Fortnightly Five - Get to know Jarrah Simao

Welcome to the Fortnightly Five where we learn a little bit about our colleagues. This week it is Conservation Projects Officer, Jarrah Simao.

1. In around 100 words, tell us a little bit about a day in your job?

My role at CGD is the Conservation Projects Officer. I get to work on some really exciting grant projects, helping to build and manage habitat for native wildlife. This involves managing contractors and in-house staff to revegetate areas within CGD using indigenous vegetation, and also manage our remnant bushland reserves. I am also responsible for facilitating the Gardens for Wildlife Greater Dandenong program. Residents who apply for this program receive tips and advice for building wildlife habitat in their garden, as well as a free plant voucher to our local indigenous plant nursery.

2. Favourite achievement in your time at Council.

My favourite achievement through my time at Council has got to be the Biodiversity Blitz we host every year through the iNaturalist app. Through this event, we worked with 10 other local councils to document over 33,000 living organisms in the month of September 2023. It’s a super fun event and I encourage everyone to get involved this September!

3. Favourite thing about Greater Dandenong?

My favourite thing about Greater Dandenong is the diversity of people, everyone has a different story to tell and I never fail to find more smiling faces to make friends with each day.

4. Outside of work, what fills your cup? 

Outside of work I am a keen nature photographer. I have had some of my images included in the CGD community calendar (see the photograph of the magpie below), as well as our promotional material. You can find more of my photos on my Instagram, @wildcatalogue.

5. Favourite image I took this year.

Common Flatwing Damselflies make a love heart shape when they mate (see image below). This species is special to me as it can only be found within metres of running creeks in relatively healthy areas. It inspires me to get out into nature and see more of the beauty our world has to offer.

Be part of Fortnightly Five.

Do you want to be part of Fortnightly Five? Email website@cgd.vic.gov.au with the subject title Fortnightly Five.