Introducing our newest Specialist Interest Group (SIG)
ALGA has recently established a new SIG for professionals, technicians and specialists who are new to the industry, have recently changed careers or are a current postgraduate student, postdoctoral researcher, industry graduate or early career professional with less than 3 years of industry experience.
This SIG is a unique opportunity for those new to the industry to join likeminded, inclusive and forward-thinking individuals who are keen to work collaboratively to advance the contaminated land and groundwater industry in Australia and New Zealand. Members of the SIG will have the opportunity to organise events, work with ALGA Branch Committees and contribute to the organisation of a dedicated session at the 2023 ecoforum/SustRem Conference in Melbourne. Members of the SIG will also have the chance to nominate themselves for the role of SIG Chair and Co-Chair, which is a valuable opportunity to build new industry connections and further develop your skills in leadership, governance and strategic planning.
Following a highly competitive expression of interest process (indicative of the enthusiasm and talent amongst this cohort in our industry), the following ten individuals were successfully appointed as members to the SIG:
- Aidan Burrage – Environmental Scientist, Ventia
- Alexandra Lay – State Land Officer, WA Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage
- Jason Dighton – Client Services Officer/Project Manager, ALS
- Jessica Green – Environmental Scientist, Beca
- Kirti Thakur – PhD Researcher, Monash University
- Maddy Phillips – Graduate Environmental Consultant, Arcadis
- Nathan Weber - PhD Candidate, University of Newcastle
- Tom Needham - Environmental Consultant, 4Sight – Part of SLR
- Tara Verhulst – Environmental Scientist, WSP
- Thomas Lancaster – Civil and Environmental Engineer, Aurecon
Our sector is well represented by the SIG with members holding roles in consulting firms, government, academia, laboratories and industry across all corners of Australia and New Zealand.
The inaugural meeting was virtually held on 30 March 2023, which saw the SIG members insightfully contribute and engage with the meeting agenda – it seems that the tone has been set for a productive and collaborative SIG journey ahead.
The SIG is supported by three industry mentors; Niraj Niraula (ALGA), Megan Ensor (Qantas) and Kate Selvaratnam (SLR Consulting) who were thrilled with the level of engagement and participation demonstrated by the SIG.
The SIG members’ first order of business is to assign themselves a name, stay tuned!
Article Published on 21/04/2023
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