Nature NSW Summer 2023

Gary Dunnett, CEO

The 18th of November 2023 saw NPA’s first ‘in person’ State Council meeting and Annual Dinner since the outbreak of the pandemic four long years ago.  The discussions at these two events went broad and deep in typical NPA fashion.  We talked about local activities and conservation campaigns, building membership, environmental policy on the national and global stage, and the sorry state of marine and forest conservation in NSW.  A former president, Anne Dickson, delivered a powerful presentation on the diversity, gender and inclusivity principles in the Global Biodiversity Framework, challenging all of us to consider whether our personal behaviours meet those standards. 

It was a day of celebrating successes, exploring the role of national parks as buffers against the extinction and climate crises, planning for the future and reflecting on how we can become a more welcoming and inclusive organisation.  All stimulating and important discussions.  Yet upon leaving the conference centre that evening the thing that really struck me was how much I’d enjoyed spending the day with our members and guests. 

I am absolutely convinced that one of NPA’s core strengths is that we are dispersed across NSW, and there is no doubt that teleconferences have become an incredibly powerful way of exchanging information, coordinating our activities and staying in touch.  But it just doesn’t generate the same energy that comes from being in the same room, spending time together. 

One of NPA’s big lifts in capability over the last year has been the employment of Lyn, our GIS specialist.  Lyn produces fantastic maps to help our conservation campaigns, allowing NPA to access and present biological data previously the sole domain of government departments.  The maps always attract interest, yet even I was surprised to see how many members left dessert untouched to pour over the maps and discuss them with the campaign team.  Being together really makes a difference. 

Of course we will continue to use all the technical tools to stay in contact, and I’m sure we’ll get better at hosting hybrid gatherings where some are co-located and others online. 

All of which is true, yet it leaves this big question – how has NPA remained so cohesive and determined despite our decades of dispersion?  I suspect it comes down to the true foundation of our organisation, the walks and activities in our local branches.  At its heart NPA is all about the way we share experiences in nature.  For many, sharing experiences means going on a bushwalk or to a film night, to others putting heads together on a local conservation campaign. 

Shared experiences in nature, shared hopes and aspirations have always been part of NPA.  The State Council meeting appointed a new Activities Committee convenor along with a mandate to engage with a broader range of potential members.  

There is so much to be gained from sharing an organisation that cares about nature, national parks and our planet.  Let’s all work to ensure that NPA’s invitation to share makes a difference. 

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