Your NPA

Beryl Strom – a Profile

On July 21 this year, Beryl Strom OAM, a long-time member of NPA, completed 40 years of continuous service to the administration of Bouddi National Park (and adjacent parks and reserves). This must surely be a record!

Beryl was appointed to Bouddi Natural Park Trust on 21 July 1961 in place of AW (Bill) Dingeldei. She was then Beryl Nipperess and Secretary of the Caloola Club. When the club merged with the National Parks Association in 1963, Beryl became State Secretary of NPA. She was also Secretary of the Nature Conservation Council of NSW at that time and held these two important positions during the lead up to the NPWS.

Beryl Strom

With the formation of the NPWS Act in 1967, Bouddi Natural Park became Bouddi State Park and the Trust was re-appointed as a "local committee". That same year, Beryl Nipperess became Beryl Strom.

Beryl was appointed Secretary to the then Local Committee in August 1971 and held that position throughout the many changes and the many terms-of-office until 1999. In July 2000 and again in 2001 she was elected Chair of the Central Coast / Hunter Range Advisory Committee.

Beryl Strom and her late husband Allen became involved in working to preserve and enhance the natural systems of the Central Coast through 'off-park' activities in the 1970s. Beryl currently works through the Woy Woy Environment Centre, several community groups including the Association for Environmental Education (CC), and no less than five environmental Committees of Gosford City Council. Beryl still attends council meetings – she maintains that this is the only way to remain well informed of local government issues.

Beryl says her lifestyle needs 'dedication and stamina'. Beryl Strom OAM has proved that she has both of these requirements and many other qualities as well!

THANK YOU TO GLYN MATHER

An endearing fur seal cover picture and story for Volume 41, back in February 1997 was also our introduction to then newly installed National Parks Journal Editor Glyn Mather. Since that time Glyn has consistently delivered, on time, within budget and with minimum apparent fuss, a publication in which the association can justifiably take pride.

G;yn Mather

Journal contributors, including Richard Thompson who so meticulously provides the material for the Sydney Branch-supported Field Activities supplement, have found Glyn an excellent editor to work with. She has interacted constructively with the NPA Executive in seeking to maintain a high standard of publication that reflects NPA’s range of activity and interest, to follow up opportunities for improvement and to reflect the intended meaning of sometimes convoluted text while skilled in cutting excess words.

Undoubtedly, as with any regular publication, there have been episodes of stress and problem behind the scenes, as authors fail to deliver, seek time extensions, or submit material that needs strong editing, let alone hitches with printing and distribution. But this has rarely been obvious to our members and to readers lucky enough to get their hands on any one of the bi-monthly editions. Positive comments during the membership survey earlier this year indicate that the outcome is a well-appreciated Journal.

Thank you Glyn. We hope we will remain in touch as you further develop your skills in new areas.

Anne Reeves

Anita Sundstrom, NPA's Western Project Officer, resigned in September to join her husband on a long overseas adventure. She has made a great difference for NPA in western NSW.

Anita joined the Western Project in late 1999 but recently left to travel overseas. It has been a pleasure working with her! The project expanded again largely due to Anita’s skill at following and keeping many issues on the boil with very limited time!

As someone who also runs into a range of people working on the west I note how many of them will miss Anita’s involvement. Anita has done a great job maintaining a presence for conservation that is respected in a region where "greenies" are typically viewed with some distrust. It is imperative we continue to build these relationships and respect in the future if we are to achieve conservation objectives in the west where much of the landscape is managed privately for agriculture.

We wish her all the best on her travels and hope to work with her again once she returns to Australia.

NEW EXECUTIVE 2001

As a result of the Annual General Meeting of the NPA State Council held on 4 August 2001, the Executive is:

President: Roger Lembit

Senior Vice-President: Stephen Lord

Junior Vice-President: Tom Fink

Hon. Secretary: Tim Holden

Hon. Treasurer: Helen Fastovsky

Committee: Mike Thompson, Rob Michie, Barbara Hobart, Peter Caldwell

For an opportunity to participate in a fun, social activity that is suitable for young and old alike, join us on our bushwalking Open Day, Sunday 18 November, in the world heritage area, the Blue Mountains.

NPA offers the largest bushwalking program in NSW – it is a great way to meet people, get some exercise and enjoy the beauty of our national parks.

The better half of the Mittagong to Katoomba bushwalking team	A moment for reflection
Some of the 80 bushwalkers on Open Day, Jun	Watch out, by the look of this nest, the ant's gonna be a BIG one – State Council meeting in May at Goonoo

JOIN IN THE ACTION!

New groups have been established :

•Marine Working Group

•Vehicles Off the Beaches Campaign

•Biodiversity Survey Working Group

Work on important NPA statewide projects and campaigns while meeting new people and learning new skills. All welcome. Meetings will be held in Sydney, but you can contribute outside Sydney via email and phone.

Discuss your interest with Andrew on 9299 0000 or email: execofficer@npansw.org.au

RETIRED WITH TIME TO SPARE?

Can you:

– use a computer and want to learn more of computers, or

– use a photocopier or answer a phone, or

– follow a filing system, and

– can spare one day a week?

If so, we urgently need volunteers to help in the NPA office.
Please phone Karen on: [02] 9299 0000

PHOTOCOPIER FOR SALE

Canon 3050

Double-sided A4/A3

$1000 neg.

Tel: NPA Office [02] 9299 0000