Alumni in profile
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Gayle Seddon
Master of Education (Science and Environmental Education) 2005
Graduate Certificate of Applied Science (Environmental) and
Bachelor of Secondary Environmental Education 1986
" I'm one of these people who wants to make a difference," said Gayle Seddon, recent graduate of Deakin's Master of Education (Science and Environmental Education). "It's crucial that we bring about change," said Gayle, "in public attitudes towards the protection of the environment."
Formerly an educator of children and teachers in environmental studies, Gayle's current role as Environmental Affairs Manager with Citywide means that she can now extend her influence into the industrial sector. "I left the education system because I felt a good job was being done in schools. I've been at Citywide for three years now, and it's my job to make people here aware of their responsibilities regarding the environment whether they work in the office, on the ground or on the road."
To equip herself for the transition from education to industry, Gayle completed her Master of Education by distance education. According to Gayle, the Deakin course provided her with the theoretical background in professional development she needed to effect change within the workplace.
"I went to Deakin because they're known to be leaders in the field of environmental education, their course is recognised as being fairly ground-breaking," she said.
Taking a number of years to complete her masters part-time, Gayle experienced considerable changes in Deakin's delivery of course material over time. "The interactivity improved dramatically. With access to the internet all the time, I was able to chat to fellow students and lecturers online, and I didn't feel so isolated."
Citywide, an independent company with over 150 employees, competes for contracts in areas such as the management of roads, footpaths, street cleaning and parking metres. Gayle's role as Environment Affairs Manager is to implement environmental management systems, projects and training programs that are geared towards the protection of the environment. "My role cuts across the entire organisation, from educating operations managers, to business managers, to working with the guys on oil spills," said Gayle.
According to Gayle, compliance has a large bearing on the industry's work practices, with environmental protection now a legal matter. "It's about educating the staff about ownership at all levels and realising it's their duty to comply, not mine," said Gayle.
"On a personal level, the course has helped me to understand how to make environmental education work in industry, what best practice is, and importantly, how to motivate people. "
