An Update from CEO Matt Brennan

After much reflection, I have decided to step away from my role at the Wilderness Society.

By September 2026, it will be fifteen years since I first joined the organisation. Sometimes it feels like yesterday; sometimes it feels like a lifetime ago. 

Throughout that time, I’ve been deeply conscious of the legacy and history of the Wilderness Society—its place in Australia’s environmental story, its reputation for courage and persistence, and the extraordinary commitment of its members, supporters, staff and volunteers.

Reflecting on all of this, I feel it is the right time for me to seek a new challenge, and equally, to give the organisation space to renew itself as it approaches its 50th anniversary year. 

To say goodbye is to die a little—ours is an organisation that I have spent and dedicated such a significant part of my life to—and it has been my honour to serve.

I have had the privilege of working alongside people of immense skill and passion: campaigners with strategic clarity and laser focus, staff and volunteers driven by purpose, and supporters whose belief in protecting wilderness and biodiversity has sustained the organisation through challenging and ambitious work.

Before I finish my time at the Wilderness Society, I would like to share this; our ambitions have always been large, as they must be when the task is protecting wilderness and ecological systems at scale. 

Your continued support of those ambitions truly makes a difference.

It is only because of people like you—inspiring supporters, donors and members—that those ambitions can be realised. 

Thank you for showing your support. 

It has been an honour to work for an organisation with such ambition and integrity, one I am confident will continue to protect, promote and restore wilderness and ecological processes for generations to come.

I would like to sincerely thank the Board, the Boards of our Campaign Centres, all staff and volunteers, and especially our members, donors and supporters, for the opportunity to serve. 

With my deepest respect and regards,

Matt Brennan,
CEO, The Wilderness Society