On International Women’s Day, we speak with three of our members about their work, what motivates them, and taking on challenges in their roles. Like a lot of our members, they share a passion for the environment and a desire to make a difference.

Belinda Bastow FEIANZ

Belinda joined the EIANZ in 2014 and was appointed a Fellow of the Institute in 2019. Belinda is Chair of the EIANZ Advisory Council and has been WA Division President since 2016.

What is your current role?

I own and operate an environmental / heritage / safety company that assists companies with meeting their environmental and social obligations. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in the environment sector? 

I choose to study and work in the environmental sector because I wanted to ensure our beautiful planet was protected and to minimise impacts from development. I understand that development and day-to-day use of our natural resources must occur, so I felt that it was important to be part of the solution. 

What do you find most rewarding about a career in the environment sector? 

I find helping people see the environment that exists around them and understand that development can occur in a way that can prevent or minimise environmental impacts rewarding. 

What has been a challenge you have faced in your career and how did you overcome it? 

Starting up my own company after spending over 20 years working for resources companies as an environmental professional was a challenge. It took a while to realise that my skills and experiences are valuable and are of interest to others. In the end, it was my professional network, the support of my husband and talking to other professionals who had set up their own companies that has helped me get to where I am now. 

Any additional thoughts?

As a small business owner I have worked to provide opportunities for women returning to work. This has been achieved by providing a work environment that is set up to enable people to work from home and in the office. 

I have learnt during my career that life and work are never smooth sailing and when challenges materialise you just have to adapt and see them as an opportunity to learn new things.

Farzeen Khundkar 
MEIANZ

Farzeen joined the EIANZ as a Student Member in 2015 and became a Full Member in 2018. Farzeen is part of the EIANZ VIC Division and volunteers for the EIANZ Students and Early Careers Committee.
 

What is your current role?

I am an Environmental Consultant at WSP. As part of my current role, I am also doing a part time secondment as an Environmental Advisor in the Independent Review and Environmental Auditor (IREA) team for the West Gate Tunnel Project.

I volunteered for the EIANZ Students and Early Careers Committee to provide growth, learning, development, and networking opportunities for young professionals across Victoria. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in the environment sector?

I have always been fascinated with the environment. The intricate relationships within nature that holds us together has always strengthened my curiosity. I wanted to explore solutions that balance development and environmental sustainability. 

What do you find most rewarding about a career in the environment sector?

I have been fortunate to be able to volunteer for the Engineers Without Borders and EIANZ Students and Early Careers Committee. The feeling of being able to contribute to professional development and better liveability for communities is very rewarding. 

What has been a challenge you have faced in your career and how did you overcome it?

Like every other early career professional, I struggled to understand the industry and start a career during my initial years. I took every opportunity to learn and get experience. It also helped me explore my own interests and passion and choose an area in which I wanted to work in.

Any additional thoughts?

A big shout out to all the wonderful women out there. No matter what career path we choose or what way we go about it – it is good to enjoy the process, so that others can enjoy our company.

Fiona Gainsford FEIANZ CEnvP-IA

Fiona has been a member of the EIANZ since 1996 and became a Fellow of the Institute in 2015. Fiona is an active member of the NSW Division, a Certified Environmental Practitioner (Impact Assessment), and Chair of the Specialist Environmental Advisory Committee for Impact Assessment. 

In 2016 Fiona received the Mary Lou Morris Award for outstanding service to the Institute.

What is your current role?

Principal Environmental Consultant of a sole trader business specialising in environmental impact assessment, strategic planning and statutory approvals. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in the environment sector? 

My mum’s genes provided a love of geography, botany and the outdoors. My dad’s genes provide a strong sense of business ethics, independence and fascination with infrastructure. 

What do you find most rewarding about a career in the environment sector? 

I love the diverse range of roles in the environment sector and that each project is so interesting. Environmental impact assessment is never dull; there’s always a new set of environmental challenges and opportunities. 

What has been a challenge you have faced in your career and how did you overcome it? 

The biggest challenge is understanding how and when to apply the precautionary principle. Scientifically, there’s still a lot we don’t know and assessing impacts on the environment can be very challenging. We need to continue to embrace and support scientific research, particularly in the fields of terrestrial and aquatic ecology and groundwater. 

Any additional thoughts?

A big shout out to all the amazing volunteer women in the EIANZ who are juggling jobs, families and their health who also give up time and energy to improve the profession and protect the environment.

EIANZ Membership

No matter what your experience, professional recognition and support can be exceptionally valuable when dealing with the complexities of environmental practice. As an EIANZ member, you are part of a supportive, professional community contributing to the development and implementation of good practice environmental management by government, industry and the community.

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