I’m a researcher and educator with a background spanning public policy, social research, and documentary storytelling. My work sits at the intersection of analysis, synthesis, and communication, translating complex material into clear, structured narratives. Professionally, I bring nearly three decades of experience working across government, community, and cultural sectors, where research, evidence checking, and clarity of communication were essential. I’m currently completing a PhD focused on social sustainability and community-led cultural practice, which involves qualitative research, literature review, archival work, and synthesis across disciplines including history, psychology, health, sociology, and education. Earlier in my career, I worked in film and television production as a segment producer and production coordinator, so I understand how research supports storytelling. I’m very comfortable working “behind the scenes”, building solid research foundations. I understand what a scriptwriter needs, and can deliver well-structured outlines, clear logic, key facts, context, and reliable sources.

Susie Smith

I’m a researcher and educator with a background spanning public policy, social research, and documentary storytelling. My work sits at the intersection of analysis, synthesis, and communication, translating complex material into clear, structured narratives. Professionally, I bring nearly three decades of experience working across government, community, and cultural sectors, where research, evidence checking, and clarity of communication were essential. I’m currently completing a PhD focused on social sustainability and community-led cultural practice, which involves qualitative research, literature review, archival work, and synthesis across disciplines including history, psychology, health, sociology, and education. Earlier in my career, I worked in film and television production as a segment producer and production coordinator, so I understand how research supports storytelling. I’m very comfortable working “behind the scenes”, building solid research foundations. I understand what a scriptwriter needs, and can deliver well-structured outlines, clear logic, key facts, context, and reliable sources.

Available to hire

I’m a researcher and educator with a background spanning public policy, social research, and documentary storytelling. My work sits at the intersection of analysis, synthesis, and communication, translating complex material into clear, structured narratives.

Professionally, I bring nearly three decades of experience working across government, community, and cultural sectors, where research, evidence checking, and clarity of communication were essential. I’m currently completing a PhD focused on social sustainability and community-led cultural practice, which involves qualitative research, literature review, archival work, and synthesis across disciplines including history, psychology, health, sociology, and education.

Earlier in my career, I worked in film and television production as a segment producer and production coordinator, so I understand how research supports storytelling. I’m very comfortable working “behind the scenes”, building solid research foundations. I understand what a scriptwriter needs, and can deliver well-structured outlines, clear logic, key facts, context, and reliable sources.

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Language

Portuguese
Advanced

Work Experience

Sustainability Education Programs Lead at Office of Environment & Heritage (NSW)
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2016
Led major sustainability education programs, climate engagement, and cross-cultural initiatives.
Sustainability & Behaviour Change Specialist at Transport NSW
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2018
Finalist for sustainability and behaviour change initiatives.
Program Support / Community Capacity-Building Specialist at Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation
January 1, 2019 - Present
Supported community capacity-building and equity programs.
Chronic Pain Community Engagement Co-designer at Central Coast Local Health District
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2024
Co-designed chronic pain community engagement and upstream health initiatives.
Sustainability Officer at Hornsby Council
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2023
Led the community to update solar adoption and related sustainability initiatives.

Education

PhD Candidate, Education for Sustainability at University of Newcastle
January 11, 2030 - January 4, 2026
Master of Applied Science (Social Ecology) at Western Sydney University
January 11, 2030 - January 4, 2026

Qualifications

Highly Commended – 3 Minute Thesis
January 1, 2023 - January 4, 2026
NSW Premier’s Public Sector Award – Highly Commended (2003)
January 1, 2003 - January 4, 2026
NSW Premier’s Public Sector Award – Highly Commended (2011)
January 1, 2011 - January 4, 2026
Transport NSW Solutions Award – Finalist
January 1, 2018 - January 4, 2026

Industry Experience

Education, Government, Healthcare, Non-Profit Organization, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services