2024: A Year in Review

As I sit back and reflect on 2024, it’s been a year of both challenges and incredible experiences. The year started with a life-changing move from the UK to Australia to join JB Pacific , marking a new chapter in both my personal and professional journey. This move has opened up new opportunities and provided fresh perspectives, both in my career and personal life.

Professional Milestones

2024 has been a year of exciting professional growth and collaboration. One of the highlights has been the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients, from local governments to national organisations. This year, I contributed to several projects, including supporting flood risk assessments, enhancing hazard mapping, and collaborating with the Bureau of Meteorology to enhance their flood gauge network metadata for the FWIN programme. Each project provided unique challenges and valuable insights, helping to advance my expertise in flood risk management and environmental consulting.

I’ve also had the privilege of connecting with some incredible organisations and mentors who have helped shape my professional journey. Floodplain Management Australia (FMA), with the leadership of William Prentice and Jess Carey , has been a significant source of support and inspiration. Their efforts to foster collaboration within the field of floodplain management have been invaluable, and I look forward to continuing to work with FMA in the future.

Networking through the CIWEM (The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management) and the Brisbane Geospatial Network (BGN) has provided great opportunities to engage with professionals in the water and environmental sectors. Additionally, my collaboration with 艾奕康 in New Zealand, particularly with Pete Brooks , has been incredibly rewarding. Pete’s mentorship has been instrumental as I aim to achieve Chartered status next year, and his guidance has had a lasting impact on my professional development.

Staying connected with JBA Risk Management and JBA Consulting has also been crucial in ensuring the transfer of best practices from the UK to my work at JB Pacific. The approaches JBA uses for flood risk assessment and hazard mapping continue to influence my practice today. I’m incredibly grateful for being given the opportunity to join the JBA Group as a young graduate all those years ago. Special thanks go to Andrew Gubbin , Gary Deakin , Barry Hankin , Jeremy Benn , Daniel Rodger , and the entire team in Warrington, whose mentorship and guidance shaped my career to date. Their support has been invaluable in helping me grow both personally and professionally, and I continue to apply the skills and lessons I learned from them in my work today.

Over the course of the year, I’ve also had the pleasure of working with many other talented professionals. David Wainwright at Salients , Evan and Michael at MidCoast Council , Hoy Sung Yau RPEQ CPEng and the team at Ipswich City Council , and Ruby Soin and the team at National Emergency Management Agency (to name a few) have all played vital roles in making 2024 a successful year. Their expertise, collaboration, and continued support have been key to overcoming challenges and delivering successful outcomes on projects.

Presenting at the NSW Coastal Conference was also a key milestone in my Australian journey, allowing me to share insights on flood mapping and hazard risk management. The opportunity to engage with professionals like Marc Daley from across the country and discuss innovative solutions for coastal flood risk was invaluable, and I look forward to future collaborations with everyone I met there.

Finally, I'm honoured to be part of the JB Pacific team as we were recognised at the Australian and Queensland Export Awards this year ( Trade and Investment Queensland ). This recognition highlights the hard work and dedication of the team, and it was inspiring to be part of a company that is making such a significant impact in the environmental and flood risk management sector in the SEA region. The award is a testament to the team's commitment to excellence, and I am excited to see where this recognition takes us in 2025.

The connections and collaborations I’ve made this year have been essential in shaping my professional journey, and I am excited for the opportunities and growth that 2025 will bring.

Personal Reflections

2024 has been a year of reflection as much as it has been about professional growth. I've found that balancing work with personal commitments has become increasingly important, especially as my career evolves and new opportunities arise. Throughout this year, I’ve become more attuned to the value of taking time to reflect, not just on what’s gone well, but also on the challenges faced and lessons learned. These moments have allowed me to fine-tune my approach to both work and life, ensuring that I stay grounded on what truly matters.

This year has also brought its own set of personal challenges, particularly with the sudden loss of my mother-in-law to pancreatic cancer. It was an incredibly difficult time, and I’m deeply grateful to those around me who provided support and understanding when it was most needed. As if leaving family on the other side of the world wasn’t challenging enough! The world truly is a small place however, and I’m fortunate enough to be able to be where I’m needed when it matters most. It’s a reminder of the importance of family and the value of being present for loved ones, even when distance makes it tough.

Setting up life in a new country has also come with its own challenges. Selling our house, moving all our possessions across the world, and adjusting to new surroundings have all been significant hurdles. It’s a big step, and while the excitement of starting fresh has been energising, the process has certainly tested our patience and resilience. Through it all, I've gained a new appreciation for adaptability and the strength that comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone.

This year also brought joy with the arrival of a new niece, a beautiful addition to the family who has brought so much happiness. It’s a reminder of the joy that comes with new beginnings and the importance of cherishing family moments. On top of that, we had the pleasure of having my father-in-law visit us in Australia. While the trip was emotionally challenging, it was also enjoyable and meaningful, and we were grateful for the time spent together. It was a poignant reminder of the importance of family connections, especially when living so far from home.

Looking ahead, I’m excited for all the travelling 2025 has to offer, including visits from more family and friends. Those who know me well would agree that I’m pretty laid-back about life and like to think stress doesn’t really exist. But let’s be honest, this year has certainly tested that! I wouldn’t want to repeat it in a hurry, but it’s been both wonderfully challenging and difficult in equal measure. Despite it all, I’m grateful for the lessons learned, the experiences gained, and the opportunity to grow.

Embracing the Australian Outdoor Lifestyle

One of the highlights of my year in Australia has been immersing myself in the incredible outdoor lifestyle this country offers. Coming from the UK, it’s hard to ignore the sheer variety of nature and adventure that’s now right on my doorstep. From weekend hikes in the stunning national parks to coastal explorations, Australia’s landscapes have provided the perfect backdrop for winding down after a working week. There’s a certain freedom in the vastness of the outdoors here - whether it’s the golden beaches, the bushland, or the mountain ranges - there’s always something new to discover.

I’ve really embraced the idea of living an active, outdoorsy lifestyle, and I’ve spent much of my free time getting to know the incredible places Australia has to offer. It’s hard not to feel energised by the beautiful weather and the vast open spaces, making it the perfect setting to recharge after a busy week. Whether it’s an evening run along the Brisbane River or exploring the hinterland on the weekends, it’s a great reminder of how important it is to connect with nature.

Football has also been a major part of my year. Joining Tarringa Rovers and playing with the team has been a fantastic experience, and I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know a wonderful bunch of people. The camaraderie, teamwork, and spirit of the group have been something I truly appreciate. It’s been a great outlet for staying active and social, and I’m grateful for the friendships and fun times it’s brought me.

Additionally, having the space and time to try new things, such as exploring different hiking trails, has given me a fresh perspective on staying active and appreciating life beyond the desk. The lifestyle here is definitely one that encourages both physical well-being and a balanced mindset, which is something I’m continuously grateful for.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As 2024 draws to a close, I’m filled with anticipation for what 2025 holds. Personally and professionally, I’m eager to build on the foundations of this year and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. On the professional front, I’m excited to continue contributing to the success of JB Pacific and the wider JBA Group, working with clients across the country and beyond. The prospect of new projects, challenges, and collaborations keeps me motivated to push my boundaries and achieve even more, particularly in the areas of flood and coastal risk management.

I’m also looking forward to the continued growth and development of my career, particularly as I work towards becoming a Chartered professional next year. With the support I’ve received from mentors and colleagues, I feel more confident than ever in my ability to make a meaningful impact in flood and coastal risk management, ensuring resilience and sustainability for the communities we serve.

On a personal note, 2025 will bring even more adventures, both near and far. From weekend hikes to exploring new corners of Australia, I’m excited to continue embracing the outdoor lifestyle and discovering new places. I’m also looking forward to more visits from family and friends, making the most of the time spent together.

As always, I’ll be sure to keep the balance between work and life, taking time to reflect, recharge, and maintain a positive outlook.

Bring on 2025!