Wild profile: Selk Hastings

Selk Hastings, Wilderness Defender Coordinator for Western Australia, poses with some furry friends. Photo: Jenita Enevoldsen.

Where did you grow up? What was life like?
I grew up in Broome, up in the Kimberley in Western Australia. It was a very different place then – just one small backpacker's hostel and no big hotels. We moved away just as they started building Cable Beach Resort, but I loved growing up so wild and free. I’m uncomfortable with current generations making choices that knowingly deprive future ones of touching and experiencing pristine places like the Kimberley. Everyone should have a chance to experience this truly beautiful country.

How did you first get involved with the environment movement?
My father is a botanist and land conservationist. As a young wipper-snapper, I would traipse around the outback seed-collecting with him, then he’d go off and rehabilitate country devastated by mining. As an adult I studied Environmental Science and Sustainable Development at university, and was always teaming up with other students to organise environmental demonstrations. I’m a singer/songwriter too, so I found it natural to want to communicate about the things I cared for.

What is your favourite part of the job?
Easy. My favourite part is when my team is performing well and we're inspiring even more members than we hoped for. I love working for The Wilderness Society because I wake up every morning knowing the work I do is important and effective in saving our wilderness. I also put a big focus on providing an atmosphere where ideas, creativity and fun are encouraged!

What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Many things! But the most valuable things to me are the simple things. I live near the beach and I love going down there to see the world’s colours changing in the morning and the evenings. I also just love sitting in my backyard on a sunny day watching all the birds and insects zoom around and listening to their songs. Ideally, I am eating a mango, and have a good book and plenty of time!

Do you have a catchphrase?
Do your dishes before you change the world!

What was it like when you first started for the Wilderness Society?
I remember walking into the Campaign Centre here in Western Australia and being impressed simply by the liveliness of the place – it oozed action! Also the people seemed genuinely happy to be at work and they warmly welcomed me. So then my next impression was 'what a lovely bunch of people to work with!'

Why would you encourage someone to apply to be a Wilderness Defender?
Because they'll have have the chance to work for an organisation that is successfully bringing about positive change for our planet! Wouldn’t you feel amazing knowing that your work enables the Wilderness Society's campaigns to actually exist? When you sign someone up to be a member of the Wilderness Society, it feels amazing. Every day in this job you have the opportunity to help someone do something they can be proud of.

Join us

Interested in joining our Wilderness Defender team? We have groups operating right across the country, and we're recruiting now! Simply fill out this online form and we'll be in touch soon.