Sandy Gunter
Team Leader Communications and Engagement
SA Murray-Darling Basin Region, Dept. Env and Water, South Australia
Key areas of expertise Communication, Critical Thinking, Influencing Others, Leadership Skills, Project Management, Natural Resources Management, Qualifications B. App Sc. in Natural Resources Management (Hons), Diploma in Project Management
Brief career summary: I have been a public servant for 27 years, starting in PIRSA in Port Augusta then moving to Rural Solutions before taking a year off to be the program manager for an integrated NRM group (precursor to NRM Boards). I spent 6 years with the SA Arid Lands NRM Board, 9 months with the Dog and Cat Management Board and 9 years with the SA Murray-Darling Basin NRM Board. I have worked in community engagement, landcare, project planning and management, pest and weed management, native pasture grazing management and communications. I’ve been leading teams of 2 up to 11 members since 2006. I’ve lived and worked in regional SA almost all of my life. Home is a small holding in Woodside managing a small herd of highland cattle for meat, with a few horses, chickens and dogs.
Career achievements/highlights: I have been involved in some great community engagement activities including managing a large devolved grant scheme, crowd sourcing ideas for environmental problems and supporting a deliberative panel of community representatives to investigate the benefits of NRM levies. I was part of the team who developed the first investment strategy for the Aridlands region to secure federal investment. I’ve also had the privilege of working with some fantastic conservation projects over the years including Operation Bounceback, the Blinman Parachilna wheel cactus control project, and the establishment of the great tracks clean-up crew.
I am passionate about: “Sustainable living and connection to nature. I try hard to live sustainably and love being outside. I love country life, getting my hands in the dirt or working with animals keeps me grounded.”