Q&A with Rebecca Thomas:
What is your role at ALGA and how long have you been at the Association?
Don’t tell anyone, but I reckon I have one of the best roles in the industry! I’m the Editor of ALGA’s e-cronicle. This publication has been providing members and partners with a platform to share their expertise for more than 16 years, and I’ve had the privilege of holding the torch as Editor for nearly five years. What started back in 2009 as a simple, double-sided bulletin has now grown into a rich multimedia format, featuring podcasts, video interviews, written technical submissions, and even the occasional infographic.
What does a typical day look like for you at ALGA?
I get to interview and collaborate with some of the smartest people in the sector. My days are usually spent recording interviews, coordinating content submissions, and deciding on the best way to present each piece, whether in written, audio, or visual form.
What’s one thing you value about working for ALGA?
The people, our team, our volunteers, and the broader industry. It’s an inspiring community built on shared knowledge and common values, all working together to leave the environment in a better state than we found it.
Can you share a project or achievement you’re especially proud of being involved in?
I’ve been fortunate to feature some incredible professionals. Highlights include covering the environmental impacts of the conflict in Ukraine with His Excellency Vasyl Myroshnychenko and Dr Allen Dobrovolsky, learning about Indigenous leadership from Professor Bradley Moggridge, hearing from Kate Cole OAM on crystalline silica dust, talking soil with Matthew Evans, launching our first podcast with Kathryn East from Antarctica, asking Ian Brookman a dad joke, and even touring Dr Jordan Nguyen’s lab to meet his robot, Alfie!
And the list goes on, I’ve also had the privilege of interviewing so many inspiring people, including: Freya Mulvey, Jess Hamilton, Paul Turyn, Professor Michael Manefield, James Stening, Charles Grimison, Dr Matthew Askeland, Tania Notaras, Kristy Greenfield, Dr Jackie Wright, Brittany Jackson, Michael Mercuri, Dr Richard Stewart, Dr Shaun Thomas, Roy Thun, Dr Carolyn Brumley, Ana Serra, Warren Pump, Dr Louise Cartwright, Dr Nick Coatsworth, Isobel Stout, Jai Massadi, Jackie McKeay, Howard Waldron, Katriina Tähkä, Professor Ian Cousins, Shalene Thomas, George Ivey, Nick Tumney, Hayley Withers, Shaun Barry and many, many more.
We’ve also featured such a variety of experts from the sector, some have included: Ross McFarland, Michael Heery, James Fairweather, Dr Kate Hughes, Dr Corrine Unger, Ian Gregson, Remke van Dam, Jess Green, Kate Robinson, Daniela Balbachevsky, Hailey Spry, Orla Ferguson, Dr Gillian Kopittke, Judith Barnes, Nic Quilty, Sophie Wood, Vanessa Bryant, Ben Kay, Craig Cowper, Peter Murphy, Dr Peter Nadebaum, Paul Nathanail, Stephen Maxwell, Erina Wehi-Barton, Dr Julia Jaeger, Dr Mike Joy, Dr Ruth Keogh, Taryn McKnight, Simon Hunt, Kevin Simpson, Matthew Nation, Jon Miller, Dr John Hunt, Bruce Gray, Tracy Presland, Dr Ruth Keogh, Anne Northway, Dr Annette Nolan, Scott Carroll — and of course the late Dr Sarah Richards.
This is only a snapshot, but it shows the incredible range and diversity of voices who’ve shared their expertise through e-cronicle.
What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of work?
I’m a mum and wife, so family keeps me busy! When I do find time, I enjoy exploring how AI can help me work smarter and bring new creativity to my work.
P.S. I’d like to say a huge thank-you to all of ALGA’s Corporate Partners, Members and anyone who has submitted/participated in e-cronicle over the years. The opportunity to be your editor for your industry publication is an honour and a position I am very proud to hold.
Subscribe to our ALGA podcast on spotify: ALGA’s e-cronicle Podcasts | Podcast on Spotify