National Park and Botanic Garden are very excited to be hosting Sarah Coutin

Norfolk Island National Park and Botanic Garden are very excited to be hosting Sarah Coutin for 3 months as part of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water 2022 Graduate Program

We asked Sarah to tell us a little bit about herself: "Having grown up in the coastal community of Point Lonsdale I regularly enjoy surfing, snorkelling, and fishing and I am looking forward to experiencing Norfolk’s unspoiled surf breaks and abundant marine life during my time here. I am also looking forward to discovering the islands amazing biodiversity and learning about the island’s rich cultural history."I have a background in ecology and conservation biology, and I am very passionate about protecting the environment. I have previously worked as a Foreshore Ranger along the Great Ocean Road, as a Zoologist monitoring threatened birds and bats on wind farms and as a Marine Parks Officer liaising with natural resource managers and fishers on Lord Howe Island. Living in a small community fostered my passion for community engagement and drove me towards a career working alongside community members, conservation groups and landowners to tackle environmental issues."As part of my work with Parks Australia, I will be in consultation with the local community to develop a Biosecurity Strategy for the Phillip Island section of Norfolk Island National Park. The Strategy will assist with protecting and conserving the unique and threatened species that occur on Phillip Island by preventing the spread of pests and diseases. I will also be assisting the Norfolk Island Parks Australia team and university researchers with the monitoring of invasive and threatened species in Norfolk Island." We're so lucky to have Sarah's knowledge, experience and extra hands for the next 3 months, make sure you say 'hello' to Sarah while she's here and make her feel welcome!