A Rainforest Welcome to Hayden White
A lot of you may be familiar with Hayden White, as he began his Rainforest Rescue journey as Conservation Field Labourer at the beginning of 2023. In late 2023, when Justin McMahon announced he was moving interstate, Hayden stepped up… Please join us in extending a warm rainforest welcome to Hayden, our new Land Manager.
Having assumed the reins, Hayden has swiftly demonstrated his exceptional managerial prowess and resilience, deftly navigating through significant challenges in a brief span of time — from orchestrating the largest Tree Planting in Rainforest Rescue history to confronting the adversities brought by Cyclone Jasper at the close of 2023.
With a background steeped in landscape gardening, horticulture, and an inherent passion for nature, Hayden’s elevation to the pivotal position of Land Manager speaks volumes about his expertise and dedication. His extensive hands-on experience as a landscaper, coupled with training in Counselling, highlights a distinctive approach to conservation and well-being, further accentuated by a unique skillset in crisis management.
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Hello and welcome, Hayden. What originally brought you to Rainforest Rescue?
In November 2022, I discovered a community tree planting event in the upper Daintree. I was impressed by the team’s achievements and stayed in touch with Justin. I expressed my interest in future opportunities for work or volunteering. Around February 2023, Justin called, and I began working as a casual in March. I haven’t looked back since.
Your commitment to the environment is undeniable, but you also have many other skills — in particular, a training in counselling — how are you able to integrate this into your conservation work with Rainforest Rescue?
I believe everyone should do a basic counselling course as it makes you face inwards and assess your own behaviours and emotions. When we get approached by people on what we do who may come off rude or aggressive at first, it’s wise to deflect that emotion and not take it personally. It’s been an amazing lifelong skill that applies in all areas of life.
What is your favourite aspect of working as Rainforest Rescue’s Land Manager?
The fantastic team I work with is truly one of the highlights. As with constantly being outdoors, exploring and walking among the trees. Most days are spent planting trees or immersing myself in some of the oldest rainforest in the world what a job!
Hayden & Agathis robusta, Albury 2020
What are the greatest challenges you face in your job?
The heat in the wet season would have to be one of the greatest challenges, that I face. It’s impossible to stay hydrated, so we start earlier in the wet season to avoid as much heat as we can.
Tell us about your best day so far.
Completing our largest tree planting, with a staggering 4000 trees during the Mossman Botanic Garden Tree Planting Day, was a great achievement.
What do you hope to bring to the organisation?
I hope to bring a combination of dedication and passion to the organisation. Additionally, my strong work ethic and commitment to help drive positive change and growth. I am eager to collaborate with my colleagues, learn from their perspectives, and collectively make a meaningful impact.
What’s your favourite tree?
Kauri Pine, scientifically known as Agathis robusta, is an absolutely stunning and magnificent tree that commands attention wherever it grows. It can reach heights of over 50 metres and a width of 7 metres, some specimens are estimated to live over a 1,000 years.
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Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions, Hayden. Here’s to an exciting journey ahead, protecting, restoring and learning from the oldest tropical lowland rainforest in the world!
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