Our People

Michelle Black

michelle@arid.com.au            Mobile Phone:   0439 093 868

Michelle’s passion and background lies in sustainability – which refers to the opportunity for all people, of present and future generations, to live a fulfilling, prosperous life while protecting and enhancing the natural environment upon which we all depend. 

After completing a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainable Development (with Honours), Michelle commenced an interesting and diverse journey into the world of consulting – with a focus on helping clients achieve economically, socially and environmentally sustainable outcomes.  Michelle’s work has primarily been in the areas of stakeholder engagement and strategic planning for sustainability, particularly in the mining and property sectors.    Michelle thoroughly enjoys working in both of these areas, and has developed key capabilities in process design and planning, strategy development, facilitation, research and analysis, writing and project management.  

Michelle combines thoughtful and sensitive communication and process skills with a practical, outcomes-oriented approach to her work.    Michelle firmly believes that engaging a wide variety of stakeholders in any project can strengthen the potential to achieve more sustainable outcomes, as well as strengthen project ownership and stakeholder relationships. 

Special interests

Michelle is passionate about helping people to take individual and collective action towards sustainability, whether it is in a local community or a small or large organisation.  Michelle believes that everyone has the potential to contribute, and aims to help people to both develop their personal capacity and leadership for sustainability, as well as work together to solve problems and realise opportunities.

Work history

August 2008 to present – ARID Group

 January 2004 to July 2008 – Consultant, Sustainable Consulting.   Examples of Michelle’s work include: 

• Designed and facilitated a strategic planning process for a non-profit
  environment centre during a transition period, which led to a revised strategic direction and the development of a business plan 
•  Participated in a number of complex projects requiring the alignment of diverse stakeholders from the community, business and government sectors, undertaking a variety of roles:

•  Prepared and reported working group meeting outcomes for the community engagement and consultation process for the proposed expansion of an alumina refinery
•  Facilitated stakeholder Advisory Group meetings, and prepared and reported meeting outcomes, for a property development project

•  Co-directed the planning, design, construction and opening of a sustainable display home, with particular responsibilities for sponsorship activities and partner liaison

•  Co-developed a recommended climate change strategy and business case for a large mining company, which led to the development of a three-year Climate Change Program based on latest research and risk and opportunity assessment outcomes

June 2003 – January 2004 – Project Development Officer – Real World Science Project, Kwinana Industries Education Partnership.  Key responsibilities included:

•  Identified and provided a preliminary assessment of existing Australian science programs
•  Identified prospective stakeholders for a ‘real world science’ program in the Kwinana-Rockingham-Peel region
•  For each stakeholder, established the level of interest, desired outcomes and likely support (including potential funding sources) for a ‘real world science’ program
•  Identified how the project could be progressed within KIEP schools
•  Developed recommendations for developing and implementing the project within KIEP schools

Affiliations
Sustainability Practitioners Association – founding member, past Secretary and present Treasurer