From the CEO

The events in the USA on 11 September and subsequent developments have had a profound effect on most of us. In the days following, I made a personal decision not to travel as planned to the USA where I had been invited by The Nature Conservancy to attend a Global Leadership Summit. However, we are continuing to develop our relationships with TNC and other partners. I do have a steely resolve to ensure that our gains for the natural world provide a positive perspective for people of this generation as we all work for a more certain future for the next generation.

Your support for Bush Heritage has not wavered. Thank you and a special thanks to those who have already responded to our request to join the Friends of the Bush and become regular monthly donors.

We are in for another exciting year. Bush Heritage has been pursuing land acquisition opportunities across the length and breadth of the country with personnel in the Northern Territory, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia providing information to assist our search. Bedding down the management on Carnarvon Station Reserve and improving our conservation management generally are high priorities. The appointment of Stuart Cowell to a newly created position as Conservation Programs Manager increases our capacity in these important areas.

At the end of October, the Bush Heritage Annual General Meeting coincided with a Board meeting in Hobart. The Annual Report for 2000-01 was tabled and a proposal for a new constitution considered. Information on both is available from the Hobart Office (telephone (03) 6223 2670).

My pre-election meetings with all the major political parties indicated that, whatever the outcome of the Federal Election, there will be a conducive climate for our work to continue. Interesting opportunities are before us and I look forward to reporting on them over the next year.

In the meantime, Seasons Greeting to you all. Please continue to support our vital work, in whatever way, and in whatever capacity, you can.

P.S. Our Christmas gift cards are a great way of giving a meaningful gift to a friend, and the environment.

Karen Alexander leaves the Board

The recent October Board meeting was touched with some sadness as Karen Alexander attended for the final time as a member of the Board. Her influence on the organisation has been profound. In the early years, Karen was seen as someone who could take Bush Heritage to a new level. As President, a position she held for four years, she guided the Board into the role of strategic governance rather than daily management, and so the organisation grew with its eye firmly on the big picture. Throughout these structural changes her skills as a communicator brought together the variety of views towards the common goal.

For the five years that Karen served on the Board of Bush Heritage the organisation expanded rapidly but always on a sound footing. Reserves increased from four to thirteen and staff from two to twelve. She leaves now with Bush Heritage a dynamic, effective and visionary organisation, directed and staffed by skilled, prudent and experienced people. The Board, staff and supporters thank her and wish her well.

Doug Humann