Hunter Hall Donation

Leading ethical fund manager Hunter Hall International Ltd presented Bush Heritage with a generous donation of over $8000 towards our work at Charles Darwin Reserve and Carnarvon Station Reserve. Hunter Hall invites its shareholders to nominate charities to receive five per cent of the company's pre-tax profits. Bush Heritage holds part of the long-term investments, used to fund future land management, in Hunter Hall ethical managed funds. Hunter Hall's funds are also available to individual investors.

Thanks

Bush Heritage would like to thank the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, for providing a venue for our recent Board Meeting and Development Workshop. The Gardens has wonderful venues for hire throughout the year.You can contact the Functions Coordinator on 02 9231 8111 or check: www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au

New tax reforms

We applaud new reforms announced by the Prime Minister on 11 December 2002. From 1 July 2003 taxpayers giving cash donations to organisations such as Bush Heritage may spread the tax deduction for the gift over a five-year period, claiming it in instalments elected by the taxpayer. This is of particular benefit to donors giving large amounts.

Conservation organisations are advocating additional reforms including a part tax deduction for the bargain sale of conservation land to organisations such as Bush Heritage. For example, if a property owner agreed to sell a property valued at $500,000 for only $200,000, then the deduction would be for $300,000, the difference between the market value and sale price. For further information check the Bush Heritage website: www.bushheritage.org/news/whatsnew.html

In Memory

Many donations have been received in memory of special friends and family members.

Judith Iltis donated in memory of Marjorie Constance Cruttwell, an avid bird watcher and bushwalker, and Christine Bridgart remembered Sally Moore, 40 years old - a 'bright spirit with great intelligence'.

J Fitzsimon and B Bell remembered their parents Noel and Doris Bell, and Kim Brown her mother Gladys Thiers, a strong supporter of Bush Heritage.

Claire Roberts donated in memory of her brother - 'a very special person'. Wildcare Queensland Inc. gave on behalf of Gary Orr in memory of Gary's brother, Gregory James Orr, who passed away unexpectedly.

Mrs P Thomas has been remembered by Mr and Mrs B P Rymer, and Dick H Perry (aged 100) by Charles K Pawsey. Ruth Beilin and James Damman donated in memory of John and Audrey Hill. Shirley Donaghue has been remembered by Lisa Bunn, Noah Skaberne-Pryor by Nina Pintar, and Raymond Dudley by Jeremy and June Walker.

The passing of Dr Rex Betheras has been commemorated by many friends.

John Rockall gave on behalf of his late wife, Audrey Rockall, and Jennie Lees in memory of her late husband, Ronald Arthur Lees.

Congratulations

Rosemary Annable made a donation to Bush Heritage on behalf of her friend Sarah (80 years) who married Leonard (89 years) on 5 December 2002. Bush Heritage wishes them health and happiness.

Welcome

We welcome Guy Fitzhardinge to the Board of Bush Heritage. He brings with him a passion for conservation and natural resource management coupled with extensive practical experience and an understanding of the bush and its people. Guy is a member of the Australian Biological Resources Studies Advisory panel and a director of Meat and Livestock Australia. He has been Vice-President of the Australian Rangelands Society, an advisor to CSIRO Wool and Textiles Division, Environment Australia and the WWF, and a Ministerial appointee to the NSW Biodiversity Advisory Committee.

Goodbye

We regret the resignation of Paul Sattler from the Board at the end of 2002. He has served for two years and was a valued supporter and adviser before that. Paul is a national leader in advancing Australia's national reserve system, and brought his extensive knowledge of natural resource management throughout Australia to the board table. He was critical to the purchase of Carnarvon Station Reserve and provided invaluable advice on both our acquisition and management programs. We thank him for his contribution and wish him well.