Tahlia’s experience with Bright Green Future (BGF) opened her eyes to the connection between her everyday life and broader environmental issues. Living in a Victorian house, she became acutely aware of energy inefficiencies in older homes.

From energy-leaking Victorian housing to urban planning

“My house is really cold in winter but really hot in summer. So I decided to focus my BGF project on Victorian housing, energy and my local area. Because it’s where I live – so it’s really important to me.”
The program’s diverse activities, including urban planning sessions during the residential, sparked a new career interest for Tahlia.

“The session on urban planning during our BGF residential really opened my eyes to the different types of environmental careers, and I really found that really interesting. It wasn’t something I’d ever considered before but I was inspired about the sustainability side and also the art side of being able to plan your town or city.”

Building confidence and connections

BGF not only broadened Tahlia’s horizons but also boosted her confidence. She advises future participants: “Just get involved. Don’t be afraid to put your hand up and answer questions and contribute to all the discussions. It’s so interesting hearing everyone’s ideas and opinions. I just loved being surrounded by all these other people interested in sustainability and interested in saving our planet – because that’s what I want to do!”

The program’s emphasis on collaboration and diverse perspectives has been transformative for Tahlia. She describes her BGF experience in three words: “Fun, inspiring, and open.”

Impact and future prospects

Tahlia’s journey with BGF demonstrates how the program can turn local observations into career aspirations. By connecting young people like Tahlia with real-world environmental or sustainability challenges, BGF is nurturing the next generation of urban planners and sustainability professionals.