Spotlight : Amy Denshire
This month, we are shining the spotlight on one of our Program Managers, Amy Denshire. Amy has been with OzGREEN in a project capacity since 2011, part-time since 2018, and first volunteered in our programs in 2009. She is the Manager for Communications, Bellingen Riverwatch and Nature Connection.
What does a typical day at OzGREEN look like for you?
My role at OzGREEN is very diverse and that’s the way I like it! I work on web and graphic design, event coordination, help with project concepts and designing programs. I support all staff with comms and I love that this means I get to connect with all of our wonderful team. I spend time training and mentoring junior staff which I really enjoy aswell. Every so often, I come out of my bat cave, and join in OzGREEN events. I love connecting with the community and this very much fuels me in the work that I do. Comms for me, is much more than messaging. Done well, it guides strategy, and I’m proud of the work I am doing within this realm at OzGREEN at the moment.
How did you come about to do this work in the world?
Ever since I can remember, I’ve wanted to make a positive difference in the world. I loved art, social studies and maths at school, and studied Industial Design, Education and Regional Community Development at Uni. Industrial Designers solve problems and this is definitely what I was put on this Earth to do! My brain absolutely LOVES solving problems.
I started working with Bellingen Riverwatch in 2018 and felt so welcomed instantly by the BR volunteer family. I had worked on science events before, but never citizen science, and I am totally hooked! With citizen science, and with communication - there’s so many dimensions to it - the problem is never solved, there’s always more refinement that can be done. My brain loves that complexity.
What are some things you love about your role?
The people I work with. Hands down. (Including the amazing OzGREEN volunteers!!!)
Also, the meaning for me behind the work.
At OzGREEN, we work within the four pillars of sustainability : Human, Social, Economic and Environmental. Previously, my community development work was solely driven by the impact it would create on the environment. In recent years, what drives me in this work has shifted more towards the social benefits. The drive for environmental benefits is still there - but at the forefront, for me, is the impact this work has on communities socially.
Mental health is an issue I am passionate about. I have seen enough evidence now to know, through-and-through, that the work I do at OzGREEN - in Bellingen Riverwatch, in Nature Connection events, and in comms - has a positive effect on people’s wellbeing (and helps the planet too!). This is what drives me everyday to do my best work in the world. I urge you to come to one of our Macro Musters to see what I mean! It’s strange how looking deeply at tiny bugs with a group of strangers for a few hours can make you feel so good - but there is science behind why it does - and believe me, it just does!
What are you working on in terms of your personal sustainability at the moment, or what’s something you are proud of from your sustainability journey?
I’ve lived with a composting toilet for seven years now and am proud of the impact that this is making. I‘m also eating more vegetarian these days. Both my young daughters are vego and whilst I am not, them being vegetarian inspires me to eat more vegetarian meals than I otherwise would. Yet another example of the younger generation leading the older generation!
What are some highlights from your work with OzGREEN?
The Macro Musters are definitely a regular highlight of my year. The Thrive Festival was so wonderful as well, plus I loved the Orama School Tree Planting workshop. Representing Bellingen Riverwatch to receive two national awards was also a highlight for me.
What are some things you’re working on at the moment with OzGREEN / what have you got coming up?
Lots coming up! The next big thing is Macro Muster 5. We’re going to be at the Growers Market this Saturday to promote it so come down, say g’day and meet some waterbugs! We’ve changed the format this round to dramatically increase the impact of the event, which I find exciting. We’re also planning bird walks, walks with Elders and tree planting workshops with High Schools at the moment, plus an Inter-school River Fun Day for local primary school students that’s happening early next year.
What’s one of your most memorable moments in nature?
I was witness to this incredible whale breach, standing at the edge of the baths in Newcastle East that I’ll never forget. Also, scuba diving, both on the Great Barrier Reef and in the Solitary Islands Marine Park.
What’s something that’s on your bucket list to do with nature?
I would love to snorkel with whale sharks on the Ningloo reef and see the night sky in the Australian desert.