KZ: What has been the highlight of your career so far?

B: I have managed to travel to most parts of the world with my work but some of the greatest highlights have been exploring the Australian bush for previously unknown species and working to control diseases that have been introduced. One of the highlights has been to walk into the secret site where the Wollemi Pine grows and to work on protecting it from introduced diseases to ensure its survival.

KZ: What are the best and worst parts of your job?

B: The best part of my job is any time I can get out into the bush and the worst is when I have to do lots of paperwork!

KZ: Did you have any hobbies as a child that helped with your career?

B: I have always loved exploring nature and looking at plants in the wild – I also spent a lot of my childhood in the country.

Read more of our interview with Dr Brett Summerell in the August 2021 Sports Jam issue, on sale now!