through her leadership and dedication, Justine ensures that culture, knowledge, and responsibility to Country continue to be respected and passed on to future generations.
Kathleen Nube
Ranger Coordinator
All About Me
Kathleen Nube, known to many as Katie, is the Ranger Coordinator for the Kombumerri Rangers, where she supports the delivery of cultural, environmental, and community programs across Kombumerri Country.
Katie brings over 10 years of experience in conservation and environmental land management, working in bush regeneration, habitat restoration, and environmental monitoring. Her work focuses on protecting native ecosystems, supporting wildlife conservation, and caring for Country through practical land management and community engagement.
Alongside her conservation work, Katie has 15 years of experience in early childhood education and residential care, supporting children and young people in out-of-home care and at-risk environments. This background has given her strong skills in mentoring, leadership, and community wellbeing.
Katie is also an active wildlife rescuer and rehabilitator with Wildcare Australia, providing care for injured and orphaned native animals. She has also undertaken on-ground fire training, supporting safe land management practices and contributing to the protection and resilience of natural landscapes.
Through her work with the Kombumerri Rangers, Katie works closely with Rangers, Elders, and community partners to coordinate cultural activities, conservation programs, and educational experiences that strengthen connection to Country. She is passionate about protecting wildlife, supporting community, and ensuring knowledge, culture, and Country are respected for future generations.
Kalib Nicholls
Kombumerri Ranger
All About Me
Kalib Nicholls is a proud Mununjali, Bundjalung, and Wollumbin man with strong cultural connections through his family and community. From a young age, Kalib has worked alongside his Elder and Grandmother, learning cultural heritage practices and developing a deep understanding of the responsibilities that come with caring for Country.
Kalib is currently studying his Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management, continuing to build his skills in environmental management and caring for Country. He also holds a venomous snake handling certificate and has completed on-ground fire training, supporting safe land management practices and the protection of natural landscapes.
As a Ranger with the Kombumerri Rangers, Kalib contributes to environmental conservation, cultural heritage protection, and community engagement across Kombumerri Country. His work supports the protection of cultural sites, native wildlife, and the natural environment while helping to share cultural knowledge with the wider community.
Kalib is passionate about protecting Country and continuing the knowledge passed down through his family for future generations.
Nikylah Perry
Junior Ranger Trainee
All About Me
Nikylah Perry is a Junior Ranger Trainee with the Kombumerri Rangers. She is a proud Aboriginal woman with family connections to the Noonuccal and Ngugi peoples, as well as Māori heritage, and is passionate about learning how to care for Country and protect the natural environment.
Nikylah is currently studying her Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management, developing knowledge and practical skills in environmental conservation, land management, and cultural heritage protection. Through her training with the Kombumerri Rangers, she is gaining valuable hands-on experience working on Country while learning from experienced Rangers and community leaders.
As an emerging young Ranger, Nikylah represents the next generation of custodians caring for Country, helping ensure that cultural knowledge, environmental stewardship, and respect for land continue into the future.