Season’s greetings from our Chair
Nuytsia floribunda (also known as Moojar) is a type of native mistletoe which flowers between October and January. Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia
Whatever the season, there is beauty everywhere in Western Australia’s national parks and reserves.
At this time of the year, one of the sights I love is what is commonly known as the Western Australian Christmas tree (botanical name Nuytsia floribunda, Noongar name – moojar), with its vivid orange flowers.
Encouraging people to experience the splendour and diversity of WA’s national parks and reserves is one of the key aims of the WA Parks Foundation and we’ve been very active this year.
Our 2022 Spring into Parks campaign was hugely successful, with over 350 events listed in our calendar and promoted on our website. Thirty of these were featured and supported by the WA Parks Foundation with the help of a Lotterywest grant.
Encouragingly, our Memorable Moments in Nature photo competition attracted 1465 entries. I congratulate all the winners and thank all those who participated. The standard of photography was extremely high, reflecting not only the talent of those who entered but also the remarkable diversity of nature and breath-taking scenery within our magnificent conservation estate here in Western Australia.
The Smartreka interactive mapping initiative delivered in partnership with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and supported by BHP is another success story, with maps now completed for 15 priority parks.
Our 2022 theme is Consciously Connect with Nature, and we’re delighted with the success of the highly engaging Nature Connection schools excursions series. This eight-week immersive program in outdoor learning environments supports teachers in techniques that inspire and enhance engagement with their students to foster a deep connection with nature.
Run by Educated by Nature as the Foundation’s delivery partner, it has been made possible through the generous funding support of the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group.
We’ve also been very pleased to welcome five new Park Ambassadors to help inspire in others an appreciation of the uniqueness of our parks and their value to the community.
In this festive season, I extend my thanks to all for the interest and support received in 2022 and extend my best wishes for Christmas and the year ahead.
Hon Kerry Sanderson AC CVO
Chair, WA Parks Foundation
The Honourable Kerry Sanderson AC CVO hiking on the Bibbulmun Track
