Image: Rohit Sharma, Gascoyne Development Commission Regional Development Officer Colby Elliot, and Mangesh Botke
Mangesh Botke and Rohit Sharma recently brought skills and experience from their different areas of study to support the work of the Gascoyne Development Commission in regional internships through the McCusker Centre for Citizenship at UWA (the Centre).
Both are international students from India who live in the Perth CBD and said the opportunity to travel for their internships and experience life and work in regional WA had been a valuable experience.
Mangesh, who has now finished his Master of Environmental Sciences degree, specialising in Environmental Rehabilitation, was working on a drought resilience plan for the region.
“I got to explore some great places, like Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth, and the Blowhole, and I was able to experience regional life and connect with wonderful locals and plantation farmers, gaining valuable knowledge about regional Australia,” he said.
“I learnt about the uncertainties and risks for farmers and farming communities. My work was to identify the drivers that cause drought and the indicators of drought. I also analysed the impact of drought and extreme climate on the socio-economy of the region. This will help build a drought resilience plan for the region, preparing the community for future climatic scenarios.”
Rohit is also a Masters student, studying Business Analytics, and took on a research role analysing tourism data.
“My project involved analysing existing datasets to find relevant insights to help evolve tourism in the Gascoyne. I got to know about local culture from Aboriginal colleagues and friends, and practical knowledge of the region which was a highlight for me,” Rohit said.
“The work I undertook built my confidence in using software to handle data with more accuracy and efficiency. My contribution will help the Gascoyne Development Commission make tourism more accessible and dynamic, ultimately resulting in employment and economic benefits for those in the region.”
Mangesh and Rohit were the first students to intern with Gascoyne Development Commission through the McCusker Centre for Citizenship. Tim Bray, the Commission’s CEO, said that it had been a positive experience for everyone involved.
“For the GDC, this was an invaluable opportunity to see our region and its opportunities through the eyes of skilled young professionals with new ideas,” Mr Bray said.
“With the work and life experience Mangesh and Rohit gained through their five-week stay, they can be new ambassadors for the region with broad insights into what the region produces, what it offers for tourists, and how we can cope with climate extremes.
“Their work, ambition and input, as well as their drive to experience the region to the maximum, makes us look forward to future interns from the McCusker Centre for Citizenship program.”
Rohit said that a regional internship in the public sector had been the best way for him to gain a unique broadening experience of life and work in Australia, and both students recommended the Centre’s internship program.
“The Centre’s mission of fostering active citizenship deeply resonates with my values, while the internship also aligned with my motivation to gain professional experience,” Mangesh said.
“The internship program is a great way for UWA students to realise the importance of social justice and the value of being engaged in the community.”