Inspiring women of DEW - Celebrating International Women's Day 2025

Across the Department for Environment and Water (DEW), women are making a profound impact - leading, innovating, and driving change in conservation, sustainability, and community partnerships.

Here are just a few of them.

Yvie Eglinton – A trail blazer for inclusion

Passionate about inclusivity, Yvie Eglinton has been a trail-blazer for accessibility initiatives in DEW through her role to help make our national parks more accessible for everyone. Some of her achievements have included securing funding for e-trikes to help people swap wheelchairs for motorised chairs and explore park trails, and championing disability awareness through training programs.

Amanda Sulley - Koala care expert

At Cleland Wildlife Park, Amanda Sulley leads koala care with dedication and expertise, ensuring high welfare standards for the animals and a positive experience for people who visit. Amanda brings energy, professionalism and positivity to work every day, mentoring staff to bring out their best and fostering a positive work culture.

Helen Donovan - Leading nature partnerships

Helen Donovan is Acting Manager for Community and Nature Partnerships in DEW, leading a team to encourage more people to visit SA’s national parks and collaborating with more than 140 Friends of Parks and Nature groups. Through her role, Helen has strengthened the department’s partnerships with groups like Heysen Trail Partnership Group and the Australian Citizen Science Association SA, championed volunteer engagement and nature education initiatives, and hosted unique events like Camping with Wombats and Menopause in Nature.

Michelle Smith - Three decades of dedication

Michelle Smith has spent more than 30 years supporting DEW’s National Parks and Wildlife Service in various administrative roles. Her expertise in HR, customer service, finance, and workplace safety has been invaluable, guiding countless staff through their careers. In 2024, Michelle was recognised as a recipient of a DEW ‘unsung hero’ staff award for going above and beyond to get results.

Simone Stewart - Securing water for remote communities

Simone Stewart has led the charge for an important project shaping solutions for communities at high risk of water insecurity. Working closely with First Nations groups, Simone’s efforts are having practical outcomes, including securing two new wells, installing heavy duty pumps and water monitoring systems and increasing water storage capacity at the Iga Warta Homeland, on Adnyamathanha Country, to ensure long-term water security for this remote community.

De’Anne Smith - Planning for better development outcomes

De’Anne Smith has been a driving force in integrating land use planning, environment, climate resilience and heritage across the state government for more than 20 years. In her role as Principal Planning Officer, her expertise ensures alignment across land use planning and conservation strategies, shaping South Australia’s sustainable development efforts.

Rhianna Pezzaniti – Chihuly in the Garden

Rhianna Pezzaniti is the Producer of the Chihuly in the Botanic Garden exhibition, which has attracted nearly one million visitors since it opened in September 2024. Rhianna and the Botanic Garden teams, in collaboration with the Chihuly Studio, 250 volunteers, and more than 20 partners, have delivered a world-class event for Adelaide.

DEW’s Network of Operational Women - Supporting women in the field

The DEW Network of Operational Women was created in 2024 to support women working in remote field roles. Through networking opportunities and peer support, the network is bringing women together with positive outcomes, including increased staff engagement and improved confidence in addressing gender-specific workplace issues.

Celebrating women leading the way
These women, alongside many others in DEW, are breaking barriers and driving progress. On International Women’s Day, we celebrate their leadership, innovation, and dedication in helping South Australians conserve, sustain, and prosper. Visit the department’s website to find out more about working or volunteering at DEW.