Honorary Life Members
The ultimate honour, recognising contribution that is exceptional to the highest degree.
Kate Boyd – A committed conservationist and paid-up NPA member before she finished her HSC, Kate’s involvement has been constant even since, no matter where she happened to be. Through her work for local branches—not just Armidale, but also Hunter, Sydney and Southern Sydney, on the NPA Executive, as a representative to IUCN, on national park advisory committees, or by sharing her knowledge on countless bushwalks and field days, Kate has been a solid asset to NPA and many other community bodies for as long as anyone can remember. We pay tribute to her outstanding achievements.
Brian Everingham – For over 45 years, Brian has demonstrated he can do just about anything that NPA needs doing. It would take much less time to list the roles he hasn’t filled. But whatever the role, he brings wisdom and leadership, based on an incredibly extensive knowledge of the State’s natural areas. This has been critical to many of our reserve proposals, and for improving the way that existing reserves are managed. Brian is also a walks leader par excellence. His walks serve as environmental classroom, field monitoring station and vigilance patrol against threats and inappropriate activities. NPA would be all the poorer without Brian’s ever-present contribution.
NPA Volunteer Awards 2021
State Conservation
For outstanding contribution to State-wide nature conservation.
Phil Spark – Phil began as a farmer and trained as an ecologist. He has been a front line defender of the forests and woodlands of north-west NSW against the coal and gas industries, including through surveys, public inquiries, court hearings and public speaking. He freely gives his time and expertise to community organisations. He has influenced many through his inspiring field days, excursions and guest appearances.
Pat Schultz – Famous for her tag-along tours, Pat has enamoured many hundreds of people to the Pilliga, its natural beauty and cultural heritage. She has developed a network of local residents who interact with newcomers, guiding them to places of wonder and places under threat. Her book The Plundering of Leard and Pilliga Forests is both travel guide and campaign resource.
Allen & Beryl Strom
Only granted occasionally, the award recognises ‘exceptional service to the Association, the nature conservation sector and the wider community’.
Julie Sheppard – Julie has been an inspiration to everyone within the Macarthur Branch, going right back to its early origins. Whether as President, secretary, walks leader or State Councillor, or through her contribution to forums, advisory committees, submissions and public inquiries, Julie has been a potent force in the campaigns for Dharawal, Bargo Gorge, Wedderburn Plateau and many others.
Activity Leadership
Marilyn Cross – Marilyn is a keen walker, botanist and a caring leader. Always with a lovely smile, she’s a regular leader and co-ordinates the Wednesday walk group.
Local Achievement
Barbara Boundy – A participant with NPA’s Friends of Tomaree NP group, Barbara quietly devotes long hours outside the scheduled working bees. She has a tremendous love and knowledge of the native orchids of Port Stephens.
Susan Goodison – Sue worked in the voluntary position of News/publicity officer for the Mid North Coast Branch for the past three years. This role rapidly expanded from sending out weekly walks notices to taking all enquiries from newcomers, sending all communications for the committee, and sending weekly walks notices to 7 local newspapers. The Award was presented to Sue by the branch at their Christmas party. At the presentation, president Coleta Richards made special mention of Sue’s efforts of organising and registering walking groups during the COVID restrictions throughout the year.
Pam Gill – Pam Gill has been a valued NPA member for 15 years. Pam undertook the role of Newsletter Editor and Publicity Officer on the Central Coast Branch Committee in 2008 and still holds the Newsletter Editor role today. The quarterly newsletters produced by Pam are to professional standard and the editorial input is remarkable with interesting articles and activities for the newsletter supporting local heritage and environment. The award was presented to Pam at the Branch Christmas party, by President Alan Shaw.
Organisational Support
Esther Chow – Esther contributes an incredible amount of energy, time and enthusiasm into creating walks, but also supporting the organisation needed to make them happen. During the covid restrictions she has kept in touch with many walkers, helping them to find options in their local area.
George Pund – George has made a valuable contribution to PMC and the Landscape Conservation Forum, including revision of the Fire in Natural Areas Policy, research on flora reserves and collating information about development in Kosciusko National Park.