I've worked in both big electricity companies and small local businesses, so I have a diverse skills base to draw upon. Hepburn Wind is a very small organisation and requires many skills and great flexibility which I really enjoy bringing to the organisation. I like to think I'm a a good communicator and listener as well.

2. What do you consider to be the most important challenges for Hepburn Wind this year?

The next year will be about bedding down the operations side of the business. As an organisation we are transitioning from project development into the operations phase. That brings with it all the standard business challenges along with our ongoing commitment to bringing benefits to as many as possible in our area through programs like our community fund.

3. What do you enjoy most about working for Hepburn Wind?

For me, Hepburn Wind is a new type of organisation, built by almost 1950 members who dared to dream about building something for the betterment of our community and the environment. The passion and commitment of everybody involved provides me with an enormous sense of joy. I feel that this drives me to deliver above and beyond.

4. As a nearby resident of the wind turbines, do you feel as if you can switch off from the job at the end of the day?

I live very close to the wind farm and can see the turbines from my house, so I do tend to look out the window and check the turbines fairly regularly. Sometimes I receive calls in the middle of the night from the electricity network operator and since most people involved are volunteers the hours can be a bit all over the place. It's very handy for work being so close to the farm and it has given me an opportunity to know many of my neighbours. I wouldn't say I feel the need to switch off, its just an integrated part of my life.

5. What are the next steps for the Hepburn Wind project?

Bedding down our operations is our main focus, but where we can, we help other communities who are looking to replicate the project.

6. Wind turbines can be polarising to small communities and even neighbours. How do you hope to overcome opposition to your project?

A lot of opposition comes out of misinformation or people feeling their concerns aren't being heard. By working transparently, listening and engaging in open dialogue we hope to address concerns. You'll never win over everyone in any community, especially with something new, but when people talk and get to understand each other, it's a good outcome for everyone.