VRA Update September 2010
This Edition:
Thin Green Line World Ranger Day Gala Dinner
VRA Honorary Membership Award Recipient - World Rangers Day 2010
VRA Costa Rica Fundraiser
Next VRA Committee Meeting: Early- Mid October
November Workshop: River Red Gum Forests
VRA Silent Auction Fundraiser
CARA Meeting: Litchfield NP
IRF Congress: Tanzania
Thin Green Line World Ranger Day Gala Dinner
An incredible night was held at Lord Somers Camp on World Rangers Day at the Thin Green Line Gala Dinner. Highlighted by a moving and solemn ceremony for our fallen colleagues, each remembered by a candle on the lawn and a plant to be grown in their honour, the reality was touching.
The VRA was presented with a Ndouvu Business Award for recognition of the dedication, commitment and support for rangers, their families and conservation internationally, from the Thin Green Line Foundation, of which we can all be proud.
The night included a fabulous Moroccan meal and dancing into the wee hours with 3 great bands. A passing intense rain event meant everyone was invited to dance on the stage amongst the musicians, for shelter and created an unbelievable ambience.
Many thanks to Sean again for his continuing passion and commitment in organising this fantastic event..............photos from the event have been posted on the VRA’s face book page.
Cheers Pete Cleary
(Click images for better quality)
VRA Honorary Membership Award Recipient - World Rangers Day 2010
Andy Nixon
This year the VRA has awarded the honorary lifetime membership award to Andy Nixon from Parks Victoria.
Andy is a long term member of the Victorian Rangers Association and has worked with great passion and enthusiasm as a ranger over the last 24 years and epitomises the conservation ethic that brings great value and respect to this profession. He worked as the Ranger-in-Charge at Warrandyte NP and Mt Buffalo NP, where he drew great attention to the negative impact of Himalayan Honeysuckle and mused at the introduction of a computer to park management systems.
Andy also held the role as Ranger-in Charge at Warrandyte NP and was fortunate enough to undertake a ranger exchange to New Zealand in 1992. This was Andy’s first introduction to international ranger exchanges, giving him great impetus to become more involved in the world ranger network. Andy saw great value in gaining insights into other park’s systems especially in terms of indigenous culture and management focus.
Andy has held numerous committee positions in the VRA, including the Presidency from 1999-2001. There is no doubt Andy’s vision and pragmatism has helped mould the VRA into producing the outcomes we achieve today. After journeying to Africa in 2000 for the IRF Congress, Andy’s perspective as a land manager was reinforced from the other rangers he met, who work in arduous conditions at times. His input into organising the 2003 International Rangers Congress in Wilsons Prom and last year’s International Rangers Congress in Bolivia, where he helped to facilitate the passage of 14 rangers from 12 countries, was testament to his belief in the work of rangers and the ongoing protection of the planet’s natural and cultural resources. Andy was unable to make the Congress in Bolivia but his work was recognised immensely throughout the meeting, especially from the sponsored delegates.
From an article in Learning from the Land – Stories of Australian Rangers, in Andy’s own words:
“It’s been a great job, the people I have met, the places I have been to, the variety of experiences have just been fantastic.
I wouldn’t change it if I could.
More than anything else, it is the commitment……………….that we have contributed in a worthwhile way and touched someone with the message of the importance of conservation to the world”
VRA Costa Rica Fundraiser
Thank you to all Parks Victoria staff who contributed donations toward the Victorian Rangers Association Costa Rica fundraising project at PV’s SCAD.
For those who are not aware, the Victorian Rangers Association took advantage of the PV staff award and conference day to raise funds for rangers in Costa Rica. A total of $695 was raised on the day. This money will provide the Costa Rican Rangers, with funds to purchase essential materials such as a laptop, GPS or digital camera to more effectively manage the Tapir conservation and monitoring program.
Each person who contributed to the fundraising was provided a puzzle piece which their names were written on. 4 puzzle pieces with names were drawn at the end of the day. Each of the four people are listed below and will receive a prize from the VRA .
The winner of the puzzle featuring ranger badges from all over the world is
1. Sam Pollard from Rosebud Office.
The winners of the VRA prize packs are:
1. Rod Beasley: Geelong Office
2. Marie Claire Woods: Bourke Street
3. Matt Sobey: Creswick
These prizes will be sent to your work centre soon.
Next VRA Committee Meeting: Early- Mid October
The VRA executive committee is due to meet again in early October. Location will be at Royal Park in Melbourne. If you have any items for the agenda you wish the committee to discuss or if you would like to come along, please email VRA secretary Carlie Bronk cbronk@parks.vic.gov.au
November Workshop: River Red Gum Forests
VRA will be running a professional development workshop focused on the Murray River Red Gum Forests in November. Tentative dates 18-20th November. Workshop and accommodation partially subsidised by the VRA for any members or potential members
VRA Silent Auction Fundraiser: A Boat Cruise for yourself and 14 others on Parks Victoria’s Burnley along the Yarra River
What’s up for Auction: 4 hour cruise on the Yarra River for you and 14 friends on the PV Burnley on Yarra River. Estimated value, is $2000.00.
Eskies with ice, water and tea/coffee making facilities can be provided. Food and drinks not included (although you may arrange a catering service at your own cost)
How to Place your bid: Email your bids to VRA Secretary Carlie Bronk cbronk@parks.vic.gov.au. All bids will remain confidential until winner in announced. Bids to be placed by October 1st 2010. (Only the highest bidder needs to pay up).
What the money goes toward: The Victorian Rangers Association exists to represent rangers and protected area workers, their professional interests as valued contributors to the management of natural and cultural assets and to provide developmental and networking opportunities with fellow professionals in the area of protected area / resource management. Victorian Rangers Association not only represents the interests of protected area workers in Victoria but extends itself to support and learn from rangers in Australia and around the world. The money raised from the silent auction will assist the Victorian Rangers Association in the day to day running of the organization including providing developmental and networking opportunities for rangers and protected workers in Victoria.
CARA Meeting: Litchfield NP
On the 11th and 12th November Paul Slinger, VRA vice president, will travel to Litchfield National Park in the Northern Territory. Here he will meet with representatives from Council of Australian Rangers Associations (CARA), discuss and sign the MOU between CARA and Parks Forum.
IRF Congress: Tanzania
The location for the next International Rangers Congress has been announced: Tanzania. Will be a great experience. Start saving your pennies now.
