Executive Committee
The Annual General Meeting and Annual Meeting of State Council were held in November. Welcome to the new Executive Committee, elected 16 November 2024
President: Grahame Douglas
Vice President: Liz Jeremy
Secretary: Ian Donovan
Treasurer: Ross McDonnell
Members: Jonathon Howard, Jane Judd, George Pund
Thanks were given to all members who served on the Committee in 2023-24.
NPA Volunteer Awards 2024 and Annual Dinner
We had a wonderful evening at the Teachers Federation Conference Centre for our Annual Dinner and Volunteer Awards presentation. The night was a great success with guest speaker Penny Sharpe, Minister for the Environment. We also had presentations from our President, Dr Grahame Douglas, former President and conservation stalwart Anne Reeves AM, and co-convenor of the Field Activities Committee, Richard Bennett. Thanks also to David Stead, President of Sydney Branch, for being our MC for the evening.
The Volunteer Awards are a highlight of the annual dinner and were presented by Executive Committee members George Pund and Helen Wilson. Some awards were presented at the dinner, while others will be presented later.
Congratulations to all award recipients, and thank you to all who nominated someone for an award. Our volunteers are the beating heart of our organisation.
The NPA Volunteer Awards were established in 2004 to honour Prudence Tucker, a longstanding and dedicated member of NPA. The Awards recognise consistent, persistent, innovative and significant effort by members in support of NPA’s aims, projects and member activities.
NPA Award recipients:
- undertake volunteer work for NPA over an extended period
- support the objectives of the organisation
- achieve results through exceptional effort or innovative means
- show determination, perseverance and initiative
- provide a role model to others.
Award categories and recipients
Activity Leadership
for contribution of leadership and coordination to the NPA Activities program over a substantial period of time.
Paul Lynch (Sydney) – a fabulous leader of interesting walks
- Ten nominations from Wednesday walkers!
- Thorough preparation for varied walks, both familiar and less travelled
- Looks after everyone but no one feels they’re being baby-sat
- Shares navigational knowledge
Local Achievement
for wide-ranging contribution to a Branch over a substantial period of time
Coleta Richards (Mid North Coast Branch) – a quiet and measured leader
- Long service to branch including past president
- Competent in all areas, but keeps conservation goals in focus
- Readily shares her knowledge of flora and fauna
- Organises events including annual camps
Organisational Support
for contribution of time and effort in support of NPA’s organisational structure over a substantial period of time.
Liz Jeremy (Coffs Coast Branch) – a key new voice in NPA governance
- Major role in establishing branch and hosting State Council June 2024
- Secured funding for branch’s citizen science project
- Active member of Executive leading review of organisational culture
- Initiated NPA financial sustainability working group
State Conservation
for contribution to substantial State-wide conservation outcomes that have benefited both NPA and the wider community.
Ross McDonnell (Southern Sydney Branch) – strong, reliable leader in various roles
- Comprehensive knowledge of the park system
- Conservation leadership on Landscape Conservation Forum and Park Management Committee
- Hands on approach to proposals: Pilliga, Jervis Bay
- Expert service as Treasurer and guiding us towards financial sustainability
Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting was held on 20th November and included presentation of the Annual Report and Annual Financial Statement. There were presentations from the CEO on the campaign and project work of the organisation, and from Joslyn van der Moolen on our newest NPA Branch, Eurobodalla. We’ll have more news on the Eurobodalla Branch in the Autumn edition.