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Wilderness Times | Winter 2021
WILDERNESS WOMEN
LEADING THE WAY practical, hands-on path. In fact, it has taken me until my current role to be ‘on site’ as part of my job!
What advice would you give aspiring Wilderness girls? There are very few people who know where they are going and how they will get there, so don’t worry if you haven’t figured that out. Instead, spend time working out what motivates you. Say yes to opportunities that challenge you. Volunteer. I promise you’ll get back more than what you put in.
Elsinore Meyer (Mann) Class of 1999 President and Chair of the Australian Water Association’s (AWA) SA Branch Committee and Senior Engineer leading The Water Team, Tonkin
What ignited your passion for your career choice? Can you describe your journey? I chose to study engineering as I enjoyed science and maths at school and had an interest in making things – it didn’t matter that it was clothes rather than cars! I also had a love for the natural environment. I selected to focus on water and environmental subjects with the idea that I might apply my skills in the management of creeks and waterways. In my final year, I focused on hydraulics and modelling and it turns out my career took a more analytical, rather
What have been some key defining moments in your career and life? If I think of moments that have stuck with me, it is time spent understanding how others experience life and how circumstances impact people’s view of the world. Being part of the inaugural Wilderness Nepal trip was one of those occasions. The assault on the senses when we arrived and walked out of the airport, the magical scenery and challenging terrain, the strength and good humour of our Sherpas, the smiles of the children we met along the way, and many other memories have stuck with me. Being selected to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh International Gold Event in Hong Kong was another unique experience. We had representatives from 70 different countries. I am still in touch with many of them thanks to social media, which provides an international flavour and wide ranging perspectives in my Facebook feed.
After I finished university, I took the opportunity to spend three months as a volunteer in Costa Rica. We helped build a community hall, a toilet for the local school and restored waking trails in the Parque Nacional Volcan Tenorio. Along with this work, it was the moments spent with the families that hosted us, sharing their food, learning recipes and exploring the forests that I remember most. I have also been fortunate that my career has taken me around the world, as far as Qatar and China, as well as six years living and working in the US and time in the UK and New Zealand too.
Favourite professional memory/day? It’s hard to pick a single event. There have been multiple milestone achievements along the way. I have successfully delivered a number of challenging projects and built memorable relationships with particular clients who have valued my input, which I’m proud of. My involvement with the Australian Water Association has also allowed me to take on the role of President in South Australia. Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19 and the associated restrictions, this has been a really rewarding experience, which I hope to build upon as I continue my leadership journey.
