 "The colorful swift parrot is the world’s fastest parrot reaching speeds of up to 88km/h. ‘Swifty’ is critically endangered with reports of only 750 left, largely due to habitat loss in Tasmania, their breeding grounds."
AUSTRALIA
SHERIDAN MORTLOCK
Height: 172 cm
Measurements: 33 in - 26 in - 37 in Career/Education: Model and International Relations & Politics Student  |
DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS
My childhood was a bit different to that of my peers. When I was 9 years old my family and I traveled around Australia in a camper trailer for 14 months. My two younger brothers and I were homeschooled as we explored our diverse and beautiful country. We then settled in Jerilderie, a small country town where my mum grew up. This is where I lived throughout high school. In my early high school years, we lived on a farm with some chickens, our 3 cats and dog. We would often all go on walks together up our driveway (which was about 2km long). The chickens and cats joined us sometimes too! And in the summer, we would swim in the billabong creek or water ski at the local lake with my neighbors.
WHAT IS YOUR MEMORABLE MOMENT?
One of my most memorable moments was when I got to work in the parliament house of Australia for a week. Since I was 10 years old, I have wanted to join the Australian parliament to help create a better Australia, especially in terms of sustainability and environmental changes.
So, when I got accepted to work in the House of Representatives for a week shadowing different departments I was over the moon. This work experience further solidified my desire to get into politics and take on the big issues.
ANY SPECIAL STORIES OR FACTS ABOUT YOUR FAMILY?
My dad works for the biggest agriculture business in the world, and my mum is a carpenter.A fun fact about my mum is that she has always wanted to be a builder but she didn’t start her trade until she was 40 years old. When she left school woman didn’t become builders, so she studied architecture instead. But, she decided she still wanted to pursue it. Both her brothers and her father were all carpenters so she has always been surrounded and inspired by it. So, at 40 years old she started studying again and graduated by 43. She won student of the year at her TAFE (the first time the award had been won by the ‘building and construction’ department!). She also received the NSW state award for Woman in non-traditional role in 2017. She works full time as a carpenter and has now began building her dream home in Jerilderie.
WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE?
One of the most unusual things I have done is writing and directing a play on the Great Emu War. The Emu War was an iconic Australian event, where our army went to war with one of our greatest animals, the Emu, because they were destroying local farmers crops in Western Australia. To cut a long story short, the emu’s won the battle! I had a great time creating the story and seeing it played on out stage. Definitely an unforgettable moment.
WHAT TIPS CAN YOU SHARE TO PROMOTE ECOTOURISM & CLIMATE CHANGE?
Connecting with people about ecotourism and climate change definitely has a big influence. You never know who might be listening and what might come about from a simple conversation. Of equal importance is taking action towards it. People are moved by those that move. If an ecotourism spot is showing how they are sustainable then they will have more credibility, potentially influencing other tourism venues to follow suit. Similarly, if people are acting on climate change, then others can join in and boost the numbers and therefore reach more and more people. Promoting through the media, online and simply talking and connecting with others is a surefire way to promote ecotourism and climate change.
WHAT MAKES YOU PROUD OF YOUR COUNTRY?
I am proud to call Australia home.
Our people and our environment are just as diverse as it is beautiful. We are home to thousands of unique fauna and flora that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. And our people love and care for our environment, and for each other. When disaster strikes, our communities help those in need. The recent floods and fires that devastated my country shows how strong and resilient Australia is. Australia is my home, and I wouldn’t change that for the world.
Our people and our environment are just as diverse as it is beautiful. We are home to thousands of unique fauna and flora that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. And our people love and care for our environment, and for each other. When disaster strikes, our communities help those in need. The recent floods and fires that devastated my country shows how strong and resilient Australia is. Australia is my home, and I wouldn’t change that for the world.
WHAT IS YOUR ADVOCACY?
My advocacy is based on the acronym A.C.E.
Action
Care
Education
Climate change and environmental protection are all linked through webs of connection. If we change one element of the ecosystem, then it will ripple out to others. This is why we must use the pillars of ACE to make the most effective changes. Only through Caring about our environment, Educating ourselves on current environmental changes, and then taking direct Action will we be able to protect Mother Earth.
Action
Care
Education
Climate change and environmental protection are all linked through webs of connection. If we change one element of the ecosystem, then it will ripple out to others. This is why we must use the pillars of ACE to make the most effective changes. Only through Caring about our environment, Educating ourselves on current environmental changes, and then taking direct Action will we be able to protect Mother Earth.
