Prue Watt OAM
Senior Policy Officer, Occupational Diseases and Chemicals Policy - Safe Work Australia
A bit about me...
I currently work as a Senior Policy Officer at Safe Work Australia in the area of occupational lung diseases. I am a passionate advocate for people with disability and promoting equality, access and inclusion in all aspects of Australian society. I serve on a number of boards and committees in the areas of sport and disability advocacy. I am a four-time Paralympian in the sport of swimming, and have a strong passion for the importance of sport participation in optimising health, wellbeing and social inclusion. I love keeping active and enjoy running, hiking and snow skiing.
Quick-fire Q&A:
What recent habit(s) has improved or changed your life?
Recently I have started to develop a routine of practicing self-reflection. It is really valuable for developing self-awareness and to reflect and learn from the diverse perspectives and experiences of our community.
How did your time at UNSW help shape who you are today?
My experience at UNSW offered many unique experiences and has helped me to develop confidence to become involved in leadership roles within disability advocacy and sport sectors. I am forever grateful for the support I received from my lecturers and fellow students during my studies, and also through the UNSW Elite Athlete Program.
What was your most memorable experience from your time at UNSW?
I had so many wonderful experiences both academically and through extracurricular activities. One of my most memorable experiences has to be my time on Student Representative Council as Student with Disabilities Officer. I truly loved supporting, connecting and collaborating with the UNSW student community in this role and I loved every second.
What advice would you give to someone who was interested in science and considering it as a career?
I was drawn to the breadth of disciplines and specialisations offered through a Bachelor of Science, through which I could discover my own areas of interest. Be open minded about your potential career path and know that it doesn’t need to go in only one trajectory. Always be curious and enjoy the process of exploration!
Why is science important?
Science, in all its disciplines, branches and partnerships, provides us with opportunity for exploration, evolution and discovery. It is important as it allows us to continually ask how we can improve or do things differently, as we work collaboratively towards addressing global challenges and creating positive change.