Become a member of the State Council

Appointment of 4 State Councillors

Applications are invited to fill 4 new positions relating to the following portfolio areas:
•       Northern Sydney
•       Western Sydney
•       Marine conservation
•       Bushwalking and field activities.

As a member of the State Council, you will be directly involved with setting NPA’s strategic direction and policy, collaborating with other active members, and strengthening our network of local branches and groups. A State Council position is entirely voluntary.

These positions will bring the State Council to a complement of 31 members.

Position 1: Northern Sydney 

Northern Sydney (see map) contains a network of magnificent national parks and other natural areas. These are intertwined with an urban population of just under a million people. Closeness to nature make this a popular area for NPA members—in fact more members live here than anywhere else.

The position will suit a person with a good local knowledge of Northern Sydney, and who cares about the future of its natural areas. Duties include:

1. To coordinate NPA affairs relating to Northern Sydney, including conservation matters and local member activities.
2. To prepare or assist with submissions to relevant agencies.
3. To keep the State Council regularly informed on emerging issues, possible responses, and any recommended actions.

Position 2: Western Sydney 

Western Sydney (see map) comprises the western and northwestern sectors of the Cumberland Plain, extending onto the elevated plateau of the Blue Mountains. It has an urban population of over a million people, with another million on the way. It’s also home to more than 400 NPA members.

Major urban expansion and related infrastructure—including an international airport, road and rail links, and a possible raising of Warragamba Dam—bring many threats to its precious natural areas.

The position will suit a person with a good local knowledge of Western Sydney, and who cares about the future of its natural areas. Duties include:

1. To coordinate NPA affairs relating to Western Sydney, including conservation matters and local member activities.
2. To prepare or assist with submissions to relevant agencies.
3. To keep the State Council regularly informed on emerging issues, possible responses, and any recommended actions.

Position 3: Marine conservation

NPA continues to be active in advocating for a greatly improved network of marine protected areas along the NSW coastline. Recent efforts have focused on proposals for a Sydney Marine Park through submissions and a variety of community events. However, there are also many other gaps in the network that require future investigation and action.

The position will suit a person who is both knowledgeable and enthusiastic about protecting our marine environment. Duties include:

1. To coordinate NPA affairs relating to marine conservation.
2. To prepare or assist with submissions to relevant agencies.
3. To keep the State Council regularly informed on emerging issues, possible responses, and any recommended actions.

Position 4: Bushwalking & field activities

NPA members operate the largest bushwalking program in Australia—all on a voluntary basis. They also undertake a wide variety of other recreational and field activities, from kayaking and cycle touring to field surveys and bird watching.

The position will suit a person with wide experience in bushwalking or other field activities, and who is keen to see that these pastimes continue to be enjoyed into the future. Duties include:

1. To assist with planning, improving and widening the activities program.
2. To provide advice on training, leadership, safety, access and other relevant issues.
3. To liaise with other organisations such as Bushwalking NSW.
4. To keep the State Council regularly informed on emerging issues, possible responses, and any recommended actions.

General duties

Your duties as a State Councillor will include:

1. To regularly attend and actively participate in decision-making at State Council meetings.
2. To advance the Association’s objects and act in its best interests.
3. To maintain general familiarity with the legal responsibilities of a State Councillor.
4. To apply good interpersonal skills, including to work as a group, to communicate personal points of view frankly and tactfully, and to listen to and respect other points of view.

Essential requirements

You must be a current financial member of the Association.

Desirable qualities

1. Suitable skills, experience and motivation to undertake the duties of the position (see above).
2. Applicants will desirably add to the compositional diversity of the State Council in relation to matters such as skills, experience, age, gender, cultural or regional background.

Attendance at meetings

State Council meetings are held 3 times per year on weekends at various locations across NSW.  Between meetings, interaction occurs by email.

Term of position

Each position ends November 2017. Successful applicants are eligible for re-appointment.

Travel & accommodation

A policy applies for reimbursement of travel and accommodation expenses for attending State Council meetings.

Application process

1. Lodge your application using the enclosed form.
2. Complete all required fields.
3. Send the application form to the Secretary by any of the specified methods.
4. Your application must be received by 4 pm on Friday 2 June 2017.

Selection process

Applications will be assessed on merit by a selection panel, having regard to the contribution that the applicant may make by reason of their skills, experience and motivation. Recommendations by the Panel will be considered at the next meeting of the State Council, to be held on 24 June 2017 at Wirrimbirra Sanctuary, 3105 Remembrance Drive, Bargo NSW 2574.

Further enquiries

Please contact Anne Reeves, President

Download the Application Form

Download the Information Sheet