Health, Heritage and Nature:
The Importance of Reconnecting with our Parks

Message from the Conference Convener
I would like to extend a heartfelt 'thank you' for attending the FACET Rediscover Parks conference at Yanchep National Park last week. I hope you thoroughly enjoyed the conference (as I did!) and took away some new information and insights, as well as great memories and inspiration.  The conference had many highlights, including the fascinating and moving address by Tom Kiernan on the US national parks system, the release of the Carnaby's black cockatoos, the corroboree by Noongar men, and the Gala Dinner at Cabaret Cave.  The calibre of all keynote speakers and presenters was top-notch, and I have had so many people tell me how relevant and valuable all the presentations were.  The conference was a fantastic way to rediscover our connections with parks and nature - which is so important in our everyday lives - and DEC really appreciated the opportunity to work with FACET to help present the conference.
 

It was a privilege to meet you and, on behalf of the conference organisers, I thank you for giving your time and bringing such enthusiasm to the conference.  Every delegate brought their own unique perspective and helped to make the conference the success that it was.
 
I welcome any feedback you have and invite you to keep track of outcomes of the conference, and view the many photos, which will be placed on the FACET website over the next few days and weeks. Please click on the link below to download the conference proceedings.

With kind regards,
 
Tracy Shea
Conference Convener and FACET Executive Member

Conference Proceedings and Delegate List

Download conference proceedings (pdf, 4.2 MB)

Download conference delegate list (pdf, 700 KB)

Articles and Press Release's from the Conference

Download article in Tourforce, September 2011 (pdf, 492 KB)

Download article in Environment and Conservation News, September 2011 (pdf, 512 KB)

Testimonials

An extremely informative FACET conference and congratulations on your selection of very interesting, varied and relevant keynote speakers.

JULIA COGGINS, VISITOR SERVICES MANAGER, YANCHEP NATIONAL PARK

Having some of the Directors (Parks and similar) present from other states and New Zealand was in my opinion a huge benefit and added the type of professionalism that I was hoping for.

RAY DE JONG, PARKS AND VISITOR SERVICES COORDINATOR, DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION

There was a great energy at the conference and I had a few really constructive conversations after my talk.

GRIFFIN LONGLEY, CEO NATURE PLAY WA

The speakers were interesting and provided valuable insights. The opportunity to catch up and network with colleagues was also particularly beneficial.

GREG LEAMAN, DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE, DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Conference Outline
The conference will examine and promote the role of parks in people's lives and encourage them to enjoy and appreciate the health benefits that parks and green spaces provide.

Parks bring people together in communities and international research shows that time spent with nature in parks has a positive impact on mental health and well being. Parks also provide a platform for environmental and cultural education and promote a sense of responsibility for our environmental future. In our busy lives it is easy to forget that we have amazing parks right on our doorstep.

Join our international keynote Tom Kiernan and a host of other exciting keynote speakers for an unforgettable experience as we "Rediscover our Parks".

Tom Kiernan is President of the National Parks Conservation Association based in Washington DC, United States of America.  He leads an independent organisation that defends and protects America's national park through public education, advocacy and citizen outreach.

Other presenters include:  Tony Charters, Board Member Eco-Tourism Australia; Sally Barnes Office of Environment & Heritage, NSW,  Denise Sullivan from the Health Sector; Dr David Roberts, Chair of Nature Play; Grif Longley, CEO of Nature Play; Dr Tom Hatton, PSM of CSIRO; Peter Yu from Nyamba Buru Yawuru Ltd; Evan Hall, Tourism Council of WA; and primary school principal Stuart Cumming, with a message on how to engage our children in nature.

Yanchep National Park
Known as Perth's natural and cultural meeting place, Yanchep National Park is only 51kms north of Perth. Nestled in tuart and banksia woodlands the Park boasts an abundance of wildlife, amazing limestone caves and opportunities to learn about local Aboriginal culture.

 

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