Walking SA held its Annual General Meeting on Thursday 12th October at Plant 4 Bowden, with a healthy attendance of member clubs, organisations and individuals. We greatly appreciate the attendance and engagement with those there on the night.
The AGM followed the presentation of the Walking Awards and was a relatively straight forward meeting.
The AGM was preceeded by a presentation from Sean Benz, Senior Ranger, Visitor Services from National Parks and Wildlife Service SA (Natural Resources Adelaide & Mt Lofty Ranges, and Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Sean spoke about how DEWNR has been working with Walking SA and other park user groups to encourage more people to use our parks. He also outlined some future focus areas including autism friendly parks; trails and activities for accessibility and inclusion; developing more partnerships. His speech was followed by a Q&A session where some of our members were able to raise and discuss issues.
We’re delighted to appoint four new members to our Board. The range of skills and expertise complement the existing Board, and help towards the vision of representing and advocating all forms of walking including for health, transport and leisure.
- Tuesday Udell
We welcome Tuesday to the Board, which will bring her perspective on walking for health and transport. As Senior Policy Advisor with the Heart Foundation, she has a strong history of advocacy and creating healthy liveable neighbourhoods. With her experience in working with state and local government, policy development and strategic planning, she will strengthen the position and advocacy work of Walking SA. - Ian Radbone
Ian is a welcome addition to the Board, broadening our perspective on walking for health and transport. With a background in transport research, public sector management and planning at the University of South Australia and in all three levels of government, he has a wealth of experience in transport planning, advocacy and policy development. He is a keen cyclist, and is a past Chair of the Bicycle Institute SA, which advocates for a safe and pleasant environment for transport cyclists in South Australia. He is also a former president of the SA divisions of the Planning Institute of Australia and the Australian Institute of Urban Studies. - Nola Bellenger
With 10 years experience in her weight loss and fitness business, Nola is a welcome addition to the Board. With a Degree in Recreation Planning and Management, she describes herself – and we agree with the experience – as happiest when she is out walking. - Ben Trewren
Ben shows a great passion for the outdoors through his work in bushwalk leadership with Scouts SA and with at-risk youth in Operations Flinders. As a committee member on the Recreation SA Outdoors Committee, he brings a perspective representing bushwalking leadership. With employment in marketing and business development with Snowys Outdoors, he will be be a valuable addition to the Board.
We thank the work of our retiring Board Members:
- Alan Bundy
We thank Alan for his work with Walking SA over recent years, making valuable contributions and conceiving and bringing to fruition the annual walking awards. - Melanie Smith
We thank Mel for her work with Walking SA since 2013. She has brought an excellent perspective with her background in public policy development in health. She is still nearby though, as we share our office space with Active Ageing Australia, to whom Mel is the Chief Executive.
The 2016/17 Annual Report was distributed at the AGM and Wendy, Chair of Walking SA, spoke to the report identifying a range of highlights as well as challenges, facing Walking SA and the walking community. View the 2016/17 Annual Report.
Highlights include:
- Highlights of the past year
- read about the year’s achievements in the Chair’s Report
- Strategic Plan, 2017-19
- Events: Walktober and April’s Hiking Expo
- an overview of our membership
- report from our new Executive Officer
- Treasurers Report