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Joanne Daly – Sydney South Region Advisory Committee
Joanne Daly is one of the RAC network's youngest members at 23 years of age. Joanne is a member of the Sydney South Region NPWS Advisory Committee, and is serving her second term on the Committee.
What motivated you to become involved?
I was studying Environmental Science at uni and always liked the availability of national parks to enjoy. When I saw an ad in the paper for applications to the Committee I thought it would be a really good opportunity to see from the inside how things work, and maybe even have my say.
What do you get out of being in this role?
I have learnt a lot by being a member of the Committee. Not only about the role that NPWS plays in the management of parks, but also about the different groups of people that are affected by the decisions made by NPWS. It is the representation of these groups on the Committee, and their diversity, that makes the Committee worthwhile.
Also, I have had the opportunity to go on field trips to places that I wouldn’t have been able to go on my own. As a Committee, we visit areas in our region that have or will face some form of change. These trips improve our knowledge of the areas within our region, but also give us the chance to talk with the other Committee members out of the meeting room.
What challenges have you faced in this role?
My lack of background knowledge has been a challenge. I came into the Advisory Committee with no real idea of what NPWS actually did or what I could bring to a discussion. I remember in the first couple of meetings being totally lost. I even find this happening today after being on the Committee for four years.
Where do you get your support?
My parents were the ones who first encouraged me to apply for a position on the Committee. Now that I am part of it, the other committee members are very supportive and willing to listen to what I or any other members have to say.
What is your message to other women wanting to be more involved in decision-making?
To other women and young people, I would say if you want to be involved in decision-making, then being a member of a Regional Advisory Committee is a productive way of getting your suggestions heard. Even if you’re unsure of where you stand, you will at least find out the types of decisions and comments that are made by an Advisory Committee.
Would you recommend the role to interested people?
Anyone with an interest in the issues that the NPWS face would get something out of being on a Committee that allows them to have an impact on a decision-making process that the general public wouldn’t normally be privy to.
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Glenda Josephine Chalker – Sydney South Region Advisory Committee
Glenda is an Aboriginal member of the Sydney South Region NPWS Advisory Committee, and is serving her second term on the Committee.
What motivated you to become involved?
My interest in my local environment, and to represent the Aboriginal community was my motivation.
What do you get out of being in this role?
It keeps me in touch with what is going on, and it is a great opportunity to comment and provide input into aspects that affect the environment and Aboriginal Heritage factors and issues.
Would you recommend it to interested people?
Most certainly would recommend it to interested parties from my experience. However, it can be fairly challenging, as it does require commitment and dedication once involved.
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Timothy Cathles – South West Slopes Advisory Committee
Timothy Cathles is one of the South West Slopes NPWS Advisory Committee members, and has been a member of a NPWS Advisory Committee for 10 years.
What motivated you to become involved?
The main motivation for me for my role on the Advisory Committee was that our property has had a continuous wild dog problem, with dogs originating from a national park. With over 15kms of boundary fence with two different NPWS reserves, Brindabella National Park and Parlours Nature Reserve (Oak Creek Nature Reserve), the management of these reserves directly affects our business. I am also the local volunteer bush fire brigade captain, so it was in my interest to have a say in how these reserves were managed.
What do you get out of being in this role?
I think that the best thing I get out of the Advisory Committee is the flow of info to and from NPWS, and to feel that I had something to do with some part of management of the reserves in the South West Slopes area. To see an improvement in the management of these reserves and the relationship that I have with the NPWS and its staff is also a very positive thing.
What challenges have you faced in this role?
Some of the most challenging things I have encountered have been that there are times when work, family and my role on the Advisory Committee conflict in the time I have available, and there are some moments when it all seems a bit overwhelming. But a reset of priorities and almost all of the necessary requirements are met.
Where do you get your support?
The support I get comes from my wife, as she feels that after I have been at a field day/meeting, I am in a much better frame of mind, and excited to talk about it. The other Committee members and NPWS staff are also a huge support with their enthusiasm for the betterment of the park system.
What is your message to others wanting to be more involved in decision-making?
A message to both men and women is that the role of the Advisory Committee is not “another testosterone filled meeting room,” but a group of people who are passionate about the park system, and who want to make it a more enjoyable experience for everyone and that no matter who you are, your comments are important.
Would you recommend the role to interested people?
A lot of people know that I am on the Advisory Committee and I state that it is very worthwhile. I would recommend it to anybody with a relevant reason to join. Chances are that they would face the same challenges as I did, which were not being sure at first how to feel and act, but to get your opinion out and you will probably find that there are more people in the room with the same desired outcome, even if for a different reason.
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