About Us
Nawa-Warrak is a proud First Nations owned and veteran-operated pest management and cultural site protection business based in Victoria. Our name — meaning “See-Catch” in Gunditjmara language — represents both our strength as protectors and our deep respect for Country.
With decades of cultural heritage experience and elite field training, our team brings a powerful mix knowledge, care, and capability to every job. Whether we’re managing invasive species or safeguarding sacred land, our work is about healing Country, preserving history, and protecting the future.
A Gunditjmara/ Kirrae Whurrong man with over 35 years of experience in cultural heritage protection, site monitoring, and Aboriginal community engagement, Joey is a nationally respected leader in cultural preservation and is a current member of the biocultural landscape Sun-committee for Eastern Maar.
From early roles as a Cultural Heritage Officer at Brambuk (Gariwerd) and Gunditjmara Aboriginal Co-operative (Warrnambool) to leading regional heritage programs and major repatriation projects, Joey’s work has helped shape Victoria’s approach to Aboriginal site protection, land management, and respectful development.
He has worked across the state with Traditional Owner groups, archaeologists, government bodies, and private developers — overseeing machinery operations in sensitive landscapes, managing burial site protection projects, and facilitating workshops to grow cultural awareness across a range of industries.
Our Founder – Joey Chatfield-Berg
- 2014 & 2016 Wurreker Awards (Finalist and Winner) – Public Sector Employee, Victoria Police
- 2018 Divisional Commendation – For work in the Family Violence Sector, Victoria Police
- Lead Consultant on over a dozen Cultural Heritage Management Plans across Victoria
- A proud member of Eastern Maar Traditional Owners Group and Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Group within the South West of Victoria.
- Joey is a keen artist (painter and digital arts designer), didgeridoo player, artifact making and undertakes various cultural activities in areas such as Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremonies tour guiding.
Today, through Nawa-Warrak, Joey continues this legacy — working closely with Traditional Owner groups to protect Country while helping others care for the land in a culturally safe and effective ways.
Our Field Operators – Veteran Disciplined, Bush Smart
With over 10 years of military service and 15 years of pest animal control experience, Brayden combines tactical fieldwork, environmental ethics, and a sharp understanding of bush ecology. A skilled hunter and game meat harvester, Brayden is known for his precision, calm under pressure, and long-standing commitment to sustainable land management.
He’s also a family man and tradesman, dedicated to building a future that honours both the land and the people who live on it.
Brayden Buchanan – Invasive Animal Specialist
Chris brings military-grade precision and leadership to every project. With over 10 years in the Australian Defence Force and 5 years in invasive species management, he’s traveled across Australia helping communities control pest animals safely and effectively.
His trade background in the Australian infantry give him an expertise in tactics, ballistics and firearms making him a trusted asset in even the most challenging environments. Known for his integrity, professionalism, and approachable nature, Chris brings both technical skill and community care to every job.
Chris Simpkin – Field Operator & Firearms Technician
What we stand for
Respect for Country
We protect cultural sites, scar trees, waterways, burial grounds, and sacred landscapes from damage by pest animals and machinery
Culturally Safe Practices
We lead with Aboriginal knowledge, engaging with Traditional Owner groups to ensure ethical and informed decisions
Environmental Responsibility
We manage invasive species in ways that reduce ecological harm and support regeneration of native flora and fauna
Veteran Reliability
Discipline, focus, and precision define our operations — especially in remote, high-pressure, or sensitive environments
Community Connection
We value partnerships, respect landholders, and always work to build trust with the people we serve
We don’t just remove pests — we help people and landscapes recover, regenerate, and reconnect. At Nawa-Warrak, every project is an opportunity to protect something sacred, to share knowledge, and to leave the land better than we found it.
Work with us if you want services that honour the past, respect the present, and care for the future.