What is a typical day for you at work? 

I lead Opal’s Environment and Sustainability team, supporting three specialists across key focus areas including decarbonisation, responsible sourcing, circular resources and water stewardship. My role involves providing guidance to the team, responding to sustainability and environmental queries from customers and colleagues, supporting compliance requirements, and driving strategic initiatives such as science-based targets and improvements to Opal’s sustainability ratings.

Tell us about your career background, previous roles and industry experience.

I began my career in manufacturing, joining the Maryvale Mill after studying a Bachelor of Science (Applied Chemistry). My early experience was in process engineering and quality, before moving into environmental roles. I also spent several years at EPA Victoria as an Environment Protection Officer, gaining experience in environmental regulation and compliance. I have since built my career across environmental management and sustainability roles within the pulp and paper industry.

Tell us about your career journey. How did you get to your current role at Opal?

I first joined the Maryvale Mill while I was at university, and it was there that I developed an interest in the environmental side of the industry. After gaining experience in manufacturing, I made the decision to move into environmental protection, which took me to EPA Victoria. That experience gave me a broader understanding of environmental regulation and the challenges businesses face.

When an opportunity came up to return to Maryvale in an environmental role, it felt like the right fit, allowing me to combine my industry knowledge with my passion for sustainability. Over the years, I’ve taken on roles with increasing responsibility, and I’ve enjoyed being able to see the organisation’s sustainability journey evolve, leading me to my current role as Environment and Sustainability Manager.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

What motivates me most is knowing that I’m making a difference. Sustainability is a field where change can take time, so having spent many years with the business, I’ve been able to see projects evolve from ideas into real outcomes. It’s incredibly rewarding to look back and know I’ve played a part in improving the way we do things. More recently, I’ve also enjoyed seeing my team grow and develop while helping deliver meaningful change across the business.

What has been your most memorable project or accomplishment at Opal so far?

One of my proudest achievements has been leading the evolution of Opal’s Environment and Sustainability team over the past two years. We’ve broadened our focus beyond traditional environmental priorities to include areas such as water stewardship, circularity and waste reduction. Seeing the team embrace these new priorities and deliver meaningful outcomes has been incredibly rewarding.

Visit our careers page to start your journey at Opal.