My early career journey through the OzFish Young Leaders Program
OzFish is dedicated to ensuring ongoing pathways and professional development opportunities are accessible for students and early career graduates, even after their placement with us has been completed.
We work collaboratively with universities across Australia to upskill and support young people, opening pathways to create future leaders in natural resource management and steer recreational fishing towards a sustainable future.
Read how University of Newcastle graduate Cass Monckton turned her OzFish Young Leader experience into a career with Central Coast Council.
Cass Monckton, UoN Graduate
My name is Cass, and I am a proud member of OzFish’s Young Leader Program. I’ve served as a Habitat Officer since January 2024 and later stepped into the role of Lake Macquarie Chapter President. I’m also honoured to be an alumna of the University of Newcastle, where I spent the best – and most challenging – four years of my life studying Marine and Coastal Science.
During that time, I seized every opportunity to learn, grow, and deepen my understanding. My university experience shaped not only my education and career but also my values, my spirit, and ultimately, the person I’ve become.
I applied for the OzFish Young Leaders Program a few months after graduating. I was looking for volunteering opportunities that offered more than just being an extra pair of hands. I wanted to step into leadership and expand, strengthen, and refine my skills. I reached out to OzFish to see if this was something they could offer, and I was soon directed to the Young Leaders Program. The opportunities it presented far exceeded my expectations.
After years of hard work and dedication, I’ve recently accomplished my ultimate goal and am now living my dream, working as a Graduate Environmental Scientist in the Water and Sewer team at Central Coast Council.
I genuinely believe that my journey through the Young Leaders Program was instrumental in securing this role. I threw myself into every volunteering activity, stepping out of my comfort zone time and again. The support I received along the way was unparalleled. This program truly rewards the energy and passion you invest.
My involvement with OzFish has been transformative. It’s given me the confidence to lead, the skills to organise and deliver successful community events, and the platform to share my passion for protecting our waterways. It’s empowered me to step up, speak out, and embrace leadership in ways I never thought possible. Most of all, it’s shown me that meaningful change is within reach – and that when communities come together, even the smallest actions can create a ripple effect of lasting impact.
One of my proudest achievements during my time in the Young Leaders Program was playing an integral role in launching the Morpeth Community Riparian Restoration Project – an inspiring initiative led by dedicated volunteers to restore the health and integrity of the Hunter River’s riparian habitat.
If you share my passion for our oceans and waterways, and you’re considering joining the Young Leaders Program, go for it!
The possibilities are endless, your growth is limitless, and your journey will be uniquely yours. I’ve had the most incredible experience and will always be grateful to have found my way to OzFish.
To learn more or apply for the Young Leaders Program, follow the link below.