Lisa Hindmarsh’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Since graduating from St Stephen’s School Duncraig in 2012, she’s sailed across oceans, returned to university, dived into sustainable tourism, stood as a political candidate, and is now shaping future minds as an Academic at Murdoch University. Her story weaves global adventure with local purpose.
“After finishing school, I studied a Bachelor of Tourism Management and went on to a Graduate Diploma of International Relations,” Lisa shares. That foundation led her to spend five years working as a stewardess on privately owned superyachts. “I travelled to destinations that I otherwise would have never been able to go to… the South of France, completing an Atlantic crossing to Florida, and sailing on to the Caribbean, West Papua and the Solomon Islands.”
Despite the glamour, what left the biggest impression on her wasn’t the luxury, it was the contrast. “Every family and guest I worked for were lovely and polite… but seeing first-hand the disproportion of wealth between the lives of billionaires in comparison to those living on islands around the South Pacific—who were struggling to feed their families—really gave me the urge to stop serving the tables of CEOs. I needed to be sat at the table with these decision makers.”
That revelation brought Lisa back to university to complete a Master of Sustainable Tourism Management in 2022. She describes it as a turning point. “It instilled the drive towards working on making beneficial change for society and advocating for human rights.” Passionate about environmental preservation and the power of tourism as a force for good, Lisa has also worked alongside Indigenous tourism business owners and community leaders across WA. “I listened and learnt from a number of Elders and believe they are the forefront of the tourism industry here… They provide incredible, world-class experiences.”
Lisa’s commitment to advocacy led her into politics during the 2025 State Election, where she ran for the seat of Carine. “It was a lot of fun! I met so many unique characters… and it was intriguing to learn about what issues motivated people to get involved in one way or another.” While contesting her focus was clear: “If just one conversation made a difference to someone in reconsidering their values towards disadvantaged people, or influencing the need to preserve our environment, then it was a success.”
Alongside her academic role and continued advocacy, Lisa was recently named one of four finalists in the Channel Seven Young Achiever Awards under the Tourism and Hospitality category. It’s just one more milestone in a career fueled by purpose. “I like to emphasise that our pristine and unique environment is a huge draw card for tourists… it is important to preserve its beauty through sustainable development and regenerative tourism.”
Reflecting on her school days, Lisa recalls how her time at St Stephen’s School helped shape her values. “You must hear everyone’s point of view before coming to a decision on something… St Stephen’s was great at not forcing a belief system but rather encouraging the service of others. When you put other people before yourself, success comes naturally.”
She holds fond memories of subjects like Art and Biology, and school camps that took her out of the classroom and into real connection, particularly the Bethany Home trip to Malaysia in 2011.
Her advice for young people, especially women, considering a path in politics or advocacy is simple but powerful: “You must be in the room to make the change.” She adds, “Doing an internship, volunteering, and simply showing up time and time again, are all ways to contribute – and one day the efforts will start to pay off.”
And to her Year 12 self? “It all works out in the end,” she says. “I didn’t get the best grades and only just got into university… but I graduated from my Master’s with Distinction… While a good grade does open doors, overall, it is about the life experiences and lessons you learn along the way that shape the potential you bring.”