Youth worker heads south for even colder conditions

Temperatures below zero, glaciers and snow fights are coming up on the agenda for Rockingham resident Natasha Hazell.

The City of Rockingham youth worker will experience snow for the first time next year when she embarks on a two-week journey to Antarctica as part of the International Youth Ambassador program.

One of only three Australians accepted for the icy adventure, Miss Hazell said she felt privileged to be chosen to take part.

“I will be gone for the whole month of March because I have to do preparations in Argentina before we go and get my cold weather gear,” she said.

Miss Hazell said she was hoping to raise money for the trip to cover the expensive cost of travelling.

“A big part of the fundraising is trying to raise awareness for the environmental issues,” she said.

“I am just a greenie at heart so for me this is an opportunity for me to develop my skills.”

Miss Hazell said the trip was a chance to further develop her knowledge on the environment.

“I lived in an Aboriginal community in the middle of the desert for 18 months, so this is literally the complete opposite,” she said.

Up to 40 students from across the globe are taking part in the trip, learning about climate change and sustainability while they explore the Antarctic Peninsula.

Warnbro MLA Paul Papalia has supported Miss Hazell’s trip.

“I think it is a wonderful opportunity for a young person to develop their own awareness and their personal character and skill sets,” he said.