Calendar Competition Winners

1 December 2009

With more than 100 entries into our calendar competition, it was a tough decision to choose the top three winning entries. However, after voting by Trust for Nature staff, we are pleased to announce that the 2010 calendar competition winners are: Debbie Reynolds, Liz Martin and Sean Phillipson, in that order. Congratulations to our winners, and thank you to all of those people who participated. Debbie’s photo will feature in our 2010 Trust for Nature ‘Habitat’ desk calendar.

TRUST FOR NATURE APPOINTS NEW CEO

4 September 2009

Trust for Nature has announced that Ms Victoria Marles is to be appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer.

Chairman of Trust for Nature, Tom Tootell, said that Ms Marles brings extensive leadership experience to the role having established the first office of the Legal Services Commissioner and the Legal Services Board in Victoria during the last four years.

A lawyer by profession, Ms Marles has extensive regulatory experience in the fields of communications and legal services. Prior to her current role, Ms Marles held the position of Deputy Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman. She has over 10 years experience as a Member of VCAT and the Guardianship and Administration List. Previously she has worked as a law lecturer, commercial solicitor and secondary teacher.

Ms Marles also has strong arts and not for profit experience including most recently chairing the Board of Circus Oz for thirteen years and sitting on the Board of the Victorian Arts Centre Trust. Ms Marles was a trustee of the Victorian Women's Trust for ten years.

Mr Tootell said that Ms Marles will be an invaluable addition to the organisation. "Victoria has a detailed knowledge of public sector management and as a joint owner of a Trust for Nature covenanted property has demonstrated a personal commitment to the Trust’s work.”

Ms Marles commenced as CEO on 26 October 2009. She joins a progressive and dynamic non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting remnant natural bushland occurring on private property throughout Victoria.

For further information please contact Trust for Nature Communications Coordinator Renee Robinson on 0428 325 684 or Acting Executive Director Peter Moulton on 0412 521 228.

Much of our natural bush (grasslands, wetlands, forests and heathlands), is on privately owned land and these precious ecosystems are increasingly threatened. When cleared, we will lose not only beautiful landscapes, but also the diversity of plants and animals that they support.

These remnants of natural bush contain complex ecosystems (rare in public parks or reserves) and even subtle changes can alter these, leading to a loss of diversity that is difficult to repair.

With nearly 70 per cent of Victoria cleared of bush it is crucial we act now to conserve and enhance what little remains of unprotected bush left on Victorian private land.

Australia is already witnessing the impact of climate change.  Trust for Nature is ready to act but we need your help to save Victoria's natural bushlands forever.

Trust for Nature provides land protection, management support and monitoring, purchases and on-sells private land through its Revolving Fund and accepts donations of private land for conservation via gifts or bequests.

Consider donating to Trust for Nature today!