1. You have been part of the ALGA volunteering family for some years. Can you highlight some of the work you have done with us over the years and what you find most rewarding as a volunteer?

I have been involved with ALGA for some time but have increased my involvement over the last 5 years. During this time I have been involved in the Emerging Contaminants and UXO Special Interest Groups (SIG), the 2023 EcoForum Organising Committee, the 2023PFAS Symposium Organising Committee as well as attended multiple events and conferences. Charles Grimison, my colleague at Ventia, and I have co-chaired the Emerging Contaminants SIG for over 2 years and I continue to enjoy being a part of this SIG. Its members come from all aspects of the emerging contaminants industry and we share diverse views on the industry and its priorities. We also share a common goal in promoting ALGA and its member base as leaders in the management of emerging contaminants both locally and globally and have formed a strong network to call on to help each other out in our day to day work.

2. Congratulations on your appointment to the Australasian Land and Groundwater Association (ALGA) Board of Directors at the recent Annual General Meeting. Can you share with me what drew you to putting your hand up as a Board Director for ALGA?

I appreciate the opportunity and I am grateful for the support of the ALGA members in electing me to the Board. I was drawn to the opportunity as I am eager to continue to support my industry and the ALGA mission. Having been involved in the height of PFAS emerging as a contaminant of concern in Australia and overseas, I am acutely conscious of the role industry associations perform in supporting all of industry and bringing together specialists, influencers, regulators, and others in open and collaborative forums to solve the challenges. Acting as an independent enabler, ALGA can be pivotal in removing barriers and supporting our industry and I am excited to play a small part in assisting ALGA to continue to perform this role and meet other needs of our industry.

3. Given you have worked in the sector for more than 20 years, can you share what attracted you to the contaminated land and groundwater sector and what part of your current role at Ventia you are most passionate about?

I’m not sure that I was necessarily attracted to the contaminated land and groundwater sector; rather it evolved over time due to the work I was involved in at Defence. I realised that enjoyed working with people in the industry and I enjoyed the unique challenges presented by contaminated land and groundwater projects and 20+ years later I am still enjoying it.

The part of my role at Ventia that I am most passionate about is collaborating with clients to solve their complex environmental challenges with innovative & sustainable engineering solutions. Regardless of how big or small the project is, there is always value in the client, consultant, and contractor collaborating to make sure project objectives are aligned, achievable, and practical. Everyone has value to add, and our team are passionate about both providing that value and ensuring others input is heard and considered. The other aspect of Ventia that I am passionate about is our team of technical and delivery experts. I like being a solution finder and our team enables me to do that.

Article Published on 12/12/2023

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