Making small changes can have a huge impact. That’s the message from Sustainability Planner Nikayla who works within Council and with the Greater Dandenong community to drive change.
Armed with an education in the field of conservation and a visual arts and design degree, Nikayla started as a casual team member with the Bushland Crew three years ago. One year later, she transitioned to an office-based role in the Sustainability Planning Team.
“I really love working at Council. There’s a lot of opportunities for professional development…and the people that work here really do care about each other,” she said.
Nikayla especially enjoys working with the Greater Dandenong community.
“It is a really interesting community, you never walk into a room thinking you know what you are going to get. I think that’s kind of fun. I really enjoy being able to meet people where they’re at. As far as sustainability goes some people are learning what compost means for the first time, while other people know more than me, they could give me a TED Talk,” she said.
“Sustainability is such a broad topic but every small win makes a big difference. Whether it’s making your house warmer or if you’re feeling like you don’t have the ability to buy things, we have libraries where you can rent things for free.”
This month we celebrate Plastic Free July and Nikayla encouraged residents to make small changes.
"Being sustainable might be easier than you think. Bringing your own drink bottle has such an impact. When you remind your friend to bring their own coffee cup as you go to do your morning coffee routine – that's huge."
Nikayla has experienced many wins during her time with Council, including delivering the Sustainability Festival for the past two years.
“And then there’s heaps of small wins from when I started like the first planting season, getting that done and then going back to that reserve later and being like wow this really grew up,” she said.
“I remember when I started (in the bushland team), I didn’t have much experience on the tools, so I gained a lot of confidence learning how to use a brush cutter or a chainsaw. Just having patient people to teach me as well, learning all the plants and animals, it made me feel really confident.”
It’s a confidence that Nikayla continues to carry as a Sustainability Planner.