Thank you for the opportunity to be part of such an amazing organization. I am grateful for being given the chance to work in my ‘dream job’. Not many people have the fortune of going to a job everyday that is fun and enjoyable, but I have been lucky enough to have such an experience.

I’ve had a number of wonderful opportunities whilst working at the SCMDC. Each year I’ve had the chance to go whale watching with eminent whale researchers. I’ve met the likes of Tony Rathburn and Ashley Burkett who have travelled to the vast depths of the world’s oceans. I’ve also met a variety of other successful marine scientists through our Marine Science Forums.

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting a couple of other Marine Discovery Centres around Australia through our Marine Discovery Centres Australia network and met some other fun and passionate marine educators. Our annual conferences are a great opportunity to share ideas and resources.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of my job has been sharing my passion and knowledge of the marine environment with the general public and visiting school groups. I have loved answering the tricky questions that young visitors have put to me and have enjoyed showing visitors and students the amazing diversity of life  on rock platforms through our Rocky Shore Rambles and in our oceans through our Snorkel Safaris. I’ve even had the chance to dissect a dolphin with a senior biology class.

I’ve also had the pleasure of working with some wonderful volunteers and meeting some very interesting locals that have shared their knowledge and experiences with me. It has been a great way to get to know people within the local community and I thank all the  volunteers and locals that have taken the time to get to know me and help me with my work.

By far the most enjoyable aspect of working at the SCMDC has been the wonderful staff! I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the girls. We have had lots of fun together and I have many funny memories that I will remember fondly. One of the standout memories is Jill’s mentos and diet coke explosions!  It has been so inspiring and motivating to work with such intelligent, driven women and  I will miss the intelligent, in-depth science conversations we have in the office. I will also miss our epic morning teas!

So it is with a heavy heart that I farewell my ‘dream job’ to embark on a new chapter in my life. I wish the staff and Board of the SCMDC all the best for the future and I can’t wait to see what development occurs in the next few years.