Welcome

Maree Prior, board member for the Burnett Mary region presented a key note address, on QWaLC and the role of volunteers in the landcare sector, at the 2011 Queensland Coastal Conference. Follow the link blow for her full speech.

Maree Priors' key note The Nature of the Beast and Who’s Who in the Zoo

Message from the Executive Officer

I am delighted to have recently been appointed to the position of Executive Officer for Queensland Water and Land Carers.

What I will bring to this peak body is a strong background in service oriented performance, commercial governance and accountability and financial management. I see a major component to my role in attracting, supporting and developing volunteer members through innovative programs like the Green Nomads which I see as having a huge potential in enhancing the capacity of our volunteers groups throughout the State.

It is also important that QWaLC continues to advocate, represent and protect (through relevant insurance coverage) our extensive network of NRM Volunteers to ensure that the concerns and aspirations shared by the group are heard at all tiers of decision making, government and industry. My job over the coming months will be to work with my Board and the respective regions they represent to understand the current issues our NRM Volunteer Group confront – and to initiate programs that will assist to ensure the network remains strong and viable. Additionally, I also look forward to working with our many partners in government, industry and non government in promoting the local achievements of this sector in community driven NRM outcomes.

I genuinely hope that by coming from outside the NRM volunteer sector, I can add a fresh perspective to how we, as a network of over 300 community NRM groups and of more than 16,000 volunteers, can effectively contribute to the overall environmental health of Queensland.

Both Anna and I look forward to talking with you soon.

Esma Armstrong, Richard Murphy and Anna Mirams

Richard Murphy

Executive Officer
Queensland Water and Land Carers Inc.

Message from the Community Relation Manager

My primary role as the Community Relations Manager is to ensure that our NRM volunteer groups are kept informed and up-to-date on NRM news and events. I can also provide the necessary support in policy advice and interpretation when and where needed by our network of Groups.

On a professional note, I have studied for 4 ½ years at the University of Queensland - completing a Bachelor in Marine Studies with Honours and working tho complete an Australian Research Council funded research project. My strong knowledge in marine conservation and sustainability, and understanding of the resources and practical skills needed to deliver on-ground outcomes are aligned to the strategic goals QWaLC sets out to achieve on behalf of its NRM volunteers.

As a new team member, I look forward to working with Richard and the Board in promoting QWaLC as an effective and relevant peak body group for NRM Volunteers t o our many stakeholders.

Anna Mirams

Community Relation Manager
Queensland Water and Land Carers Inc.

2011 State Landcare Awards

Chairwoman of Queensland Water and Land Carers Esma Armstrong, praised all winners and finalists commenting on the challenges presented in 2011 by floods and cyclone. Mrs Armstrong acknowledged the importance of the occasion by paying tribute “…..to the outstanding contributions Queensland Landcarers make to our community life under what can only be described as difficult circumstances - and in particular to those volunteers who collectively donate many thousands of hours of their time to protecting our natural heritage.”		Landcare Award Winners 2011