Meet the Champion: Rachael Brownstein from East Gippsland Water
Rachael Brownstein from East Gippsland Water will be part of the new cohort of Champions joining the Intelligent Water Networks as we count down towards the end of the year. Get to know where her strengths and interests lie by reading her profile below!
Can you give us a bit of your personal background?
I grew up in the small town of Timboon in South West Victoria. Raised by a family of doctors, I took a different path to my parents and three siblings. I followed my passion for the environment making my way to the big smoke to study at Melbourne University with the rather ambitious aim in to learn how to solve all our environmental issues. Despite spending five years at university, I think I will be studying this for the rest of my life.
Between then and now I have travelled to various corners of the world (including Madagascar), got married, made my way to East Gippsland and bought a house and a dog. I now spend my time enjoying the simple life; gardening with my husband, cooking, tending to our chickens, playing with our German shorthaired pointer, roaming around our 86 acre property admiring the bush and having a kick of soccer with local soccer club. All that is missing is a sheep or two and an old rocking chair!
And what is your professional background?
I hold a Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science and Geography) and a Master of Environment (Environmental Policy, Communication and Governance). I have obtained significant experience in natural resource management having worked in this sector for my entire career. Prior to working for East Gippsland Water, I had worked for Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), Department of Primary Industries, VicForests, the Environment Protection Authority, Shell and Bush Heritage Victoria,
What inspired you to want to become a champion?
I would sum up the IWN program in these four words: adventure, curiosity, fun and achievement. There was no way I could resist such an opportunity. I love learning, trying new things, and pushing and challenging myself whilst having fun along the way. Becoming an IWN champion ticked all my boxes. In addition, having listened to rave reviews from my IWN Champion predecessors (Andrew and Adrian), I wanted to build on my leadership skills.
What IWN program interests you the most?
There are so many fantastic programs that it’s hard to narrow down. The Biosolids Resource and Recovery Program is one of particular interest. Through my experience at EGW I have come to understand that nothing is ever straightforward with biosolids! The Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing Program also interests me. There is so much knowledge that could be more easily shared between water corporations.
What are you hoping to get out of your new role?
I am looking forward to building my understanding of the Victorian Water Industry, establishing a strong network, learning about my strengths and weaknesses, enhancing my leadership skills and trialling new technologies.
And if anything, what do you want to give back to IWN?
In addition to contributing passion and enthusiasm to IWN, I foresee myself being a strong advocate. I intend to frequently promote and communicate updates on IWN to EGW as a business, reducing the commonly asked question of “What is IWN?”