Growing up in Melbourne, I was always fascinated by the idea of travel: my parents were constantly journeying to some exotic location and I was lucky enough to accompany them on a few of these trips. It was while living in Taiwan in the early 90’s that my ‘conversion’ to environmentalist took place.

In 1991, I had the opportunity to move to New York and join an environmental consultancy, managing projects across the US and travelling extensively in North and Central America. After eight years I returned to Melbourne to start Great Forest Australia.

What continues to motivate and excite me after more than twenty years of working in the sustainability field is finding new opportunities to create solutions that have a lasting impact. I’ve also been involved with Pure Earth, an international organisation dedicated to preventing pollution and safeguarding human health in the developing world, which has led to several trips to Asia to visit seriously affected communities. I’ve come home from each journey with a greater appreciation of having clean air to breathe and clean water to drink, vowing never to take these things for granted.

I’m excited about the future, and my part in creating a sustainable one for us all…may the journey continue!

I emigrated from Israel in 2003 and have been living in Melbourne since then. I came with the intention of developing my skills and abilities in the environmental industry, and my intentions have been fulfilled beyond my expectations.

Since completing my Masters degree in International Development & Environmental Analysis from Monash University, I have worked as a sustainability assessor and auditor, where I obtained certification to conduct Environmental Audits. I have also consulted on energy and water efficiency programs for businesses and households, which involved engaging with people, enabling them to take actions to reduce their environmental footprint.

Since joining Great Forest Australia in February 2008, I have been developing and maintaining successful partnerships with our varied client base, including large office towers, hotels, organisations, and Government departments. Through my work at GFA I am able to train, inspire and support our clients to achieve and move beyond their targets.

I have been working on our waste minimisation programs, as well as conducting Sustainability Performance Reporting of our clients’ environmental impact from resource consumption, including energy, water and waste, recommending a range of initiatives and assist them in setting targets for future improvements.

My passion for the environment is reflected in my monthly column in the Israeli E-ton newspaper, aimed at engaging the community in sustainable practices and behaviour change, and ongoing volunteer work with the Alternative Technology Association (ATA).

I am a keen ‘Op-shopper’ and love giving old items a new life.

My work at GFA, as well as these extra-curricular activities give me great pleasure, satisfaction and a sense of purpose, and inspire me to continue to make a difference in the world.

I was lucky enough to grow up in South West Victoria in a small sea-side town, and from an early age I developed a strong connection with nature. I graduated with a degree in Management/Communication in 1993, and have been focussed on making a difference to people and the environment ever since.

My first seven working years were spent in the not-for-profit sector working with two industry associations and a student union in roles ranging from event management and magazine editor, to public affairs and marketing. This was followed by three years at a New Apprenticeships Centre with Victoria University where I worked to create employment and training opportunities for indigenous Australians and people with disabilities.

Since joining with Great Forest Australia in 2005, I’ve been able to fully embrace and express my passion for environmental issues. As a senior consultant I have successfully developed and implemented GFA’s programs at over 25 sites, including large office towers, hotels, retail complexes and shopping centres. I pride myself in my ability to ‘find a way’ through the roadblocks that sometimes arise during program implementation.

I feel privileged to work in an industry I am so passionate about.

After I received my Bachelors degree in civil engineering I found myself more interested in the sustainability field, and obtained my Masters degree in Environmental Engineering in 2009.  I then worked as an environmental engineering consultant, mainly focusing on water and wastewater management. As an environmental engineer, I have always been keen on using science and engineering principles to solve different problems in the environment.

In 2011, I started working on a joint research collaboration with The University of Melbourne and SITA Australia to understand the process of reducing landfill gas emissions and waste minimisation. I have worked extensively on waste management projects in Victoria and South Australia and I have also published several papers in scientific journals and at international conferences.

I started my career at Great Forest Australia in September 2015. I have been developing waste management processes for various clients including large office towers and shopping centres.  I am a member of Engineers Australia and Waste Management Association of Australia  (WMAA) and I was also an organising committee member of the National Energy from Waste Conference which was held in 2016.

I enjoy my work and making a difference in the  sustainability and environment protection areas. During my spare time I like to go camping and bush-walking. I reside in Melbourne with my wife and I can be contacted at mason@greatforest.com.au.