ISLA Fitridge was born in England, raised in Scotland, and lived in New Zealand, Denmark and in other towns in Australia before a move to Beechworth six years ago.
What's your job?
I've been a marine biologist for almost 20 years, specialising in marine invasive species, and am now a researcher with the Invasive Species Council.
When we moved to Beechworth, I started growing flowers and learning floristry, and so I also run my own floral business here called Scout's Garden.
What brought you to this role?
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My love for marine science started at eight years old when I decided with absolute determinedness that I'd be a marine biologist when I grew up.
I have loved every second of my career and am still so passionate about my work.
Scout's Garden came into being after my dog Scout passed away.
She was my four legged soulmate.
Growing flowers and creating beautiful things with them became a form of grief therapy for me after she died, and then grew into the business I have today.
It's a beautiful legacy to leave me. I still miss her every day.
What do you love about your job?
As a marine biologist, I've helped many maritime industries find ways to mitigate and manage marine pests.
The problems and impacts vary incredibly, so it's always really challenging.
Scout's Garden enables me to spend time outdoors, nurturing bee–friendly ethically grown flowers and being consciously creative with them.
I love the challenge and process of creating.
What do you do in the community?
I run workshops throughout the year which offers the community an opportunity to take some time for their mental wellbeing and get close to nature through flowers.
I recently moved into a small studio space at the old Railway Station in Beechworth, so now my workshops will be more frequent and accessible.
What's the most important current community issue for you?
Access to health care.
What would you do to solve, change or improve that situation?
Our local GPs are amazing and work so hard, but it can be challenging to secure a timely appointment.
We need to make sure they are better supported.
We need to attract and retain new graduate GPs and great nursing staff – perhaps that can be achieved through financial/HECS incentives, and investment in health care facilities, housing and daycare.
What's the most important current world issue for you?
The impact of invasive species, which are often immense and usually irreversible.
Invasive species have caused the irretrievable loss of native species and ecosystems, and may be as damaging on a global scale as the loss and degradation of habitats.
If the person you would most like to meet came to Indigo, or was already here, who would that be and what would you show them?
The French impressionist painter Claude Monet.
I'd take him to the little pond in the Chinese Gardens in the golden glow of a late autumn afternoon with his easel and paints.
Why would you show him that?
Monet was incredible at capturing light and shadow in nature.
The Chinese gardens are a magical spot and I think he'd feel very inspired.
As the sun sets, I'd watch him work, share a platter of local goodies and wine, and talk (very rubbish) French with him.
What book are you reading?
'The Flower Fix' by Anna Potter – a great source of wild, creative floral inspiration!
