by Carla Caruso

Alexandra Buzila has been volunteering as our membership officer since June, and doing a fantastic job.

We thought it was time to put the 30-year-old in the hot-seat to find out more about her — including why she chose to lend a hand and what drives her passion for working in events by day. On with our interview…

Hi, Alexandra. Why did you decide to volunteer with the APA? And tell us a little about your role.

I was initially looking for something meaningful to do with my time, and in the theme of conservation.

After responding to the Adelaide Park Lands Association’s volunteer callout, I met with Shane [Sody, APA President] to chat about the role of membership officer.

During this meeting, it was clear to me that passion fuels the Adelaide Park Lands Association, and it is an initiative I felt happy contributing to.

Since June this year, I have performed the role of membership officer, responding to new and renewing members and keeping databases up-to-date.

It feels great being able to use some of my admin skills whilst helping others along the way, and to be part of something with a positive impact on our community.

How often do you frequent the Adelaide Park Lands?

My Adelaide Park Lands-frequenting is at its peak during festival or event seasons. Over the past seven years, I have been working in various roles at exciting and transforming events – many of which have been based in or around the Adelaide Park Lands.

Working outdoors on these lands feels a privilege and it really is a bonus to work and enjoy them at the same time.

Some of my most enjoyable shifts over the years include working for [cleaning and waste management service] Australian Green Clean at the Lucky Dumpling Market, and [floating nightclub] the Riverbank Palais in Elder Park / Tarntanya Wama [Park 26], where music and great vibes filled each evening.

[World music festival] WOMADelaide in Botanic Park [Park 11] is always beautiful over the long weekend in March.

Spending each evening in the Adelaide Botanic Garden [Park 11] whilst working at Light Cycles for Illuminate Adelaide was also very special. Being part of a great team, it was truly memorable to see the wildlife in a different light.

Which park is your favourite in the Adelaide Park Lands? 

Botanic Park [Park 11] springs to mind as the beautiful, breezy location of WOMADelaide. I have wonderful memories here, first volunteering in 2018, and more recently, working as the volunteers coordinator over the past couple of festivals.

Bonython Park / Tulya Wardli [Park 27] I’ve visited fondly as a child, as a teenage festivalgoer, and every now and then, with my niece and family. I love that it’s easy to get to, with lots of green space to walk, rest, and look at the ducks.

Tarntanya Wama [Park 26] is stunning and provides a green haven amongst the noise of the city. Pinky Flat, Elder Park, and the Park Lands up around Adelaide Oval are a short walk from the city and provide much-appreciated space to relax when you need it. 

What keeps you busy when you’re not meandering the parks?

I love spending time with my dogs, my partner, family and friends. Travel is something I don’t get to do too often but love. Going on road trips is one of my favourite ways to explore and bask in the beauty of Australia — and it means that the dogs can come too.

My parents are from Romania, so flying overseas to visit my family, who live there, is always really special.

It’s important to me to continue learning how to lead a sustainable life, and how to apply this to my working life too. In my spare time, I am studying a graduate certificate in climate change adaptation. Challenging my own thinking patterns and beliefs by exploring new ideas is a learning process I value. 

[Career-wise] I work in events, with great people, towards building a special experience for others. My roles have most recently been shifting between partnerships administrator with Illuminate Adelaide and volunteers coordinator with WOMADelaide.

As mentioned, you’ve worked at many events, in diverse roles, including at Adelaide Writers’ Week and the Adelaide Film Festival. What do you love about such work?

I fell in love with the idea of working in events, funnily enough, in Bonython Park / Tulya Wardli [Park 27] — attending a Soundwave music festival about 15 years ago now.

I remember walking through the gates, seeing one of the stages and the crew working, and feeling this spark.

Growing up with a love for music, we attended events like the opera and ballet as a family. As I got older, I started attending music festivals and gigs with friends, or sometimes on my own. Learning new ideas and discovering new music is one of the joys of attending.

The challenge of this work is appealing to me. I get to build on my problem-solving and communication skills, and also get to meet and work with some really great people.

The best thing about it, though, is the joy that an event or festival creates and how they bring people together.

I love that these transformed spaces offer a completely new world to submerse in for a little while, creating lasting memories and connections.