March 2025 WATERLINE | 29 FEATURE WOMEN IN INDUSTRY Q & A WITH MACKENZIE STACEY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT, BMT What is your background, your industry experience and what does your role with BMT involve? I have a Master’s in Marine Science and Management and have been in environmental consulting for 4-5 years in both the terrestrial and marine environment. I am an Environmental Consultant/Project Manager in the Assessments and Approvals division in the BMT Environment team. My work ranges from assisting councils and private developers for small scale coastal infrastructure projects to large-scale multidisciplinary dredging programs for Ports or oil and gas companies. I also have experience in managing and executing the delivery of aquatic and terrestrial environmental monitoring programs and audits for the Marina Industries Association (MIA). What inspired you to become an Environmental Consultant? I was inspired to become a marine science consultant because I wanted to be able to educate and communicate the importance of marine science outside of just research or activism. I see a clear need for both the public and private sectors to have access to accurate, expert advice when making decisions that impact the environment. What have been some of your greatest successes in the marina industry? My greatest successes in the industry are witnessing the due diligence and want from people to do good for the marine environment. Everyone I have met has a similar attitude when it comes to improving their practices, not just for the accreditation, but because they genuinely care about minimising impact to the marine environment. I have received emails from people, after they have been accredited, showing what new ideas of communication they can provide to their client regarding minimising impacts to the marine environment. From your exposure to our generally male dominated industry, when conducting Clean Marina audits, tell us honestly about your experience as a woman. Do you think you are treated differently when you come on site? I have had an overall positive experience as a woman conducting Clean Marina audits. I have not experienced any difference in treatment from speaking with male or female teams. I believe this treatment is stemming from my knowledge in the marine science space and my willingness to learn from those in the marina industry. In your opinion, why is it important for marinas to participate in the Clean Marina Program? Could you outline the key environmental and operational benefits marinas can gain from becoming certified? Operational Benefits • Gain trust from your customers that your operational practices have minimal environmental impacts • Access to expert advice on changing/improving operational efficiencies • Accountability to hold a high environmental standard Environmental Benefits • Maintaining the baseline environment post-construction of the marina • Setting a new normal for the post-operation requirements and standards of marinas, thereby promoting environmental awareness. What advice would you give a marina who is seeking Clean Marina accreditation? Keeping an open mind towards operational improvements. Environmental management is an evolving space and does change with new scientific research and refinement in policy. What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? Diving and snorkelling. At its’ Annual General Meeting, Shevaun Bruland was elected as President of Australian Sailing – the first woman to hold the position. Bruland has been a member of the Australian Sailing board for five years, serving the last two as Vice President to outgoing President Alistair Murray AM. Prior to her time on the Australian Sailing board, Shevaun spent five years on the board of Yachting South Australia, serving the last three years as President. Bruland is also a member of World Sailing’s Equipment Committee since 2020 and a member of World Sailing’s Safety Commission since 2023. She has raced keelboats and sports boats for many years, enjoying one-design racing, offshore racing and racing in the kitefoil class since learning to kite several years ago. Bruland said, “I’m honoured to have been elected President of Australian Sailing and incredibly proud to be the first woman to hold the position.” Heather McCallum was elected to the role of Vice President. As former Rear Commodore of Tasmania’s Derwent Sailing Squadron, Chartered Accountant and active sailor, McCallum brings a wealth of knowledge to the Australian Sailing Board. Her election will see two women spearhead the organisation. Sian Harding was also elected to the Board. Harding will be one of the youngest ever board members and has already contributed significantly to the Australian sailing landscape, implementing programs and opportunities for women and girls and the development of instructors and coaches. “These elections reflect progress that is being made across the entire organisation and aligns with our strategic aspiration to grow the number and engagement of women and girls participating in our sport, said Bruland.” Dual Olympics gold medalist Malcolm Page OAM was also elected and will contribute a wealth of high-performance sailing experience to the Board. AUSTRALIAN SAILING'S FIRST EVER FEMALE PRESIDENT
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