“Here I am looking over Canberra’s Mount Stromlo Observatory. Once I got the basics together, I really started to enjoy the sport and the combined elements of fitness and problem solving it requires. With a growing love for the sport, I quickly got onboard with Kurt's idea to go back to Whistler, the mountain bike Mecca, but this time on a working holiday. COVID-19 changed our plans with our dream to travel to Canada off the cards. But the silver lining was I was able to accept an exciting employment opportunity here, working as a retail accountant for global bike brand TREK at its Australian HQ.”
BALANCE
Moments with
Olivia Stutchbury CA
Mountain biking enthusiast Olivia Stutchbury CA has not let COVID lockdowns stand in her path. She has combined her love of the outdoors and accounting know-how to find a new job in Whistler, Canada.
“This is me taking on the Lord of the Squirrels Loop bike trail on Mount Sproatt in Whistler, Canada. This is a loop that is around 27 kilometres with more than 1470 metres of climbing into the Alpine. This photo was taken in August which is mid-summer in Whistler. The summer season lasts from mid-July to mid-September, with temperatures reaching up to 30º Celsius. Though it is usually much cooler in the Alpine.”
Me at Rainbow Falls, Alberta, Canada on a cool, spring day in March. While spring conditions are much like my hometown of Goulburn, NSW, Whistler does get much colder in the winter months with temperatures as low as –29º Celsius.
2022
“I had just recently finished my 350-hour yoga teacher certification and run coach accreditations when this shot was taken on top of Rocky Hill overlooking Goulburn. I've completed my Pilates instructor training, too!”
“I was a keen runner and thought this would be related to my future endeavours. Instead, I ended up studying a Bachelor of Commerce with majors in accounting and business management (at the University of Canberra). It was not exactly what I expected, but I liked the variety and usefulness of what I was learning and was willing to see where it would lead me.”
2015
“Upon completing my degree, my partner Kurt and I went on a holiday to Canada. After our trip, I continued working in public practice accounting – I had been doing this part-time while studying – and completed the CA Program.
During our Canadian holiday I naturally was in awe of the mountains and the endless trails on offer. Running was still a major part of my life then. This photo is taken from the top of Blackcomb Peak and you can see Mount Garibaldi and the Black Tusk (volcanic pinnacles) in the background. This was our first trip to Canada where we spent most of our time in Whistler, but also travelled to Banff and Jasper in Alberta.”
“We are now lucky enough to be living in Whistler for almost a year. This photo was taken at Whistler Mountain Bike Park. I am also excited to have just started a role as an accountant with a local firm in the Sea to Sky area. It has been an unexpected and exciting journey and I wouldn't change it for the world!”
“While I was sad to leave TREK, we didn't want to miss the opportunity and so we packed our bags (and bikes) and got on a plane destined for Canada.”
2017
2019
2021
2022
Acuity Special Edition December/January 2023
See full issue
Follow fitness fanatic and mountain biking enthusiast Olivia Stutchbury CA has combined her love of the outdoors and accounting know-how to build a successful career both in Australia and overseas.
“Early on, I didn't really know what I wanted to do in my career...”
“I became a yoga teacher and started my own small yoga business in Goulburn while continuing to work full-time and study the CA Program.”
“I decided to give mountain biking a go...”
“There was a short window of hope to make our Whistler dream come true...”
Acuity Special Edition December/January 2023
See full issue