Emerging Leader: David Stevens

Abstract

Growing up in Yeppoon, central Queensland, created a solid foundation of resourcefulness and ingenuity which later framed my career. As a child of an engineer and a teacher who fostered a culture of service above self, I quickly learnt that everything came at a cost, everything can be repaired, and that you catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar. After completing my studies I worked for a few years living out of a suitcase, overlapping planning and project management in the execution of power shutdown projects across Australia. This was topped off with a delegation in Berlin, Germany and, while I was finally able to unpack my suitcase, I quickly regretted not bringing any good coffee with me. Returning to Australia has led me to join the team at the Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC), delivering capital works projects in the Torres Strait