Philip grew up in Ballarat, Victoria, developing a lifelong interest in bushwalking, bird-watching and appreciation of Australia’s biodiversity and natural environments. He volunteers with conservation organizations and was formerly a research scientist with the Commonwealth Government. He is a keen nature photographer and has a BSc in Optometry, MSc and PhD degrees for research in visual conspicuity and a Grad Dip in Ornithology.

Philip is a founding member of the Board of Directors of A Rocha Australia and is serving his third term.