Chairman's Annual Report 2009

The 2008 – 2009 year in review has been one of listening, reflecting and strategic planning. 

Founder rebuilds foundations

We acknowledge the significant contribution made by Brian Scantlebury since the inception of Parklands Albury Wodonga (PAW), through the growth, expansion, contraction and rebuilding of this resilient community managed park management organization.  Despite moving to Melbourne, Brian continued to commute to Wodonga for Board meetings for six months before resigning from the Chairperson role. 

It is pleasing to report that self generated income over the past two years has enabled the organization to rebuild our financial reserves and shift the focus to planning for the future.

Board Governance

The Board has worked towards establishing an independent structure drawn from the community with an emphasis on relevant environmental and business skills.  The Board has grown to nine members over the last twelve months.  We welcome David Mitchell, David Sexton, Darryl Betteridge and Terry Hillman and the healthy diversity of views generated from the mix of new and more experienced Board members.  We thank Craig McIntyre who retired in April after seven years on the Board.

Reviewing our Strategic Direction

Over the past year, the Board, staff and stakeholders have actively participated in both an Internal Review and a Parks Forum External Peer Review. 

The Internal Review was undertaken by four Board members (Cliff Swatton, David Sexton, David Mitchell and Bernie Evans) and involved more than forty meetings and stakeholder interviews. 

Parks Forum, the peak body for parks organizations in Australia and New Zealand facilitated a Peer Review program.  Three park management staff from Auckland, Hobart and the Gold Coast spent an intensive week interviewing ten of our stakeholder organizations, Board and staff.  Most of their recommendations have since been incorporated into the 3 year Business Plan.

Relationships

We continue to have excellent relations with the Commonwealth through the agency of the Albury-Wodonga Corporation (AWC) and acknowledge their annual contribution in return for the work done by PAW on AWC land.

We are appreciative of the Victorian Government's support through the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE).   Over the past year, the Board and staff have been working to build a similar relationship with the Land and Property Management Authority (LPMA) – the former Department of Lands NSW. 

PAW acknowledges the annual contribution made by Parks Victoria as well as representation on the Board.

At the local government level PAW continues a close relationship with Albury City and City of Wodonga and acknowledges the valuable financial contribution both councils make.  These service agreements are for working on local government environmental lands.  The level of community involvement and outcomes on the ground are testimony to the old adage “together we can achieve so much more”.

Staff

I would particularly like to thank the small group of loyal, dedicated and passionate staff who continue to provide outstanding service.

The Future

PAW has a promising future, as evidenced from stakeholder interviews.  The Board will focus on strengthening these relationships in the coming year.