UWA Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science) student Emma Wesley embraced the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a regional community during her McCusker Centre for Citizenship summer internship with the Shire of Carnarvon, where she supported a wide range of ranger and community safety activities.
Emma said she applied through the McCusker Centre because she was seeking an internship that aligned with her values around social justice, community engagement and practical learning. “I wanted an experience where I could make a genuine contribution while gaining real‑world skills, particularly in a regional setting,” she said.
During her internship as a Ranger Support Intern, Emma supported day‑to‑day ranger operations across the Shire of Carnarvon. Her work included assisting with animal management, environmental patrols, compliance activities, welfare checks, community engagement and public safety tasks that directly supported residents and the local environment.
Her supervisor, Anthony Willis, said Emma quickly made a positive impression on the team. “Emma approached her internship with a genuine ‘can‑do’ attitude and a willingness to take on tasks outside her comfort zone, which is essential in a ranger role where no two days are the same,” he said.
Emma said the most rewarding part of the experience was seeing the immediate impact of ranger work on community wellbeing. “Whether it was helping reunite lost animals with their owners, supporting vulnerable residents or assisting with environmental protection, it was incredibly rewarding to see how the work made a real difference,” she said.
She found the most challenging aspect was adapting to the unpredictable nature of the role. Many situations required quick problem‑solving, adaptability and clear communication, particularly when working with members of the public in sensitive circumstances.
Despite entering the role without direct experience in ranger services, Emma’s willingness to learn stood out. “Although she came in without direct ranger experience, Emma applied her environmental science knowledge well and showed strong initiative in learning on the job,” Anthony said.
The internship broadened Emma’s understanding of how closely environmental management, public health and social issues are connected. She said the experience showed her that environmental work extends far beyond ecosystems alone, encompassing people, equity and community support.
Reflecting on the impact of her role, Emma said the work helped strengthen community safety, animal welfare and environmental protection. “Ranger services play a vital role in responding to community needs, building trust and ensuring that both people and the environment are cared for,” she said.
Anthony also highlighted the value Emma brought to the organisation. “Emma quickly became a valuable member of the team, supporting a wide range of community safety and environmental activities,” he said. “Her engagement with both the technical and community‑facing aspects of the role helped strengthen the service we provide to residents.”
Emma added that the internship has strengthened her professional skills and clarified her career direction. The experience boosted her confidence, enhanced her communication skills and reinforced her interest in pursuing environmental health or community‑focused environmental work, particularly in regional areas.
She strongly encourages other students to consider a McCusker Centre for Citizenship internship. “The Centre offers an incredible opportunity to gain hands‑on experience while contributing to meaningful community work. It’s also a great way to complete an elective unit, and I would highly recommend considering a regional or remote placement,” she said.
Reflecting on the broader benefits of the experience, Anthony said hosting interns creates mutual value for both students and organisations. “Hosting interns like Emma brings fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to our team, while also creating an opportunity to mentor the next generation of environmental and community professionals,” he said.