ClassNotes Profiles
Lesley Hills
My first experiences with Charles Darwin University began in 1986 when it was the Darwin Community College. Upon leaving School I decided to enrol in an Associate Diploma of Environmental Biology. I have always been interested in the natural environment, having grown up in the 'bush'. The courses were run in 'block release' which was quite tiring, long hours over a period of 10 days. After completing nearly a years worth of this course, one of my lecturers, Sylivia Lewis rang me saying that Primary Industries were interested in taking on trainees. Fortunately this opportunity has placed me in the position I am today, and I thank her for that phone call! I commenced work in the Animal health, Virology unit with a great bunch of people. The work was interesting, although somewhat repetitive. After 18 months the trainee coordinator provided all trainees an opportunity to work with a different section, and I moved to the Bio control unit in the Weeds Branch.
Working in the Weed s Branch was a revelation after working within a medium security lab, with small windows and no field work! The Bio control unit undertook a range of field work, combined with the rearing, release and monitoring of Bio control agents on noxious weeds. This provided me with the opportunity to travel to remote parts of the Top End, learn new skills and be in the fresh air. Upon completion of the Associate diploma I enrolled in a Science Degree at CDU a year later.
Working full time and studying part time is never easy, however there were some advantages to this as there were a number of people I could turn to if I needed assistance. I also ended up with lecturers that I had during the Diploma course, such as Richard Noske, Sharon Shirgwin and Mick Guinea.
It has now been 8 years since I completed my degree. The skills and contacts made at the University have certainly assisted with my employment opportunities and experiences. I have also enjoyed assisting new employees or trainees with their study. Looking back I'm am glad that I did what I did, however my fields of interest have changed toward the education and communication fields, namely the relationships between social change and natural resource management. Much of my current work within the Department of Infrastructure, Planning & Environment within the Fire & Weed Management unit involves education, more specifically social marketing.
Apart from my career, my partner and I also purchased a sailing catamaran 2 years ago. Last year we commenced operations on Darwin harbour with a range of products including sunset cruises, daytime fun sailing and overnighters. This year we purchased a second cat, larger and with a survey for offshore sailing adventures. We are interested in establishing ourselves as a sailing adventure and Eco Tourism business. I have been in regular contact with Dr Mick Guinea, a lecturer in the science faculty. Mick has been wonderful and I thank him for his assistance and patience.
Our goal is to provide tourists and locals with the opportunity to travel to places like Bare Sand Island, the Tiwi's and beyond. Bare sand is a small sand Island approximately 6 hours sailing from Darwin. Mick undertakes a range of important research on the Island with Flatback and Olive Ridly turtles. We are planning on assisting Mick's research with in kind support and eventually financially through a percentage of profits taken for these cruises. As with any business, establishing an offshore sailing adventure market takes time, however we have the support of many people and are determined to see it through. Tourists want to know about the natural environment, cultural aspects and local flora & fauna. With my scientific background and contacts, this makes our task a little easier.
We also want to expand our products on the harbour, through inviting guest speakers from all works of life to provide an informative talk or presentation to tourists or locals. Having catamarans makes this even better, as they provide a large stable platform; we even have the facility to use a light pro projector, screen and laptop for guest speakers.
By inviting guest speakers from Charles Darwin University, both the public, tourists and the university will benefit, the public gaining an insight into the topic or issues being presented, the CDU promotes itself to the wider community and we establish ourselves as a company that provides something a bit different. Anyone wishing to speak or gain experience in speaking to small groups of people can contact me directly on the number below.
As a small business owner and operator and ex CDU student I am also happy to provide all locals, Alumni members and the CDU with up to a 30% discount on all our products. Our vessels are large, comfortable and ideal for classes studying the natural environment, or for locals wanting a relaxing sail on the harbour.
I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunities that both my work environment, and study at the CDU have provided. I hope to continue my association with the CDU in the future.
For more information I can be contacted after hours on 0418 480 095.
