Crown land volunteers trailblaze Diplomas

The first graduates of a new program to give volunteers formal qualifications in managing public land have been congratulated for their commitment to their communities.

Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said the NSW Government has so far contributed $300,000 for the Governance Development Program, including a range of free training activities for volunteers and 82 free places in the diploma course.

“There are thousands of Crown reserves in NSW managed by dedicated volunteers who support their communities with everything from public halls and showgrounds to racecourses, parks, museums and surf life saving clubs,” Mr Anderson said.

“The first 24 graduates and 58 other students who have taken on the Diploma of Governance course for Crown Land Manager volunteers are showing impressive public commitment and personal drive to improve their skills.”

Crown Lands has partnered with the Institute of Community Directors Australia to develop the 12-month program that teaches everything from strategic planning, applying for funding and monitoring finances to leading organisation change.  

Applicants for the course must be either an existing volunteer, or keen to become a volunteer, participating in the management of Crown land in NSW.

Recent graduate Roberta Conroy is the director of Katandra Bushland Sanctuary at Ingleside where volunteers help manage a 12-hectare reserve for its native plants, bird watching and short walks.

“The course completely opened my eyes about governance and gave me the confidence to implement changes, and provided me the resources to provide training for employees and fellow committee members,” Ms Conroy said.

For more information or to find out how to become a Crown Land Manager volunteer to support your local community, visit the Reserve Manager website.