12
April 2012 –
Chat
32
Dear Friends of Parks
Dear Friends of Parks
Friends
of Parks Inc. AGM 2012 & related matters
Rest assured that this will be my last President’s Chat before this year’s AGM to be held at Para Wirra on the Monday 14th May. There have been a number of positive responses to my call for nominations but if you’re still interested please make sure to register with me before close of business on 16th April. We look like having a good team and a personal aim is to provide a level of leadership that encourages creativity and ensures we remain focused on getting things done.
This letter is to draw your attention to the attached discussion paper which will be on the agenda at the AGM. Essentially it identifies a couple of priority areas for the Board to concentrate on over the coming twelve months and beyond. It follows a number of discussions with member groups and individuals, a one day workshop of interested parties and ongoing conversations with departmental officers. I think these two initiatives will make us more relevant and effective.
Firstly we need to raise the Friends of Parks profile, market ourselves better and get an improved deal from the government and other stakeholders. Secondly we must find ways of connecting with member groups and the various agencies on a regional basis. Both of these initiatives require some fresh approaches and almost certainly the use of new and emerging technologies. If you would like to comment on these ideas prior to the AGM or you’re unable to attend and would like the opportunity to express a point of view please feel free to do so.
Apart from the discussion paper, another subject on which the Board would like your views is the Friends Forum. Hitherto these have been held annually. This year the Friends of Naracoorte Caves are hosting the event and Kangaroo Island Parks have signalled their willingness to stage 2014 but we don’t have anything at all in the pipeline for next year. Forums are an important part of our culture and provide an excellent opportunity to mix and mingle with like-minded folk, swap experiences and stories and learn a few things along the way. Therefore any proposal will be gratefully accepted or we could look at something simpler than a full-blown Forum (a workshop followed by a dinner?) which might form the basis for alternate years into the future. Your thoughts, ideas and suggestions are eagerly sought and anticipated.
Kind regards
President
Friends of Parks Inc.