‘Celebrating our Parks’ FACET 2017 Conference
Some 350 people from around the State, Country and as far as Papua New Guinea visited Government House, many for the first time, to attend FACET’s 2017 tourism conference, theme ‘Celebrating our Parks’, held from 9-11 October.
The program was a celebration of WA’s unique and extraordinary landscapes and showcased new initiatives and programs and explored opportunities for business, community and visitors to connect and engage with our parks.
The three-day program kicked off with a welcome cocktail function held on the Terrace of Government House Ballroom and guests were treated with a visit from a number of WA’s unique wildlife from Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. These included an echidna, a woylie, baby joeys, a western bluetongue lizard, a python and Henry the forest red-tailed black cockatoo.
The conference day say presentations from relevant Government Ministers and heads of Departments, outlining their objectives in conserving, promoting and informing people on the natural, cultural and heritage assets throughout WA’s parks.
Joining with the newly established WA Parks Foundation, the conference keynote address was delivered by Theresa Pierno, President and CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association in the USA. Theresa shared the US model with delegates, and explained how they engage with American people to support and protect their national parks. Other highlights on the program included Dr June Oscar AO, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Social Justice Commissioner, born in Fitzroy Crossing, June explained the importance of country to Aboriginal people and their culture, and Professor Lyn Beazley, AO FTSE Science Ambassador and WA Parks Foundation Ambassador, who enlightened and entertained people in natural science.
Other presentations included innovative educational programs connecting children with nature, engaging with friends’ groups, philanthropy and parks – a case study of a corporate partnership between the Rottnest Foundation and BHP and a number of presentations from tourism operators and Aboriginal tourism initiatives delivered in parks.
The day culminated with a Gala Dinner held in the Government House Ballroom. Jim Sharp, past Director General of Department of Parks and Wildlife was acknowledged and awarded life membership of FACET, for his contribution to WA’s national parks through his many years of service. Professor Sue Moore from Murdoch University was awarded posthumously with the Pat Barblett Medal in recognition of her work in ecotourism. Guests were entertained by ‘The Merindas’ and raised $1,500 for the WA Parks Foundation through a raffle that was generously supported by the RAC, Willie Creek Pearls, Fremantle Prison, Jacquie Pemberton Botanical Artists, Maalinup Aboriginal Gallery, Two Feet & a Heartbeat and the Margaret River Chocolate Co.
The next day delegates travelled to John Forrest National Park, WA’s oldest national park. Delegates enjoyed a guided walk into the park, where they met at the Margaret Forrest Centre to learn of the new recreation and tourism plan proposed for the park and how the neighbouring Shires of Mundaring and Kalamunda and the City of Swan leverage and work with their parks. Westcycle and WA Mountain Bike Association explained their role in managing and promoting cycling in parks and Outdoors WA also presented on the health benefits of engaging in parks.
The day and conference program concluded with a bush tucker tasting with Dale Tilbrook and lunch at Mandoon Estate.
FACET would like to thank all those that attended and the following sponsors for supporting the event.
