Nature NSW Spring 2025

I’m delighted to engage with you as the new President of the NSW National Parks Association and share a little about how my path led me to this role and my passion for national parks and conservation.

I joined the NPA in 2023 after stepping back from a career in local government that spanned several decades across six councils. My roles included Environment Manager for a south-western Sydney council, Sustainability Director for a north-western Sydney council, and General Manager for a rural council in one of NSW’s most protected areas. Throughout these positions, I maintained a passionate commitment to conservation, environmental protection and community engagement.

What drew me to the NPA was my long-standing support for national parks, and more latterly the Great Koala National Park. During my time as General Manager, I championed GKNP, securing funding from Bellingen Shire Council, Coffs Harbour City Council, and Destination NSW for an economic study by the University of Newcastle. It felt natural to continue this advocacy through the NPA after leaving local government.

As Branch Secretary of the Coffs Coast Branch, I’ve been part of securing funding for two major projects: a citizen science initiative and “Whispers of Wilderness,” a 10-minute short film produced by Bathtime Productions and funded through the Coffs Harbour City Council environmental levy, while continuing to promote the Great Koala National Park.

During my time with the NPA, I’ve had the opportunity to serve as a State Council delegate, joining the Executive initially as an observer and later as a member, and in 2024 convened the Financial Sustainability Committee. This committee has been examining the NPA’s overall sustainability and developing strategies and actions to secure our organisation’s future – work that’s crucial as we navigate the challenges ahead.

I’m constantly astounded by the commitment of NPA members and volunteers, and the enormous contribution made by so many dedicated people. I’m a firm believer that we are better together, and I hope my background in governance, community engagement, and environmental management can add value as we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. I’m really looking forward to getting to know as many members as I can to understand the work you do in your branches and the contributions you make as volunteers to conservation, but also the various programs that you run and how they benefit your branch, your communities and natural areas. I’m also keen to hear how you think we can address the challenges we have as the NPA.

I’m focused on organisational sustainability, building our membership, advancing our conservation work, and ensuring the NPA continues to be a strong voice for NSW’s national parks. We are better together, and together we can protect these precious places for current and future generations.

In shared commitment

Liz Jeremy
President, National Parks Association of NSW 

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