Ann Gibbons

Unit manager Environmental Sustainability, City of Marion

I think that my love for the great outdoors and strong connection with our wonderful natural environment stemmed from growing up on a farm in regional South Australia and many family camping holidays, often to places off the beaten track (Dad had an ‘allergy’ to towns and designated campgrounds). Weekends and school holidays were often filled with bushwalks and helping with plant and bird surveys conducted by the local Field Naturalist group that my parents belonged to.

I am now the Unit Manager Environmental Sustainability at the City of Marion and have been working in the environment sector in South Australia for more than 20 years. A central focus for my work is leading the City of Marion’s efforts to adapt to the impacts of climate change and working with neighbouring Councils and other partners to deliver priorities for southern Adelaide through the Resilient South program. It’s really encouraging to see how the work that we are doing on climate change adaptation is being embedded in a range of projects being delivered by Council including reserve and streetscape upgrades, asset management, and in community services and programs being delivered in neighbourhood centres and libraries.

On a personal note, I moved to a much smaller place a few years ago and am enjoying making this space my own. Downsizing and shedding ‘stuff’ accumulated over many years has been very liberating … this philosophy has also carried through to my purchasing habits … buying less is good for the environment and my hip pocket! Various charities have also benefited from donations of clothing, furniture and other household goods that needed new homes. More recently I have added solar panels to my roof and have started to grow vegies in two wicking beds outside my kitchen window.

Being outdoors is still one of my favourite ways to relax …. walking really allows me to slow down and become immersed in my surroundings. We are spoilt for choice with many great walking trails in the Adelaide Hills, coasts and surrounds.