INDIRA NAIDOO — Soul Safari

"It's a joy to bring nature back into our cold grey cities and see the joy it brings to people."

Indira Naidoo has worked in television broadcasting for more than two decades, reporting on topics spanning, sports, politics and current affairs. In 2009, she was selected to be trained by former US Vice President Al Gore as a climate change presenter and, as the author and founder of The Edible Balcony, Indira continues to advocate for issues of food security, sustainability and gardening.

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Tell us a little about your current work - what do you do, and what inspires you to do it?

I've just finished filming several stories for ABCTV's 'Gardening Australia' on inspiring projects converting wasted urban land into green spaces. The stories will go to air in May, June, July 2017.

How does your work enrich your life or the lives of others?

It's a joy to bring nature back into our cold grey cities and see the joy it brings to people.

Photo: My balcony garden and Sydney Harbour

Can you share a recent project you’ve worked on that you’re most proud of?

I'm probably most proud of the 200 square metre rooftop vegetable garden I helped establish on the rooftop of the Wayside Chapel a homeless crisis centre in Kings Cross.

Photo: Nature inspires my art

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give someone who’s going through their own transformation?

Search for your true purpose. When you find it you'll know. Everyday will become more and more joyful.

Photo: My watercolour sketch of Sydney Harbour

What was the pivot point that set you on your current path? Where were you then? Where are you now?

I was working as a news anchor for SBS TV when I realised that many of the conflicts I was covering were being driven by shortages of food and water and would become worse with climate change. I wanted to do something more practical and tangible than just reporting on the environment. I wanted to get my hands dirty in a garden and grow some of my own food.

Photo: Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens

What advice would you give to others to identify and embrace those moments of action?

Listen to that whisper don't ignore it.

Who or what has been your biggest inspiration in shaping your career?

I've had so many heroes and mentors from former US Vice President Al Gore who trained me as a climate change presenter to the inimitable Alice Waters whose Edible Schoolyard programme inspired my own Edible Balcony best-selling book. And I'm also blessed with a husband who supports and inspires me every day.

Photo: Nature, light, wine . This is a snap at Redondo Beach in California.

Where in the world would you describe as the place that speaks to you - your soul place?

I'm blessed to live on Sydney Harbour. Flying back home over the bridge and the opera house always makes my heart jump. Such energy and beauty. The Gadigal people certainly knew paradise.

If you could do anything, what in the world would you want to do next?

I wish I could click my fingers and make our political leaders protect us from climate change. There are so many opportunities for us to live better and more sustainably if we would only act now.

All images used with permission from Indira Naidoo.