Division of Information Technology, Engineering and the Environment
School of Natural and Built Environments
School of Natural and Built Environments
Year of Graduation: 1999
Current Employer: Department for Environment and Heritage,
South Australia. I have worked with DEH for over five years. It’s a
great place to work.
Current job title: Aboriginal Parks and Wildlife Programs
Coordinator.
Honours: I received an Honours qualification in my Bachelor
of Law and Legal Practice (Flinders, 2004)
Most memorable experience on the degree:
It may sound corny but I met my husband while we were on camp. We
have now been married for over 4 years and couldn’t be happier.
What do you do on a daily basis?
My work can be divided into two parts: I am either in Adelaide or
working in the bush.
In Adelaide I do a great deal of paperwork, for example; writing
submissions for funding, or sourcing quotes for equipment I need. I
also give presentations to the government on the progress and future
planning of the project. I work extensively with the department’s
ecologists, our Threatened Species Unit, the botanical gardens and
the accounts section.
The other part of my work is in the bush in the far north-west of
the state, located 1700km from Adelaide. I work there for up to four
weeks at a time. I work on a project called kuka kanyini (a
Pitjantjatjara word meaning: looking after game animals).
My typical day starts with a meeting over a cup of tea. We work out
what we are doing that day and how many people we are taking out. I
organise; the workers, the vehicles, petrol, food and equipment
before we head off.
The workers may be welding a cover over a rockhole to prevent a
depletion of water in the desert by feral camels and to allow access
to clean water for other species. Other people may be setting cat
traps or tracking the various threatened species that live in the
area.
I also organise; fencing materials, get quotes for motorbike parts,
maintain the vehicles, and order supplies. This order has to be
accurate as the supplies truck only comes once every fortnight. I
also organise the week’s activities: These activities can be
disrupted if there is a funeral or a meeting that my key members may
need to go to.
After all this is done some people may ask if we can go out and get
some honey ants, witchetty grubs or bush medicine, but by this time
you won’t catch me digging 6ft into the ground!
What is most challenging about your role?
In my current position you need to be multi-skilled and this only
comes from having a balanced well-rounded lifestyle. There is a need
to motivate people and teach people new skills, particularly as many
of my clients are from non-English speaking backgrounds. It is
always pleasing for me to see them embracing the skills, and having
confidence to start that week’s jobs.
Do you have advice for students about career progression?
I would say to students, be selective in any work experience that
you choose. Offer your services to positions which may lead to a job
or establishing contacts.
Don’t be afraid to tell people where you would like to go with your
career as people are more than willing to help you achieve your
goal.
