Costa Haritos at the launch of the Southern Australia Season Bushfire Outllook in Perth.
My time at the CRC comes to an end in January, and what a year it has been.
I came into this experience with an open mind and no expectations and I have been so pleasantly surprised by the complete support of my CRC colleagues and the broader CRC network of researchers, end-users, stakeholders, students and everyday Australians who read and pay attention to the great work that we do.
I have had the opportunity to meet so many incredible people, work on some very exciting projects and had plenty of laughs along the way.
There have been many highlights throughout my journey, but I am particularly proud about being involved in the creation of the new CRC website; meeting and working with so many interesting people from Australia and around the world and giving a bigger voice to our student researchers, who are so passionate about what they do.
It is so pleasing to see the breadth and scope of research that is occuring and how it will enhance disaster preparedness, mitigation and resilience around Australia. I feel great pleasure and faith when I think about the future and how disaster aware and ready Australia will be. You should all feel very proud of the great work that you are doing.
The direction of the CRC and the scope for utilisation on so many of our projects; the knowledge and network base that has been created; and the camaraderie that exists is such a strong part of this organisation and I really hope that is retained as the CRC looks at alternative options at the end of its current funding cycle.
My biggest thanks go to my CRC colleagues, particularly David Bruce and Nathan Maddock. They are two of the most hardworking people I have had the absolute pleasure of working with. Thank you both for allowing me into your world and for your complete support, honesty and belief in me.
I will forever feel indebted to my colleagues for the time and effort that they have so willingly given me across my time at the CRC, working alongside such a skilfully diverse and talented team is one of the things that I will miss the most about my time here.
I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Gabriel, who will be taking over from me. I have no doubt that Gabriel will enjoy his time at the CRC and I wish him nothing but success and luck along his journey.
For now, it’s time to go back to my studies, where I have one year left of my degree, but I look forward to staying in contact with you, to keep the conversation going about the importance of research in emergency management.
My last day is 25 January but you can always find me on Twitter and LinkedIn if you would like to stay in touch.