PATRICK HUTCHINS - PROJECT SUPPORT OFFICER, DROUGHT EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

We’re excited to introduce Patrick Hutchins, who has joined the team as Project Support Officer with the Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Drought Employment Program.

Patrick and his wife live on a farm in Cape Clear. When they bought the property 18 months ago it was green and thriving, with a full dam and healthy paddocks. Since then, the drought has hit hard. The dam has almost dried up, the grass has turned crisp and brown, and Patrick has had to slowly reduce his flock. Living through these challenges firsthand is part of what drives his passion for supporting others in similar situations.

In his new role, Patrick works closely with Corangamite CMA staff, Traditional Owners, private landholders, and key stakeholders to assess sites and coordinate crews delivering essential maintenance and improvements across the catchment.

So far, his favourite part of the job is the people: “The Corangamite CMA team is full of some of the nicest, most supportive people I have ever met. Everyone works incredibly well together, and the positive outcomes just keep flowing—even through recent natural disasters.”

Outside of work, Patrick loves hunting, fishing, camping, and sharing the wonder of native wildlife with children—especially when they discover pygmy possums or blue‑tongue lizards. He’s also a keen cook, known for creating meals with wild‑harvested ingredients, from Korean fried rabbit to camp‑oven venison with blackberry and dark chocolate.

His passion within Corangamite CMA?

Anything involving creeks, fish, frogs, or healthy waterways: “I’ve always been a water bug. Corangamite CMA is the perfect mix of admin and hands‑on science. If I get to splash around netting fish and frogs, that’s a win for me.”

His favourite place in the catchment?

The crystal‑clear creeks and rivers of the Otways—where rare species and croaking frogs make even life’s biggest troubles flow away.

We’re thrilled to have him, his experience, and his passion for conservation on board.

Patrick has been employed via the Victorian Government funded Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Drought Employment Program, delivered in the Glenelg Hopkins and Corangamite CMA regions. The program provides meaningful off-farm employment opportunities for people experiencing hardship because of dry conditions – either through reduced hours, profitability or loss of employment.

Applications are still open for the CMA Drought Employment Program. For further details or to apply visit, Drought Employment Program - Corangamite Catchment Management Authority