Stories: Margot L Rawthorne

Visioning and moderating for community change.

Margot, a social work and policy expert at the University of Sydney, leads the Water Futures initiative for the One Basin CRC. Her previous work has been in areas affected by disasters like the 2019/20 black summer bushfires and the 2022 NSW floods. This experience compliments her One Basin focus on community development and climate change adaptation.

“It’s creative and exciting work when people come together to identify and navigate complex issues,” Margot shares. “It’s truly a privilege. I get to meet a variety of individuals and learn from their experiences.”

Margot is adept at using participatory processes to generate shared visions. She effectively manages differences, including conflicts, and sets clear boundaries that allow her work to progress smoothly. Her capacity to find practical solutions in complex environments is genuinely impressive. “We always ask ourselves, ‘Is this useful?'” she explains. “It’s about being attuned to the situation, taking the necessary time, and allowing people to choose how involved they want to be. Transparency and ethical behaviour are also essential.”

A prime example of Margot’s work is the Lake Hawthorn project at Mildura. This recreational and environmental site, valued by residents, faces potential impacts from upcoming land development. Margot and her team have initiated community scans to understand the issues and community reactions, with the Mildura Hub emerging as a valuable contact point.

In tackling these types of challenges, Margot emphasizes common interests. “Start with what people share and collaborate on those goals,” she advises. This approach has been particularly effective where communities grapple with uncertainty, perceived powerlessness, and frustration. “Our goal is to be helpful without an agenda,” Margot notes. “We guide people through the process, helping them emerge stronger.”

Her leadership philosophy includes maintaining a learning stance, fostering curiosity, showing cultural humility, and keeping things enjoyable. Looking ahead, Margot hopes the One Basin CRC will continue its collaborative spirit and genuine focus on indigenous engagement, ultimately making a meaningful impact on community adaptation to climate change and water resource management.

Learn more about Margot’s story here.