Kirsten McKimmie, Terrain's new intern recruit, is assisting in NRM coordination across the region.  With a keen admiration for nature and a hunger for work experience, she has started absorbing all the information and contacts she possibly can to help get the job done.

Kirsten has landed in far north Queensland on a whim after travelling around the country and visiting the Great Barrier Reef. It was here she found a lucky English underwater videographer working for a diving company. It was the man that  kept her in the region (lucky for us).

Born in Bundaberg, and educated in Sydney, Gold Coast, Sweden and Vietnam, Kirsten has worldly experience...and is now keen for work experience!

With a Bachelor of Science from Griffith Uni on the Gold Coast, Kirsten ventured overseas to undertake minor field studies. This comprised of comparisons between tropical and sub arctic ecosystems and their response to climate change, namely in the marine environment.

In her eagerness to settle into a fulfilling career, Kirsten worked hard on seeking opportunities that enabled her to support making a difference on the ground. Kirsten has a keen admiration for nature and its beauty and until now struggled to find a place of work that would satisfy her goals and interests.

"Nature should not be wasted – it's so intricate and precious and I want to take every opportunity to enjoy it," she said. "The environment cannot protect itself and I feel a strong responsibility to do what I can to help it along."

Terrain's CEO, Carole Sweatman said, "We are excited to have Kirsten onboard. It means a lot to us to be able to provide opportunities for nurturing young professionals in their career development whilst bringing to the organisation and the community a whole lot of enthusiasm and fresh ideas."

Her role will play an important part in activities around post Yasi recovery as well as supporting the rollout of other Terrain NRM projects. She is a living example of Terrain's desire to get young people involved in the management of the region's natural resources.

"I can't believe how lucky I am to have this job – it's my foot in the door!" said Kirsten.