Growing up for Natalie, she was fortunate that as her parents were both teachers, and they would head off camping every school holiday.
This including an extended period where she and her family travelled around Australia with their camper-trailer.
“Some of my strongest memories of those times revolved around water.
“Miraculously reeling in a freshwater mussel instead of a fish with my brand new fishing rod at Weir 32; witnessing the immense power of Barron Falls in the wet season; rock scrambling through the deep canyons and plunge pools in the Karijini National Park; the distinct smell of bore water in remote caravan parks; navigating through the still waters of Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek) via torchlight; and the feel of ripple marks from ancient streams etched into rocks at Brachina Gorge.
“Through my travels I gained an early appreciation of the diverse nature of Australian water resources and the communities and environments they sustain.
“My experiences as a child most certainly shaped my interest in water resource management, leading me to a career where I can now take pride in contributing to projects that balance both human and environmental water needs.”
