With the recent departure of our popular Jurien bay-based Coastal and marine Officer Philippa Schmucker on maternity leave, NACC has a new Marine and Coastal Project Officer in town!
Meet Hamish Longbottom, formerly of Adelaide, who has joined NACC to carry-on the “best job in the world” of working with and supporting local communities in their quest to maintain and improve our natural environment.
Growing up in rural SA and working with regional community groups all along the South Australian coastline, Hamish has a depth of experience in coastal and marine issues in regional areas.
Hamish said he is thrilled to be joining the NACC team.
“It’s great to be living and working in Jurien Bay,” he said.
“The Northern Agricultural Region is a special place and I’m looking forward to achieving great things with the communities here.”
Amazing places you end up in with @NACC_NRM like this spot just out of #JurienBay. Stockman Gully Cave #epic #nature pic.twitter.com/hf5BMeCMKm
— Hamish Longbottom (@HamishLongbott1) January 28, 2016
Although based in Jurien Bay, Hamish will continue NACC’s work with community groups, regional partners and contractors on existing projects all along the region’s southern coastal zones. He said he is also looking forward to assisting in the development of new projects and activities.
“In my role I am continually inspired by efforts and endeavours of community groups and individuals taking on important issues affecting their local environment,” Hamish said.
“I believe we can all learn a lot from each other, and it is crucial to encourage and support communities working in conservation.”
Hamish has been involved in conservation since he was very young, planting his first tree as a 3-year-old! After completing a degree in Natural Resource Management, Hamish went on to work in not-for-profit organisations and to run a business in revegetation and restoration of coastal areas and bushland in South Australia.
When not at work, Hamish enjoys a variety of marine-based activities including surfing, snorkelling and scuba diving, but also likes to head inland to hike and rock climb.
“It’s very satisfying for me to enjoy the natural areas I spend my working life helping to protect.”