Dr Nargis Banu, Environmental Scientist

Following the completion of a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and Master of Science degree at the Bangladesh Agricultural University, Dr Banu worked as a lecturer at the University of Science and Technology in Bangladesh.

 

In 1994, Dr Banu migrated to Australia, where she continued her studies with a Master of Environmental Studies at the University of New South Wales, followed by a PhD at the University of Sydney. 

 

For several years Dr Banu worked for NSW Government agencies including the former Department of Land and Water Conservation; the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Services; Energy Australia; the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA); the Australian Rail Track Corporation and the Office of Environment and Heritage, currently she is working for  Sydney Water Corporation

 

As an Environmental Professional, Dr Banu provides environmental impact assessments for important infrastructure projects, to ensure their compliance with environmental legal requirements. She also worked as a Research Associate and a casual Academic at the University of Sydney. 

 

The future of our natural environment is of high importance to Dr Banu, as evidenced by her involvement in a number of professional societies, including the Australian Society of Soil Science, the Environmental Professional Forum, Women in Energy and Leadership, Natural Resource Management Professionals, Greening Australia and Linked In.

 

Outside of her primary occupation, Dr Banu has maintained a commitment to community development tasks. She volunteered as an Ethnic Community Language Teacher between 1995 and 2002, and is currently a volunteer for the Community Visitors Scheme.

 

From 2004-2005 Dr Banu was the Vice President of the Bangladesh Association of Australia, and from 2008-2009 was the President of human rights organisation ‘Focus Bangladesh, Australia’. Also in 2009, Dr Banu became the Resident Representative of the Community 2770 Board consist of seven State Government Agencies – her role, to report back to the Board on the community’s concerns on issues such as drugs, alcohol, crimes, housing and - suburban beautification.

 

In 2004 Dr Banu began hosting a community radio program on SWRFM 99.9, The Voice of Bangladesh, where she works to raise awareness of various socio-cultural issues such as women’s rights, domestic violence, multiculturalism and civic participation. She has been an active member of the station’s programming committee. 

 

The important role that Dr Banu has played in the development of the local community including Bangladeshi community of Sydney was recognised by Blacktown City Council when she was awarded the ‘Women of the Year Award’ in 2009.

 

Dr Banu’s nomination for the Women of the West Award is supported by a recommendation from Mr Ed Husic MP, Federal Member for Chifley, which states that Dr Banu is an “asset to the local community promoting social inclusion and diversity.”

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