Amy Plant is on a journey. After starting her Bachelor of Business in Mackay, she’s moved all the way back to Perth and is enjoying the look and feel of the new campus. As a member of CQUniversity’s Student Representative Council, Amy is pursuing her passion for positive change and looking to enhance not only the experience for her fellow students, but the university community as a whole.
What was a recent highlight of your life?
A recent highlight was visiting Port Hedland for a work trip. I lived in Port Hedland in 2015 and it was great to see so many familiar faces. I love the Pilbara and it’s amazing landscape and people.
What is the best thing about CQUni?
The best thing about CQUni is the flexibility and being able to utilise campuses around Australia. I started at CQUni in Mackay and moved back home to Perth this year, so it was a real benefit to be able to pop into the Perth campus to use the facilities. I also travel quite often within Australia, so a couple of weeks ago I was able to catch up with some of my Student Representative Council colleagues at the Melbourne campus for a study session.
What is the best thing about your CQUni campus?
The best thing about the Perth campus is its location – smack bang in the middle of the CBD. It’s right on the doorstep of my favourite coffee spots (Uncle Joes, The Wolf Espresso, and Country Road Café if you’re wondering), the best toasties in town (hands down Toastface Grillah), and the best outdoor gallery of street art in Wolf Lane and Murray Street.
Who has made an impact on your life? Why?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have some excellent mentors throughout my career, and I think Dr Travis Kelleher and artist/curator Andrew Nicholls have both made a positive difference in my life. They have both helped me develop my writing and are really supportive of my ideas. I’ve also been really inspired by some of the lecturers I’ve had at CQUni including Maree Franettovich in Mackay for her commitment to supporting and engaging students, and Dr Olav Muurlink for his volunteer work in Bangladesh and supporting sustainable development through education.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
If I could change the world, I would focus on changing our attitudes towards consumption to become more sustainable in our choices and behaviour. Food wastage and fast fashion are two really big peeves of mine, but second to disposable take away coffee cups! There are lots of little changes we can all make to reduce the impact of consumption on people and planet. This year I’ve started carrying my Keep Cup around with me so I don’t need to use disposable coffee cups, and also planning meals and buying groceries accordingly so I don’t throw out so much food. And if you’re not convinced on the impacts of fast fashion, check out The Fabric Social’s journal.
If you had no responsibilities where would you be right now?
Usually I would say - sitting on a tropical beach somewhere - but let’s be real here … I would be on my couch watching season five of Orange is the New Black.
I like what you say about food sustainability and lowering waste, I try to do this with my family myself. Also, I can not wait to visit the CQUni Perth campus, it sounds Amazing.