Sydney Region Branch: Conservation Conversations

Sydney Region Branch: Conservation Conversations

You are invited to connect with NPA members and friends in a stimulating evening of conservation talks that celebrate our natural world and inspire new ways to experience our country.

This will be the second Conservation Conversations event hosted by Sydney Region Branch of NPA.

We have invited a panel of experts to share their understanding and experience of our oceans, bushland and Sydney national parks. We would be delighted to have you joins us for these talks and follow on drinks, nibbles and discussion. Bring along your friends, connect with old friends and make new friends as we learn from the experts and each other.

Date: Wednesday 20th November, 6:30-8:30pm

NPA News Winter 2018

State Council update – March meeting

Sam Garrett-Jones, Vice-President, National Parks Association of NSW

State Council met in the delightful surrounds of the lower Blue Mountains on Saturday, 3 March 2018. The meeting at the Glenbrook School of Arts was attended by 18 Councillors, including newcomer Julie McInerney (Mid North Coast), and 9 members and staff.

NPA Illawarra Teams Up With Bushwalking The ‘Gong

Social media power leads Illawarra Branch and Bushwalk the ‘Gong to decide to work together to launch a Walk of the Month program in the Illawarra.

For a few years, the NPA has been offering a Sydney based Walk of the Month program in conjunction with Wildwalks.com. The walks are advertised to the public through the internet and this magazine. Illawarra Branch have been keen to replicate this program in our region with the view to promoting bushwalking, enjoyment and knowledge of the Illawarra bushland.

The branch has been watching with interest the success of a new local initiative called Bushwalk the ‘Gong which was established in 2016 and has enjoyed good local media coverage. Recently an opportunity arose for us to join forces with Bushwalk the ‘Gong to offer a Walk of the Month style program in the Illawarra. We expect this will widen the participation and reach of the branch.

Southern Sydney Branch

44 years of community education, walking and activism

Gary Schoer and Peter Vaughan, Executive Committee, Southern Sydney Branch

The Sutherland Sub Branch (of Sydney Branch) of the National Parks Association of NSW was established in 1972. Bob Spencer was the first Convenor. In 1973 Gary Schoer was encouraged by Bob to step into this role. On the 6th of August 1986 a meeting was held to elect office bearers and establish a full Southern Sydney Branch of NPA; 27 members attended the meeting at Gymea Community Centre.

After the 1986 election Bob Crombie, a ranger at Royal National Park, spoke on the issues threatening the Hacking River and Royal National Park, especially the proposed Helensburgh urban development. NPA joined with Total Environment Centre and local groups in fighting to prevent a major expansion of urban development in the catchment of Royal National Park. This success provided the momentum for the Branch to be a key group for advocating for “The Royal” and southern Sydney’s natural areas ever since.