The WA Parks Foundation is fortunate to have a passionate group of Ambassadors.
Meet the people who love our WA parks, inspiring in others an appreciation of their uniqueness and value to the community.
Meet the people who love our WA parks, inspiring in others an appreciation of their uniqueness and value to the community.
Pat Barblett AM
Pat is a leader in the field of conservation and protection of Western Australia’s unique environment. She was a member of the Conservation Commission for 17 years and Chair in the last three years of her term and a member of the Rottnest Island Authority for 16 years, and Chair for three years.
She was instrumental in setting up the environmental ecotourism, interpretative and educational programs on the island. Pat was founder of FACET, Forum Advocating Cultural and Eco-Tourism, a community-based organisation whose aim is to inspire and promote responsible tourism associated with Western Australia’s cultural and natural heritage. Pat was awarded the Order of Australia in 2004 for her contribution to tourism and the environment.
Why do I love WA Parks?
I have had a love affair with parks for the last 40 years. The WA Parks Foundation will help others to love and visit our parks, build the profile of parks, and build a strong support base within the community.
Hon Fred Chaney AO
Hon Fred Chaney AO was a member of the Federal Senate for 16 years and was the Federal Minister for Aboriginal Affairs from 1978 to 1980. As founding co-chair of Reconciliation Australia and an early advocate for Aboriginal voting rights in 1961 and for the 1967 referendum, he helped establish the Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia in his national role as Minister for Aboriginal Affairs.
He is the former Deputy President of the Australian Native Title Tribunal, Chair of Desert Knowledge Australia and was instrumental in establishing the Graham (Polly) Farmer Foundation. He was Senior Australian of the Year in 2014 and is widely respected for the major contribution he has made to Aboriginal rights and reconciliation prior to, during and after his parliamentary career.
Why do I love WA Parks?
Parks should be enjoyed by all of us. They are wonderful spaces that are good for our health, our relationships and our wellbeing. Successful management of our Parks involves a cooperative approach between Indigenous people and government with the not-for-profit and private sectors.
Janet Holmes à Court AC
Janet Holmes à Court is owner of the Janet Holmes à Court Collection. She is Chairman of the Australian Children’s Television Foundation and the West Australian Symphony Orchestra.
She is a Board Member of the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM), the Australian Major Performing Arts Group (AMPAG), the Chamber of Arts and Culture WA (CACWA), the Australian Urban Design Research Centre (AUDRC), the Australian Institute of Architects Foundation and the New York Philharmonic International Advisory Board, and also a member of the Centenary Trust for Women Board of Advisors at the University of Western Australia and State Buildings Advisory Board, Western Australia.
Why do I love WA Parks?
My love for parks dates back to my childhood. I was lucky enough to live close to John Forrest National Park and have the wonderful memories of exploring and playing in the bush. Parks have always been an important part of my life.
The Lifestyle Pioneers
The Lifestyle Pioneers are Simon and Elizabeth (Liz) Bailey, who traverse Australia in a caravan, sharing their adventures and travel advice online via their thriving YouTube channel.
Frustrated with the daily 9 to 5 grind, Simon and Liz created The Lifestyle Pioneers as an enduring shift in attitude to live the life they want whilst inspiring, educating and equipping other adventure-minded people to do the same.
Documenting their adventures in weekly YouTube videos, the family explores all corners of Australia whilst offering valuable advice to educate viewers on off-grid and off-road caravan living.
Travelling full-time with their two young children is also a part of the adventure, with Liz and Simon balancing their sons’ educational needs whilst providing unique experiences and quality family time. Their eldest son Harrison does remote learning via School of the Air, supported by Liz, a qualified teacher.
They are scheduled to spend six months exploring Western Australia from September 2023.
Why do I love WA Parks?
Adventure travel throughout Australia can be the experience of a lifetime, and we particularly love WA’s national parks because of their incredible diversity and variety. You just can't help but fall in love with them.
Professor Lyn Beazley AO
As Western Australia’s Chief Scientist from 2006 to 2013, Lyn advised governments on science and innovation, worked closely with industry and was a science ambassador in Australia and internationally. She was also named WA Australian of the Year for 2015, is a renowned neuroscientist, a member of several boards and even has a sea sponge named after her Manihinea lynbeazleyae!
Why do I love WA Parks?
I think every young person is curious about the world around them. Our Parks give them the chance to explore, to make discoveries for themselves and to appreciate the natural world. That is a great thing and it is just one of the reasons why I think our Parks are so precious and why we must help them to flourish.
June Butcher AM
Founder of Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, Member of the Order of Australia for services to wildlife, Senior West Australian of the Year in 2010, recipient of the Seventy Medal. Passionate advocate and educator about wildlife and conservation, leader in captive breeding of endangered mammals and supporter of the Western Shield fauna recovery program.
Why do I love WA Parks?
Parks are essential to our wellbeing as humans. We need the interaction with animals, plants and places that can renew our energy and our spirit. My love of animals led me to establish Kanyana and we now have a 16-acre site where our 300 amazing volunteers give sick, injured and orphaned native animals a second chance. Our Parks system in WA is vital to the long term survival of our rare and unique wildlife and Kanyana is honoured to play its part by caring, conserving and communicating.
Simon Cherriman
Simon Cherriman is an award-winning environmental scientist, educator and wildlife filmmaker and an enthusiastic advocate for the unique Australian bush and its creatures. Simon grew up in the Perth Hills and spent his childhood climbing trees, observing birds and learning firsthand about the local environment.
It was at 15 that he found a giant Wedge-tailed Eagle nest and this captivated and inspired him to spend more than half his life studying, photographing and filming these magnificent birds, incorporating eagles into much of his tertiary education. Currently Simon continues to spread his passion for the environment through his small business, iNSiGHT Ornithology, which specialises in bird-related research and environmental education, and he is currently undertaking PhD research on Wedge-tailed Eagle population dynamics and movement ecology at Murdoch University.
Why do I love WA Parks?
I look at life through the eyes of my totem animal, the majestic Wedge-tailed Eagle, which soars high above the earth on outstretched wings. This 'bird’s eye' perspective reminds me of the scale of our vast WA landscape, but also the scale of Western impacts to this special and fragile place. Preserving large tracts of wilderness as sanctuaries for eagles and the assortment of unique and beautiful biodiversity that resides under their ‘umbrella’, is necessary for its ongoing protection. WA Parks are therefore vital for our physical and mental health, as they provide us with life-giving opportunities to ‘connect to country’ and be reminded of the integral roles other living things play in sustaining all life.
Jock Clough
Jock Clough has a business background in the engineering, finance and primary production sectors. He was a former chairman of Hartley’s Ltd, Clough Ltd, Yumbah Ltd and the Santanol Group. Jock is a past board member of the Fremantle Football Club and the Asia Society of AustralAsia.
He is chairman of the University of Western Australia’s Oceans Community, on the Advisory board of The Nature Conservancy and the Advisory Committee of the Western Australian Maritime Museum.
Why do I love WA Parks?
Growing up in WA I was lucky to have the bush and parks to explore, to learn from and to have wonderful childhood adventures. Most West Aussie kids also shared those experiences. The Foundation is a great initiative to help maintain this tradition for future generations. It is probably more important now than ever in helping younger people to stay grounded. I feel privileged to be an Ambassador for the WA Parks Foundation.
Emeritus Professor Ross Dowling AM
Emeritus Professor Ross Dowling AM
Emeritus Professor Dowling AM is Honorary Professor of Tourism in the School of Business and Law at Edith Cowan University. He has a strong interest in conservation, parks and tourism and is a member of the WA Conservation and Parks Commission. He is also a member of the World Commission on Protected Areas and an advisor to UNESCO Global Geoparks. In New Zealand he was a foundation staff member of the Ministry for the Environment and he has been awarded a NZ Conservation Council Citation for his contributions to conservation education.
Why do I love WA Parks?
Western Australia is blessed by its outstanding natural diversity. However, with such an enormous range of plants, animals and landforms encompassed by the parks in our huge state, it is paramount that collectively we work together to conserve these special places for the wellbeing of the environment and the enjoyment of people. Thus I am proud to be an Ambassador of the WA Parks Foundation working towards their conservation whilst providing even greater connection between parks and people.
Kim Eckert OAM
Kim is the CEO for Kalgoorlie-Boulder Urban Landcare Group. She moved to Kalgoorlie-Boulder nine years ago and her passion is her community, and its future, and raising awareness and education on all things to do with the environment.
This includes managing a native plant nursery, creating an Eco and Cultural Education Centre, water-wise projects, clean-up days, tree planting, recycling and together with her staff and the council, maintaining Karlkurla Bushland Park.
Kim is a member of the Conservation and Parks Commission of WA, conservation interest member on the Pastoral Lands Board, the Vice Chairperson for the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community Garden, sits on the Board for Rangelands Natural Resource Management Group, Kalgoorlie-Boulder Visitor Centre, is the Chairperson for Kalgoorlie-Boulder Volunteer Centre, a committee member for the Palace Theatre Recreation Centre, Goldfields Naturalists’ Club, Kalgoorlie-Boulder Lotteries House and is an associate member of the Goldfields Nullarbor Rangelands Biosecurity Association.
Why do I love WA Parks?
Connecting people to parks and the natural environment is the most enjoyable aspect of my work. Educating people at our native nursery (located within our park) and teaching people about our native bush and connecting them to our country in consultation with Aboriginal guides is truly rewarding. I am proud to be a Park Ambassador, helping to raise awareness across Western Australia on why it is important for us to connect to our natural and diverse environment, and to ensure future generations continue this important legacy.
David Flanagan AM
David Flanagan has worked in the resources sector for 25 years and achieved recognition for several corporate and community achievements. David is currently a Director of Northern Star Resources Ltd, Chairman of Metals of Africa Ltd and Chancellor of Murdoch University.
He is Patron of ManyRivers Microfinance, Kalparrin and the Bunbury Museum Foundation. David was awarded Western Australian of the Year and Business Leader of the Year in 2014, an Eisenhower Fellowship in 2013, the Governor’s Award for Giving in 2011, an EY Australian Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2010 as well as the WA Business News First Among Equals in 2009. During his time as Managing Director at Atlas Iron it was also recognised with Restructuring Deal of the Year in 2016 and Digger of the Year 2009.
Why do I love WA Parks?
I just love the bush, the peace and sense of connecting with nature. Something really good happens when you do it. It just helps me deal with whatever is on my plate. Preserving and promoting access to our parks is such a great initiative for our community.
Prof Stephen van Leeuwen & Dr Regina Flugge
Prof Stephen van Leeuwen & Dr Regina Flugge
Stephen and Regina both share a passion for the natural landscapes of Western Australia, in particular the wide-open spaces of the southern rangelands, Pilbara and Western Deserts. They like nothing better than to be out in the bush exploring what is over the next rise, finding new plants and watching birds go about their business. Stephen enjoys the thrill of exploring and discovering new, rare, and interesting plants, while Regina can’t wait – it’s in her genes – to become a fulltime grey nomad.
Stephen is a botanical ecologist who learnt his craft from mentors like Prof Stephen Hopper. His scientific pedigree is broad covering research, leadership and management domains. Today he is Australia’s first Indigenous Chair of Biodiversity and Environmental Science at Curtin University.
Stephen is a Wardandi Noongar man from the Busselton-Margaret River area. He is passionate about Indigenous land and sea management, ensuring Indigenous Australians are acknowledge for their ongoing stewardship of Country and making certain that they are active contributors in decisions about them, their future and their Country.
Regina is an accomplished leader with wide multi-sector knowledge and a knowledgeable Non-Executive Director with broad and strategic experience across a portfolio of Board positions. Regina is Chair of the Ningaloo World Heritage Advisory Committee and Deputy Chair of the Biosecurity Council of WA with a keen interest in environmental biosecurity. Regina served for many years on the Conservation Commission/Conservation and Parks Commission and has a long history with NRM governance and management in WA. Regina has a focus on delivering economic, social, environmental, and cultural outcomes from a lens of deep domain knowledge and expertise in managing non-financial risks and stakeholder engagement.
Why do I love WA Parks?
From primary school age Regina was travelling north with her parents during school holidays to the Ningaloo Coast, Millstream and Karijini. Stephen on the other hand travelled east into the northern Goldfields with his father in search of birds or south to go fishing and abalone gathering at Injidup, Wyadup and many other spots in the Leeuwen Naturalist National Park. For both these experiences laid the foundation for a deep desire to see our natural places conserved so society can continue to enjoy the benefits our parks bestow upon us now either recreationally or professionally or for our own wellbeing, and also for our future generations.
Regina believes there is no such thing as a contribution too large or too small and we all have a unique contribution to make in this journey which is why she is delighted be an Ambassador for the WA Parks Foundation.
Stephen holds a number of adages in his heart and head which dictate how he engages with life, key are ‘Always was, Always will be’, ‘Extinction is Forever’ and ‘Decisions with and by Indigenous Australians not for Indigenous Australians’. He believes these adages align closely with the Vision and Values of the WA Parks Foundation and is proud to be one of its amazing Ambassadors.
Sophia Forrest
Sophia Forrest is one of Australia’s most exciting new performers. Sophia’s first acting experience was in the Russell Crowe directed, The Water Diviner. Sophia went on to train at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), graduating in 2016.
There she performed in various productions including Les Liaisons Dangereuses which toured to Hong Kong and Coriolanus which toured to the Hydra Festival in Greece. Sophia also appeared in the fourth season of Love Child and as the lead in the Black Swan State Theatre Company’s production of Let the Right One In.
Why do I love WA Parks?
I have always loved our West Australian parks, having grown up around them. From camping in Karijini to swimming in the Serpentine Falls, the time spent in the beautiful open air was at the centre of my childhood. Western Australia is fortunate in having such diversity in its landscape, plants and wildlife. I am proud to be an Ambassador of the WA Parks Foundation to protect and honour these parks so one day my children can enjoy them as I have.
Nat Fyfe
Nat Fyfe is a well-respected Australian Rules Footballer playing with Fremantle Football Club. In 2015, he was named the recipient of the AFL’s most prestigious individual honour, the Brownlow Medal, after being judged the fairest and best player of the 2015 season. In February 2017, he was appointed Captain of the Fremantle Football Club.
Why do I love WA Parks?
Growing up in the Great Southern fast-tracked my understanding of the important relationship between people and country. We are very fortunate to have some of the best and largest parks here in WA, and I'm keen to do my part to ensure our parks can be enjoyed by all for many years to come.
Kate Gibson
Why do I love WA Parks?
We are blessed in Western Australia to have some of the most spectacular natural diversity. With such a large range of flora, fauna, and landforms in our huge state, I am passionate about working collectively through both my tour company and my personal journey, on protecting our precious parks and natural landscapes for the continued advocacy of wellbeing of the environment and community.
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