Centre for Sustainability Leadership

Cameron Brown

Cameron was awarded a scholarship from the University of Melbourne‘s Faculty of Science to pursue co-majors in Geography and Environmental Science. Achieving a distinction average, he developed a strong interest in the role business has to play in moving towards a sustainable world. Following graduation, Cameron worked as a tennis coach and English teacher in Japan and travelled extensively across Laos and Burma.

Upon returning to Australia in 2003, he gained employment with Close the Loop – the Melbourne-based company leading the world in the field of electronics recycling. Undertaking the roles of Assistant to the CEO and International Business Manager gave Cameron the opportunity to travel throughout North America and South-East Asia, as well as the chance to contribute to the Department of Environment and Heritage‘s Working Group on Electronic Waste. As Output Materials Manager, Cameron was charged with maximizing the recovery value of reclaimed materials and manufactured products (including eWood) and deliver Close the Loop’s promise of zero waste to landfill.

Cameron has recently joined the Victorian Environment Protection Authority (EPA) as a Project Manager in the Business Sustainability Unit. In this role he works in partnership with industry on projects that deliver both cost savings and reductions in ecological footprint to businesses by improving resource efficiency. Cameron chose the role above others as it gives him the opportunity to work at the interface between government, industry and the community.

As a participant in the FSL Program, Cameron aims to further develop his leadership skills whilst being challenged to innovate and initiate real environmental change.

In the future Cameron is interested in accelerating the engagement of business and the community in the sustainability movement.

Jillian Button

I am an articled clerk with the planning and environment group of Minter Ellison Lawyers. After completing my Arts/Law degree with honours with the University of Melbourne last year, I joined the Centre for International Environmental Law in Washington DC as an intern. There I developed an avid interest in environmental markets and in particular greenhouse gas emission trading schemes. I returned to Australia and my articles year with the firm goal of becoming an advocate for international environmental law as a legitimate and powerful tool for driving the movement towards environmental sustainability.

In order to fulfil this goal I aim to become a business-orientated environmental lawyer with a specialised practice in the area of climate change law. At a personal level, I look forward assisting corporations discuss ‘carbon risk’ with their investors and trade carbon credits domestically and internationally. At another level, I look forward to being a citizen of a country that engages in good faith in international environmental treaty-making, without retreating behind the tired rubric of economic competitiveness.

At another level again, I look forward to being part of what is undeniably shaping up to be a global environmental revolution. Looking at the FSL participants, it is pretty clear that the new flower power generation is here, and most of us are wearing suits and using words like ‘geosequestration’.

Samantha Citroen

I’m a forester by passion and profession. I’m currently in my final year of a Bachelor of Forestry and Science at The University of Melbourne, undertaking a an honours project titled: “Approaches to monitoring biodiversity as an indicator of sustainable forest management: A review and case study”. In addition I’m also working part time at the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) as a project support officer in the Sustainable Forest Management Group. There, my main role is currently planning the public information and communication for the “Framework of Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management in Victoria” that will be implemented in 2007.

I took a year’s leave from study in 2004 and went to work in Vietnam and undertook an internship with the Netherlands Development Agency (SNV) in the Thua Thien Hue province (known as the DMZ during the war). There I worked on a regional extension project to assess forestry developments on barren land and the establishment of permanent native forest growth plots.

A recent highlight was being selected as the Youth representative for the Australian Government Delegation to attend the United Nations Forum on Forests in New York, February this year. There I gained a whole new perspective on forest policy, international negotiations and the contributions that Youth can make to such processes, as future leaders.

In the future I hope to undertake work in strategic forest policy and planning both in Australia and in Overseas Development projects. In perspective of global sustainablility, I believe that sustaining the native forest timber industry in Victoria is crucial and I hope that my education and experience can provide insight for other FSL participants on what is still a highly topical and political environmental issue.

I see a key part of participating in the FSL program being an opportunity to learn from different perspectives and experiences in environmental sustainability through being part of a diverse team of environmental leaders. In working with them I hope to further develop both useful skills and inspiration.

Zoe Davies

After graduating with a much sought after and rarely attained Bachelor of Arts from the University of Melbourne (2001) I randomly applied for a position of a journalist with a country newspaper in North-Central Victoria. After being selected for an interview, I travelled to Kerang – a remote town of 5000 people, 400km from Melbourne on a blistering 43° day, sat through an interview in a non-air-conditioned office and was offered the job on the spot.

I accepted, got in my car, drove back to Melbourne, collected an odd assortment of belongings and returned three days later to start work without any social contacts or even any definite accommodation plans – just a willingness to actually start doing something practical.

I stayed there three years, and during this time become a newspaper editor, lived on a rice farm on the Murray in a township of 400 people, and became intimately involved with numerous conservation projects to help stem the flood of salinity that was sweeping across the landscape. In those three years, it rained less than a dozen times. After my sixth dust-storm, I called it quits and returned to Melbourne, took up journalism again and now run the Marketing and Communications Department of not-for-profit conservation organisation.

Why did I apply to FSL? Because I want to help bring about positive change. It may sound like an unrealistic goal but I believe not only do we all have the capacity to achieve this but that we have an ethical obligation to leave this planet in a fit state for all future generations. I believe FSL will provide me with a wonderful opportunity to meet like-minded people and further develop a network of support and inspiration.

In return for this, I can offer knowledge of the media, the not-for-profit sector, communications and marketing, fundraising, six-years of full-time work in varying businesses and an enthusiasm that bubbles out of my skin. I’d be pleased to me with anyone interested in learning more about these areas.

Laura Douglas

I am a recent graduate of a combined Arts/Law degree from the University of Melbourne and am currently mid-way through my Articles year at law firm Minter Ellison. In the last six years, I’ve lived in Paris and Fitzroy, Copenhagen and Darwin. In that time I’ve had the opportunity to consider why it is that some communities engage with and protect their environment more successfully than others.

While studying art history as part of my Arts degree, I developed an interest in the way in which Aboriginal artists convey their knowledge of their country in their work. From a legal perspective, I became interested in the way Aboriginal art can be used as evidence of connection and ownership in native title claims. My studies included an internship with the Northern Land Council in Darwin, where I met with some Yolngu artists and learnt about their native title claim to saltwater. The depth of their understanding about their country, and their place within it, made me realise how detached most of us are from our natural environment.

I’m interested in the potential for environmentally sustainable development to address the anonymity of modern times by bringing people back together with a focus on their natural environment. The idea of building local economies based on local labour and local resources is to my mind a great opportunity for people to reap the broader benefits of being part of a strong community. As a participant in the FSL program, I’m keen to learn more about the science and economics of environmentalism – two areas that my studies have so far kept well away from!

Meg Fricke

Having studied Agricultural Science and Commerce at the University of Melbourne, I went travelling for two years around Asia, Africa and Europe. On returning home in 2004 with fresh ideas about my future, I enrolled in a Master of Environment at the University of Melbourne. Having completed this course with first class honours I began working at Ernst & Young in the Environment and Sustainability Services Team in 2005, where I currently work.

My experience at Ernst & Young includes assurance and advisory services across energy, mining, packaging, financial and manufacturing industries in the areas of sustainability reporting, corporate social responsibility, environmental risk, greenhouse gas, carbon markets and emissions trading, regulation and strategy.

Through the FSL program I hope to further develop my knowledge of, and experience in, dealing with key sustainability issues. I also hope to work with other young professionals and university students, from a broad range of backgrounds and expertise, who are passionate about the environment. I bring to the program my experience at Ernst & Young, which includes a corporate understanding of current trends in sustainability reporting and corporate social responsibility across a number of industries as well as key environmental and social risks as seen by the business community. I hope that by the end of the program I will be able to make a more significant contribution to developing an environmentally sustainable Australia.

Joe Grant

I envision a future where our natural world is treated with the respect it deserves, a society in which people can begin to reconnect with their surrounding environments.

I believe I can best contribute to this future through instigating change within the business world. Through both starting and helping to develop businesses based upon the concepts of natural capitalism (placing proper value upon ecosystem services) I hope to hasten the spread of both environmental technology and knowledge to the areas where they are needed most.

With the aim of becoming a serial “ecopreneur” I am undertaking a Bachelor of Business (Entrepreneurship) at RMIT where I’m learning the practical aspects of undertaking a new venture. Through my course I am also working with Environment Victoria to gain sponsorship for an initiative promoting sustainable transport.

Please approach me with any questions, theories or opportunities regarding environmental entrepreneurship. If I don’t have an answer, its likely someone in my extended network will. Over the next 12 months I will be working towards the creation of my first green business. I view the FSL Program as an opportunity to learn creative, effective ways of instigating social change, to be exposed to a network of like-minded thinkers and to gain a clearer picture of the most viable path to a sustainable future.

Claire Merlo

In getting to where I am now my direction and experience has varied in the past 8 or so years. I began with travel overseas and in Australia and then completing a Bachelor of Arts at Deakin University majoring in Geography and Asian Studies. These two experiences gave me a sensitive understanding about spaces, places, the way in which they are used and are changing and the forces creating the change. My direction again changed tack and I worked for two years in magazine and journal publishing. From there I went on to postgraduate studies in urban planning, have worked as a research assistant and now I work as a planning consultant.

I see urban development being one of the largest environmental issues in the future. Cities are huge consumers of resources and producers of waste and I believe the economic, social and governance systems that seem to be dominating in Australia are not engendering an effective or appropriate concept of sustainability. I bring to the FSL program knowledge of the built environment, international practices of urban sustainability and the systems by which sustainable urban development can be managed. In my daily work I am dealing with local and State government legislation and policy as well as developing new policies and strategies at a variety of levels.

I hope that by being a FSL participant, I will develop a range of skills that will help me to turn my passion and ideas into action. Along the way I’m excited to be working alongside young, fresh and innovative professionals and students who are just as committed and passionate about the environment. It’s a great forum to exchange thoughts and ideas and build upon the connections we all have.

Lauren Rickards

I am currently in the final throes of my DPhil (PhD) from the University of Oxford on the philosophical underpinnings of agricultural education. The last two years I combined writing with working as Vice-Principal of Janet Clarke Hall at the University of Melbourne. I have now stepped away from the rewards and challenges of the college environment in order to work more directly for my main passion, which is environmental sustainability. It is time I put all my study into action!

Prior to doing my DPhil I completed a MSc in Environmental Change and Management at Oxford, as well as an inspiring short course on sustainable agriculture at Schumacher College in Devon. Before that, I studied a BA/BSc degree at the University of Melbourne and did Honours on the ecological restoration of Box-Ironbark Forest. Combined with my Masters dissertation, this research has given me an enduring passion for ecology and forests, which I am drawing on as a Board member of the Victorian Wilderness Society.

With a broad disciplinary perspective on all the problems in our human-nature relationship, I am now keen to gain the professional know-how needed to help improve it. In FSL, I am really looking forwards to meeting like-minded people and figuring out how best I can contribute. Although I am open to different career opportunities, I would like to keep thinking about the fundamental ways we think about nature and to be an educator in some sense, whether it be formal or informal, or in an academic or professional arena.

In terms of what “expertise” I can offer other FSL participants, I love ecology and environmentalist and feminist philosophy. I have also worked in various leadership and teaching roles and can share many stories about the challenges involved! My passion for the environment is also closely related to my interest in health and especially food, so if you want to talk running, organic agriculture or how to use up those pumpkins or apples, I would be only too happy to.

Dean Rizzetti

I have been studying for the last few years at the University of Melbourne, doing a double degree in public policy and environmental studies. I have also been involved in a range of community and political organizations.

Right now I am attempting to juggle part-time study with the demands of being a student office bearer in the University of Melbourne Student Union. I am an education officer, working specifically on academic matters, which means I spend a lot of time talking about education policy and ways to make the uni better for students. Other than that, I am the state convener of the Labor Students, which is a national student group involved in the National Union of Students.

I want to be part of bridging the gap between what we need to do and what is politically and socially tenable to do.

I wanted to participate in FSL because I feel I have a fairly clear idea of what needs to be done. I also feel I have a reasonable, albeit very broad, understanding of how this might be undertaken, especially at a governmental level. However, I have never been challenged to attempt to practically put these two together and think about what skills and knowledge I would need to be a part of this. I hope that FSL‘s creative and disparate ideas will go some of the way in providing the knowledge and skills to begin to be a part of this process.

I can share with the group my knowledge of public policy and politics. I have a fair idea of the ways governments and parties make decisions, and the ways they could make better decisions. I also have a reasonable knowledge of environmental policy in Australia, what has been attempted, the relative failures and successes and perhaps most importantly alternative policy responses. I also have a pretty strong knowledge of the gritty machinations of politics, most prominently the ALP.

Natalie Stella

I am currently studying a Bachelor of Environmental Science at Monash University, majoring in Geography and Earth Sciences. In June 2006 I will commence Honours in the School of Atmospheric Science.

I was selected for the Green Steps Environmental Scholarship Program and trained in various aspects of environmental assessment and institutional environmental change management as well as conducting waste, energy and behavioural audits.

I have worked with Origin Energy, where I evaluated how the company can best launch a community education campaign that will substantially and measurably lower household greenhouse gas emissions. My work with Origin also involved formulating a 5-step action plan to reduce global warming, writing the feedback section of the Origin Energy sustainability report to stakeholders (Perusing the right balance for our business) and assisting in producing an energy audit website that enables the general public to report on their green house gas emissions.

I was also given the opportunity to work for Power to Change, an environmental organisation run by Australia’s leading NGO‘s (including Greenpeace, WWF). This involved raising community awareness of global warming/climate change as well as selling renewable electricity. I am currently a member of and volunteer for Conservation Volunteers Australia and the Melbourne Water Watch Group, and assisted in organising an international day of action for global warming, “Walk against Warming”.

Through FSL I aim to enhance my leadership, creative thinking and problem-solving skills. This will in turn assist me in my goal to help create a more sustainable planet through the corporate sector.

I hope to bring to the group the knowledge I have obtained in working with the above organisations and principles of environmental science, in particular matters surrounding hydrological and atmospheric sciences.

Emily Tyson

I grew up in Narooma, on the coast of New South Wales, and in 2002 traveled to the University of Woolongong in order to complete a Bachelor of Science and Honours majoring in Geoscience. During this time I have been highly active in Lifesaving, surf boat rowing, local Landcare activities and as a staff leader of the National Youth Science Forum.

After completing University I flew south of the border to work with the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority as a Landcare facilitator in the Hamilton region.

I am now the manager of Project Platypus, a not-for-profit community organisation which coordinates Landcare works across the Upper Wimmera river catchment. In this role I source funding from a range of sectors ad industries, manage a number of environmental projects, and lead a team who together deliver regional revegetation, soil conservation, weed control and community education programs.

Ultimately I endeavour to be involved in a leading research, management or non-government organisation which approaches issues from both an ecological and social science perspective. Traveling in my career would be a priority in developing programs which embrace local knowledge and empower the community to become involved in working together to reach a more sustainable future.

Through participating in the FSL Program, I hope to gain important skills to move me ahead in this field, meet, learn from and be inspired by new and interesting people and be engaged and involved in broader global environmental issues.

I can share my enthusiasm and passion for this field together with my knowledge of the environmental industry, the important players and how it works in practice. I can also bring the social perspective to group discussions and many of the rural issues affecting country Australians.

Gordon Young

I’m currently doing the 3rd year of the RMIT Bachelor of Social Science: Environment at the city campus, and am widely environmentally involved. I’m a co-founder of the RMIT Green Team (recently merged with the RMIT Environment Collective) which ran an end-of-year staff office clean-out and is now renewing the university Rooftop Garden.

As a member of the Rover section of the Scout Association, I’m the Environment Officer for the Victorian Branch Rover Council. Through this I run an environmental education crash-course called EnviRover and am on the Victorian Scout Environment Team and the Murray Darling Rescue committee, both of which aim to improve environmental awareness on a state level. I’m also a long time hiker, camper, and generally into the outdoors and sports which get me out to it.

I hope to change the political system in which all environmental issues are decided upon, making it just, accessible, and truly accountable, not to the opinions of the majority, but to the truth and the pursuit of truth. No matter how important the issue, if it can be ignored it stands a good chance of failure.

Through the FSL Program, I hope to develop my ability to engage and communicate clearly between the environmental movement and the rest of society, learn ways to grasp the attention of the apathetic and engage society for the greater good.

I believe I can contribute clarity and organisational skills to the group, as well as reasoned analysis and clear conclusions. I’m reliable through self-discipline; if I say I’m going to do it, I do it. I can think well within a set of criteria or guidelines, but can also see how to expand or alter those guidelines to improve the outcome. I’m good at putting things into perspective, making it clear what’s important and what needs priority.

Danielle Bendall

For the last ten years, I have been developing a career in marketing, most of that time in product and brand management for consumer goods companies (I have a Bachelor of Business in Marketing from Monash University). In 2004 I decided to pack up and leave for a year in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, followed by an extensive round-the-world journey to South America, North America, central Europe, and South Africa. Throughout this time I had the opportunity to assess my future career direction, whilst simultaneously having my eyes opened to the beauty and fragility of our planet. A David Suzuki book was probably the clincher in my decision to pursue a career that promotes and develops sustainable living and business practices.

Since returning to Australia in 2006, I have been working as a climate change campaigner for Power To Change, raising awareness of climate change and persuading people to switch their electricity to Green Power renewable energy.

As I want to use my skills and energy to drive sustainable behaviour, I am confident that FSL will build on my existing business skills and develop a greater knowledge of the political and media arenas, as well as how to drive social change, to enable me to ‘market’ sustainable behaviour to a variety of audiences.

I have a lot of experience in project management and evaluation, relationship building, presentation and public speaking, decision making and problem solving, as well as other skills acquired in a marketing/business environment that hopefully can benefit the group!

Stacey Bloomfield

I am currently completing the Masters of Corporate Environmental and Sustainability Management at Monash University. As an undergraduate, I completed a double degree in Bachelor of Business (Accounting) / Bachelor of Computing.

I commenced my professional career at Price Waterhouse (now PricewaterhouseCoopers), specialising in reviewing financial systems to assess the adequacy of the control framework in place to ensure data integrity and confidentiality and also completing statutory financial audits. I then moved to the ANZ Banking Group Ltd, commencing in the Group Internal Audit division to assist various ANZ business units to manage operational and technology risks. More recently, I moved into the Mortgages business unit to initially establish and manage a lending file compliance team and now to manage the operational risks associated with the distribution channels. This requires identification of the potential risks and actions that can be taken to mitigate those risks.

Ideally, in the future I would like to work with the community to raise their awareness and to develop programs that assist them to manage their impact on the environment.

Being a FSL participant will allow me to develop the skills necessary to becoming an environmental leader, for example, media skills and understanding the interplay between the government structures and industry leaders. It will also allow me to build and establish networks and to gain practical experience and personal fulfilment from implementing a community based sustainability project.

I bring to the Future Sustainability Leaders Program sound technical skills in program development, business process development, risk management, teamwork, stakeholder management, interpersonal and communication skills and people management, as well as my experience in working in a corporate environment.

Ben Bowman

My vocational highlights include stints working as a fire fighter in the Victorian Alps, a fly fishing guide on a remote Scottish isle, a primary school teacher in Far East Gippsland, and a fisheries investigator in marvellous Melbourne.

Enabling this blend are a BSc in Parks, Recreation and Heritage (CSU Albury) and a Grad. Dip. in Primary Education (La Trobe University Shepparton).

My current position with Fisheries Victoria, titled Program Leader Fisheries Advocacy, is concerned primarily with the development of a strategy to hone organisational application of fisheries advocacy – being a tool we use to help secure, share, and grow fisheries resources by influencing key external agencies.

I anticipate the FSL program will build community capacity by offering participants, myself included, the opportunity to cultivate the skills necessary to begin to come to terms with, and respond more effectively to, the complexity of sustainable development.

In return I hope to present my understanding of government and process, interest in innovation and change, and belief that a progressive planning approach is required to make the transition from our current situation to a more preferable future.

Kendra Clancy

I have completed a Bachelor of Planning and Design in 2000 and a Bachelor of Property and Construction with Honours in 2002 from the University of Melbourne.

I spent a number of years working in the domestic housing sector before moving into the commercial building industry in 2004. Over the last two-and-a-half years I have had the benefit of working on the CH2 six-star rated office development for the Melbourne City Council in Little Collins Street, Melbourne. Due to the nature of the project, I have spent considerable time working closely with the services trades and have developed a love of the technology and the role services play in Environmentally Sustainable Design.

This landmark project has both provided me the opportunity to work with a project team as committed to achieving sustainability as I have always been, and allowed me to actively contribute in an industry where I never thought significant change would be possible.

I am an extremely organized and dedicated person passionate about implementing change that will hopefully slow and perhaps even reverse the damage we continue to cause. I have a comprehensive knowledge of construction economics, administration, culture, law, management and technology.

I believe the FSL program will provide me with the opportunity to return to the construction industry armed with knowledge that will expedite change.

I look forward to taking a more involved role in the continuing evolution of construction technology and encouraging others to embrace sustainable building practices.

Ferne Edwards

I have an academic background in environmental anthropology and Spanish, and recently completed a Masters in Social Science (International Urban and Environmental Management) at RMIT. In my Master’s thesis, I conducted ethographic research into two subcultures who consume food that would normally be thrown away for primarily political reasons. This topic raised issues about the ethics of food consumption and how this relates to contemporary issues of Western food security and social change.

I have experience working in environmental non-government organisations, which include the Sustainable Living Foundation (as Festival and Calendar Coordinator), Food Not Bombs, Friends of the Earth, and Raleigh International. I am also Community Representative on Environmental Issues for the Darebin City Council.

I am currently employed as the Research Assistant working with Kim Humphery on the Anticonsumerism in the Contemporary West project at RMIT University. In this position I research recent media and intellectual commentary on the consequences of overconsumption and interview people involved in “anti-consumption” activism.

My central interests focus around urban agriculture, alternative consumption practices and activism. I would like to see how these aspects could work together to enhance food sustainability.

Through my involvement in the Future Sustainability Leaders Program, I hope to develop greater skills in developing and managing an environmental project that would appeal to a large audience, including to become more media savvy and to be able to pitch an idea which engages interest, action and support.

I bring to the group sound knowledge of food sustainability projects, including permaculture, seed saving, food security networks, community gardens and the organic farming movement; knowledge of alternative consumption activities, organisations and literature; research experience using the internet, library and newspaper databases, as well as conducting qualitative interviews; and experience in coordinating events.

Julienne Hortle

My passion for the environment was born in the rainforests of West Papua where I spent the earliest years of my life. I returned there when I was 11 and now my brain is filled with memories of exotic birds and butterflies, waterfalls, gigantic fig trees… and logging trucks and mining tailings.

Currently, I am studying Arts/Law at the University of Melbourne and I am the Environmental Officer for the Law Students Society.

In the future I hope to lobby for stronger environmental protections in developing countries where the political infrastructure is particularly unsympathetic towards sustainable management of resources.

As a FSL participant I hope to empower myself to create a better world in which we live in harmony with the environment. Hopefully, my knowledge in areas of law and politics will assist in the empowerment of the other FSL team members!

Ian McHugh

I finished studying environmental science (honours) at Monash University in 2000, and spent the next 3 years working periodically in the Arctic (Alaska and Siberia) as a technician on climate change projects addressing feedback responses of cold-climate ecosystems to climate change. In 2003 I worked for a year on a project investigating carbon balances of savannah vegetation based in South Africa, and in 2004 completed vegetation and topographic surveys as part of a feasibility study for a community development project in Mozambique. During brief periods in Australia over these years, I have also worked on a voluntary basis for ACF and FOE.

Currently I am in the early stages of my doctorate, investigating the impacts of climate change on alpine grasslands.

My hope for the future is to find a role communicating and facilitating the mainstreaming of sustainability as a cultural value. The most likely form this will take is probably a journalistic or advocacy one.

I hope that the FSL program will help me to more effectively draw down my broader ideas about sustainability into practical proposals and projects of use to the average person in making the transition to sustainability.

My formal strength lies in my understanding of the physical basis of climate change, but my interest is as much or more in its political aspects. I have read and written widely on social justice issues (for example, the plight of small-island and low-lying states); consumption trends and sustainability issues in Australia; government policy; the relative merits of different forms of energy generation; cycle commuting as a simple and powerful method of embracing sustainability (I am also a bike mechanic, so if anybody has problems with their rig, I might be able to help!).

James Munro

I’ve completed my VCE, studied in Germany, and am presently about halfway through a Law/Arts Degree and DML in German at the University of Melbourne.

Depending on how wide you construe “relevant” work experience, I’ve worked in bottleshops, burger shops, libraries, I teach school kids how to debate, I hold the nominal title of National Events Director of the Peace Organisation of Australia, I’ve participated in small-scale recycling initiatives at high school, etc. – nothing especially profound.

In order to create a more sustainable world, I’d like to throw a bucket of water over everyone’s head to make them wake up to the revelation that unsustainable consumption is, in actual fact, unsustainable.

Of course, that would be a waste of water. So I’d really like to get involved in the power mechanisms and participate in both bottom-up and top-down approaches to adjust social values/morals to be more sustainable.

I don’t think I’d hold myself out to say I have specialist expertise or wisdom. Some things I’m interested in and have a bit of experience in are culture and identity politics, “normal” politics, ideas behind development and current modes of (macro-) development, law, debating, and public speaking. I always, always have lots of time for anyone, to discuss any kind of problem, and to try to work out any issues.

I’d like to develop lots of practical skills and knowledge through FSL, but this goal may change as the course progresses.

Nicola Murphy

I have a BSc in Ecology and Zoology and am currently completing the Masters of Environment Program (Governance, Policy and Communication Stream) through the University of Melbourne.

Over the past six years I have worked as an Environmental/Sustainability Consultant, and more recently as the Environment Manager for a major Australian property portfolio, where I am primarily responsible for developing initiatives to reduce energy and water use, and waste to landfill.

I plan to continue working in the corporate sector, developing sustainability strategy and facilitating internal cultural change to mainstream sustainable business practices. I enrolled in the FSL Program to inspire and be inspired by others on a similar path and learn more about how to the make the dream of a truly sustainable society a reality!

Lenka O’Connor–Sraj

I started my primary education at a small public school in Brighton Beach. I then went to the Special Interest Music Campus of Wesley College, where I was the Social Services and Environment Prefect in the year 2001. I finished my secondary schooling in 2003 at Wesley College Prahran, and was offered a place to study Arts/Science at the University of Melbourne. I am currently in my third year, and the majors I am working towards are: chemistry, botany, environmental studies and history. When I have finished my degree I hope to do honours and a PhD in environmental chemistry and hopefully do research work in the field of renewable energy. I think that the environmental damage caused by producing energy is one of the biggest threats to our planet and it is time to start looking at renewable energy as an alternative to fossil fuels and nuclear energy.

I work part time as a legal secretary and also in an Organic Food Shop. I have been a volunteer with The Wilderness Society since 2005, and am really happy to be working with The Central Highlands Alliance, to achieve a positive outcome for the forests this year. Also, I am currently involved in the Environment Collective and Forests Collective at uni. I am looking forward to participating in the FSL program, because I hope to gain experience in working with like minded people who wish to influence decisions being made regarding the environment. I want to learn how best to approach an environmental problem, and how best to influence decision makers regarding sustainability and conservation issues. Through FSL, I hope to be able to make contact with people in business, industry, the media and politicians to show them that the state of our planet is major concern.

With the group, I hope to share my love for forests (mixed age, old growth, and rainforests) animals (especially natives), music, hiking, languages and I’ll even reveal some really yummy secrets to tasty vegan treats. In my university studies, I have learnt a lot about marine vegetation, analytical chemistry, and environmental history of Australia. I would love to share my knowledge of why the preservation of forests is so important, I also know a little about organic gardening and planting of native vegetation which creates important habitat for native wildlife in our ever expanding city.

Darren Pace

I’m currently wrapping up my BEng (Chemical)/BBus (Management) at RMIT. Recently, I was able to put my university learning into practise, working as a process engineer with the ExxonMobil‘s Altona Refinery. As well as gaining hands on experience, working with mentors on real world projects and implementing solutions, I got to run around the plant, climb towers and learn how a process plant really works.

In the future I hope to work in the field of sustainable energy systems. I like working in the energy sector, and I believe energy is one of the important platforms our sustainable future needs to be built on.

I hope to work in the implementation and commercialisation phases of sustainable energy projects, and in the far reaches of my professional career, I hope to work on projects that link sustainable energy technology to socially equitable energy delivery to the developing world.

I bring to FSL technical ability, analytical and evaluation skills. I’m also a solid communicator, good listener and ready to tackle a challenge.

I have had experience with different engineering and hospitality companies, and I’ve been actively involved in RMIT‘s student life environment through clubs, forums and academic boards.

I’d like to think my greatest assets are an open mind and a drive to make things happen.

Samitha Rao

My passion for the environment developed from an abiding childhood love for the great apes, and for nature. Since, I have passionately and enthusiastically utilised my energy to promote protection of our environment.

Following completion of my Bachelor of Science (Zoology), I went on to complete a Bachelor of Laws. Currently I am working as an Associate to a Judge of the County Court, whilst completing a Masters of Environment (Policy, Governance and Communication) on a part-time basis.

I have worked at the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project in Thailand, rehabilitating and releasing white-handed gibbons into protected forest areas and building environmental awareness amongst the local community and visiting tourists. I am currently the President of the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation in Australia, a not-for-profit organisation committed to the conservation of orangutans and their ecosystem. I am also a volunteer solicitor with the Environment Defenders Office, a community legal centre, providing legal assistance in pubic interest environment and planning law matters, and an active member of the Lawyers for Animals law reform sub-committee.

I endeavour to provide leadership in the development of environmental law and policy that promotes public interest and sustainability. I hope to share with my fellow FSL participants an understanding of legislative processes that can be merged with environmental efforts to protect our environment.

I strongly believe that by changing the way we do things we can live in a world in which basic human rights include a safe and healthy environment, achieved through respect for, and preservation of, the integrity and diversity of nature.

Sarah Roache

My childhood, spent in the hinterland of a small costal town, engendered a connection to the bush and beach that I will never grow out of. My desire to promote sustainability was borne out of the development boom that has changed the physical, social and environmental character of my home town.

I am now nearing completion of my Bachelor of Arts (Politics) and Bachelor of Law degrees at the University of Melbourne. I have studied the effect of governance structures on environmental policy and environmental laws, and the relationship between the exploitation of minorities and nature as possible means of overcoming the tensions inherent in the economic, social and political facets of sustainable policy-making.

As a political intern, I researched the regulation of materials recycling in Melbourne’s “Green Wedges” and the broad environmental impacts of “industrial” recycling techniques. I believe that the one of the greatest short-term challenges we face is balancing the environmental impacts and benefits of activities such as recycling and wind farms. I am also committed to access to the court system for community groups and environmentally concerned individuals. Even more important than legal and policy changes is the fundamental normalization of environmentalism, seeing ourselves as a part of the environment, rather than its owners.

Throughout the FSL program I hope to gain exposure to and build a working understanding of the scientific elements of environmental sustainability relevant to my goals. Having studied environmental issues for years, I feel that it is time to focus on project management skills that will facilitate a more practical application of my passion.

I look forwards to learning lots from the other FSL participants and sharing my knowledge in the areas of environment and planning law, Australian politics and media and PR.

Briony Rogers

Last year I completed my degree in Civil Engineering/Science at Monash University, majoring in water engineering and geography. I am now working as an engineer in the Water Technology group of GHD, a large multi-disciplined consultancy.

In the future I want to bring my knowledge of and enthusiasm for environmental issues to the engineering world. I want to work towards a sustainable and equitable existence for humanity and all forms of life sharing the Earth. In particular, I want to use my skills to help communities in the third world develop sustainably.

By participating in the FSL program I hope to develop my leadership and presentation skills, explore environmental issues to a deep level and spend time learning from and becoming friends with people who share my passions.

I have been involved with Engineers Without Borders (EWB) for several years and am currently the secretary of the Victorian Chapter. While EWB is specifically a development NGO, environmentally responsible principles are integral to its mission of achieving long-term sustainable engineering solutions in developing communities.

In the last two years I have had experience volunteering in local communities. I spent three months in Vanuatu helping to refurbish a building and running a youth conference, and three weeks in Uganda assisting the community to build the roof of a primary school. These experiences were invaluable to me and may be of interest to other participants.

Will Tait

In 2001 I arrived in Melbourne with my partner Jodie on a mission to get stuck into “something” – working with kids, theatre and playing music were all on the agenda. Four and a half years later we are running a theatre company that specialises in raising environmental awareness at schools and festivals, and feel at home in Melbourne’s fringe arts community, particularly in the Northcote area, and through our theatre work with the deaf and deafblind communities.

To date our work in the sustainability arena has been fairly reactionary, responding to the tenders and demands of councils and other funding bodies in a manner that has kept us afloat and taught us an enormous amount about the sector. Out of this I have sensed the need to understand the values that inspire people to behave sustainably, to care about the planet and its inhabitants. My aim is to promote, support and celebrate these values through my work. I feel thi will require innovation, both in promoting values through the Arts, and in redesigning the many ways in which people gather. As a FSL participant I look forward to engaging in intelligent, honest conversation about these values, and sowing the learning that arises into a live project. I am happy to share with you my performance and public speaking skills; my experiences of promoting sustainability to children and the general public; my contacts and experiences with Victoria’s government environmental bodies (e.g. DSE, Sustainability Victoria, Regional Waste Management Groups), local councils, schools, water companies etc.; my spanish, german and piano playing skills; my cake baking and pesto making skills; and my van (if it is available).

My relevant education thus far includes BA Hons Modern Languages (German & Spanish), at Birmingham University (1998), and a Permaculture Design Certificate (2005).

As you’ll see from my photo, I’m also generally a little nervous of taking things too seriously.