During March WSM Development has had the pleasure of hosting UK traveller Sophia Sanyahumbi for work experience. Sophia is on a gap year and staying at Murtoa before travelling and then heading back to the UK to study Economics and Sustainable Development at the University of Sussex.
During a busy month she attended events and workshops around AI use in farming, drought resilience, cultural diversity, International Women’s Day, community grants, renewable energy and the Science and Engineering Challenge.
Q – Tell us what you have been doing?
I have been participating in workshops, meetings, and forums which have helped to grow my understanding of renewable energy and the impact it is having across the region. I have been learnt about the opportunities that come with the transition, but also the challenges and concerns that come with it too.
I have also helped with community events such as Horsham’s Cultural Diversity Celebration, which created a valuable opportunity to connect with a wide range of people from many different cultures.
A big part of this work experience has involved meeting with people across the renewables sector, as well as community members and others who have been directly impacted by renewable energy projects. These conversations have given me a broader perspective on the region’s transition and the importance of meaningful engagement, inclusion, and information-sharing.
Q- What were some of the key highlights of your time in the Wimmera?
One of the key highlights of my time in the Wimmera, working with WSMD, was being part of Horsham’s Cultural Diversity Day. It was such a vibrant event, with exciting performances, fun activities, and a wonderful variety of food that created such a celebratory atmosphere. The way the event brought people together to recognise and celebrate the region’s diversity was amazing, and made it feel especially meaningful.
Another major highlight has been the opportunity to meet and work with so many incredible people. Building these connections and learning from others’ experiences, perspectives, and knowledge has been so valuable. It has made my time in the Wimmera both productive and insightful and has given me a stronger understanding of the community and the people who contribute to it.
Q – What were your key learnings?
My time in the Wimmera has given me a much deeper understanding of renewable energy, particularly the complex ways it can affect regional towns and communities. I have learned that while renewable energy brings significant opportunities, it also creates challenges that need to be carefully understood and managed at a local level.
One of the key things I have learnt has been the importance of collaboration. Achieving the best outcomes requires people, organisations, and communities to work together, share knowledge, and listen to different perspectives. I have seen how valuable strong partnerships and open communication are when responding to change and supporting communities through it.
Through this placement, I have also developed a much better understanding of how to use AI effectively. This includes learning how AI can support communication, planning, and problem-solving, and how it can be used as a practical tool to work more efficiently and thoughtfully.
Q – What has surprised you about your time in the region?
One thing that really surprised me about my time in the region was all the beautiful silo art. Before coming here, I had no idea there were so many creative artworks spread across the area. They add so much character to the region and reflect its creativity, stories, and community pride.
Learning about the significant role that volunteer groups play in the community has been interesting and was a little surprising for me personally, simply as I have never been somewhere with such a strong culture of participation and shared responsibility. But it has been inspiring to me that so many people are willing to give up their time and put effort into supporting their entire community as a whole.
Q – Have you managed to see any of the regional sites? What did you think?
I have seen some of the silo art and Aboriginal art. They are such unique pieces of art which I’ve enjoyed being able to admire.
I also visited Halls Gap and the Grampians, where I went on a stunning hike with Jess W. That was a definite highlight, as the scenery was unbelievably beautiful and it was a great way to experience some of the natural landscape of the region. Another memorable place I visited was the Pink Lake in Dimboola, which was super cool to see and paddle through.
On top of that, I have been to a couple of music festivals in the region, which have been amazing and introduced me to a lot of new music. They were also a great opportunity to experience the local atmosphere and connect with people.
Any other reflections of your time in the region?
One of my main reflections from my time in the region has been how interesting the dynamics of regional towns like Horsham and Murtoa are. I have really noticed the strength of community connections and the importance of word of mouth. Back home in the UK, London, word of mouth does not carry the same influence, but here it seems to play a major role in how people share information, build relationships, and stay connected to what
Overall, my time in the region has given me a greater appreciation for the unique strengths of regional communities in the Wimmera, particularly their connectedness, resilience, and the strong volunteer culture. It has been a valuable experience to observe and learn.
Questions and Answers with Sophia Sanyahumbi
