JO O’Reilly Stubbs shared her passion for surfing and the environment, highlighting her experiences as a Surf Judge, Photographer, and Environmental Research Scientist.
In a conversation with the Sentinel Times, Jo emphasised the importance of conservation efforts in protecting the coastline and its wildlife and discussed her efforts to enable career paths for women in historically male-dominated industries.
In chatting to Jo, it didn’t take long to realise that her initiative to make positive change is inspiring to those who have the benefit of working alongside her.
Jo grew up in Inverloch surfing breaks along the coast from Wilsons Prom all the way over to Phillip Island, with the Inverloch mains still her favourite place to surf.
“My favourite board is a custom shaped 9-foot 1 inch longboard by Surf Beach shaper Chris Williams,” said Jo.
Her love for the environment spurred her to move to Melbourne to study an undergrad in politics, a masters in horticulture, and begin a PhD in climate change with the University of Melbourne.
Since returning to her hometown with her husband Andrew, and children Phoenix, Wilco and Tarquin, Jo has taken up surf photography, become the Treasurer of Phillip Island Boardriders Club (PIBC), a Progression Surf Judge with Surfing Victoria, and taken on a new two-year term as a representative on the Bass Coast College Council.
Jo’s surf photography has been published online for the Australian Broadcasting Association and Phillip Island Boardriders Club, and in print in the local papers including the South Gippsland Sentinel Times and the Phillip Island and San Remo Advertiser.
Jo’s passions include enabling career pathways for women to encourage their involvement in historically male dominated industries of STEM, scientific research, and the surf industry in competing, judging and media production.
She also consults as an Environmental Research Scientist under her own business Urban Forestry Research, which is also a level one sponsor of the Phillip Island Boardriders Club.
Using her environmental education and role as Treasurer, Jo has recently written a Victorian State Government grant application to obtain $10,000 to revegetate 0.2 hectares of the PIBC’s land, to increase bandicoot habitat and wildlife corridor connectivity in the Bass Coast Shire.
“As treasurer, this financial year I have also applied for over $50,000 in other pending grant applications for PIBC women’s surf programs, clubhouse maintenance and concreting works to enable accessibility for all users of the space.”
