They say it isn’t easy being green, but young Brimbank environmentalist Paul Sessarego forewent a potential career as a chemical engineer to keep his region’s parks in good health. The 24-year-old Green Army graduate speaks to Ben Cameron.
How long have you been with the Green Army?
I’ve been involved with this Green Army since April, but I’ve also been a Green Army participant at Healesville. I’ve had my fair share of environmental experience.
How did you get involved?
I graduated in chemical engineering at the end of last year. Even through that I had a passion for cleaning up the environment, so I jumped on the Green Army website and it looked like a very interesting project, like something I’d like to pursue.
What kind of work have you done in the Brimbank area?
A lot of it is weed control. We’re in Organ Pipes National Park at the moment and doing general conservation work in Brimbank Park – we’ve put a lot of plants in there and vegetated older ones.
Do you think Brimbank residents are aware of the parks at their doorstep?
To be honest, no. They’re just beautiful, untouched areas. There could be so many more people out there walking, taking their dogs for a walk or kicking a ball around. It’s such a beautiful area. It does wonders for self-esteem and fitness just being under the sun and in the park. I think they [Brimbank residents] could do so much more. I think it’s a well-kept secret with so many people going through the weekly grind.
And it’s been great for your own state of mind?
It’s really done wonders for my mental state. Being outside in the elements does wonders for you.
Where did you grow up?
In St Albans, then we moved to Keilor in my teenage years. I’ve really enjoyed living here; it’s a quiet area with lots of parks around. You can go for a run after work. I play indoor soccer and go to the gym. For fitness, Brimbank is really good in that regard. I also ran five kilometres in a trial fun run at Brimbank Park in April.
So your future is all about Brimbank parks?
My ambition, career-wise, is just environmental remediation … slowly but surely turning the Brimbank landscape into useable land where kids can come out and kick a footy around, where families can go for a picnic … just making the environment more useable.
A Green Army team has worked in Organ Pipes National Park for the past six months. Visit www.ppwcma.vic.gov.au or www.ppwrcs.vic.gov.au
