As an organisation dedicated to encouraging people to get outdoors and enjoy nature and eco-tourism, it was a natural fit for members of FACET to be part of a steering committee that is helping guide the creation of a Foundation to increase appreciation of, and support for, Western Australia's wonderful national parks, nature reserves and conservation reserves.

In August 2015, FACET's Chair and former Chair, Pat Barblett, AM and Claire Savage, joined a committed group of individuals to form the WA Parks Foundation Steering Committee, which is led by Her Excellency the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AO, Governor of Western Australia.  Each member brings with then significant experience and knowledge, and share a strong passion for Western Australia's natural places.  They are also aware of the health benefits associated with increased use of our parks as well as their potential for eco-tourism.

Unlike a number of other States, WA does not have a state-based national park Foundation to support its national parks and other reserves.

The WA Parks Foundation aims to increase awareness of the importance of parks leading to increased support and engagement.  It aims to link groups to parks and projects, and help ensure a sustainable and collaborative approach to the enjoyment and appreciation of our unique parks into the future.

The group meets regularly and a comprehensive business plan and financial model has been developed after stakeholder consultation and input from the committee.

It will be a busy few months, as big steps are taken to move forward with the implementation of the business plan that will help to ensure future generations have the benefits to learning about and experiencing our unique and previous natural areas.

For regular updates, subscribe to the WA Parks Foundation newsletter at WA Parks Foundation

Image:  Top row left to right:  Prof. Steve Hopper, Jayden Miller, Jim Sharp, Noongar Elder Robert Isaacs, Colin Ingram
Bottom row let to right:  Janet Holmes a` Court, AC, Her Excellency the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AO, Governor of Western Australia, Prof Lyn Beazley, Claire Savage, Pat Barblett AM, Carol Buckley