Have you ever wondered what GWLAP are and what they do? What region they cover and what kinds of things they can help you with? Today we meet Sarah Ansell, who although she is new in her role is very much an important member of the team. Let's find out more!

Please tell us what your role is at the Goolwa to Wellington Local Action Planning Association (GWLAP).

I’m the Community Engagement Officer, so I plan, organise and deliver the nature education events, based in the Strathalbyn Natural Resource Centre. The Centre is open for people to pop in for resources about native plants, pest plants and animals, water management, all sorts of things. I take care of the social media and the newsletters and work with different Landcare and community groups, it’s a very diverse and varied role. 

How long have you been in this role?

Only 6 months, I’m the newbie! I have come from an aged care background. Managing government funding and delivering in-home services enabling people to stay in their own homes for longer. I have an environmental background; I did environmental science and have been chipping away at a masters for a few years now. I have always wanted to get into the environmental field and this role matched my skills and interests and further knowledge. It was the perfect match for me!

Your role with GWLAP is based in Strathalbyn. Can you please tell us what region you actually cover?

We are called Goolwa to Wellington LAP which historically is the region we covered. We are fortunate to be able to work beyond this boundary now including the Adelaide Hills, to up through Monarto and throughout the Fleurieu. Most of the events I organise are run from here in Strathalbyn, but also in Mount Barker and along the South Coast of the Fleurieu, from Goolwa to Victor Harbor. Aside from nature education, we do a wide range of revegetation and habitat restoration projects, including work for local Government, developers, other organisations and private landholders. We also manage the Alexandrina Community Nursery in Goolwa where we grow the seedlings for our projects, and also sell to the public.

Please share a little about the kinds of events you organise for the community.

Today we ran a phone Nature Photography workshop here in Strathalbyn. Our events are varied to attract people of different interests. January and February for example, we have a Rabbit Control Workshop and a Sustainability workshop making bees wax wraps and produce bags. We run guided walks as well, there is one coming up along the Hindmarsh River. Basically, anything that can help people get outdoors and connect with nature and learn a little about the plants and animals around us, or about how to live sustainably at home and manage your property more sustainably. We are fortunate in that the funding we have is quite broad, giving us scope to do lots of different engagement activities.

Keeping in mind you are new in this particular role, what is the highlight so far?

I get to meet and work alongside so many different people that are experts in their field. People are so willing to share their knowledge, I learn something new every time I run an event. People are so passionate and they care – you can’t beat that.

You live on the Fleurieu. Have you always been in this region?

I grew up in the Southern Suburbs and have been living in Tooperang for the past four and a half years. We have 4 acres there. A couple paddocks for a few pet sheep and a bit of remnant scrub. Since moving to the area I have become very interested in birds. Working at the Natural Resource Centre I get to learn a lot about plants, so I have started a little bit of revegetation work at home as well. Mount Compass is a lovely community.

What is it about the Fleurieu that makes you proud to live and work here?

Probably all the little pockets of conservation parks and nature that people don’t necessarily know about. Within 15 minutes of where I live there are three or four different conservation parks that are all very different. Last year I set myself a challenge to explore a different park on my days off! We have so many hidden gems, there is so much to explore. Its free and a great way to get the kids outside. Learn and be outdoors!

On a more personal note, what do you like to do outside of work? Although I think with you work and personal life ties in nicely with nature?

Pretty much! I have a 7-year-old, so much of my ‘spare’ time revolves around sport and his activities. Otherwise getting outdoors when we can and keeping on top of our property maintenance. Hiking is on my list of things to get into for 2023.

Sarah’s Top Tips for the region:

Grab dinner out:

For a nice dinner, the Mount Compass Golf Club or Loco Mexican in Victor. The service is always amazing, the meals are always good. I’m vegan, and there is always a good option for me. The view at the Golf Club is lovely.

A quick bite to eat:

A bakery! Pick a pie at Meadows is always good. Or Home-Grown Bakery at Middleton.

Grab a beer or wine:

Smiling Samoyed, with a nice view and great onion rings!

Head out for dip:

Horseshoe Bay

Explore Nature:

I spend a lot of time in Scott Conservation Park, near Currency Creek. It’s a smaller park but its lovely. In summer at dusk, you will almost always see an echidna. There is always something special to see, it even has pygmy possums.

When I’m on the Fleurieu….

I feel….

At home - grateful and happy to be able to live and work here.

I always make sure I visit…

Stokes or Vivonne Bay on Kangaroo Island.

I stock up on…

Honey from KI.

Best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region.

Chat with people that you meet along the way. Find out what their favourite places are, you are likely to find treasures that are less well known.

Find out more about gwlap