Perth NRM AGM 2022

The event began with a heartfelt Welcome to Country from Elder Len Yarran of Wadjak Northside, celebrating our collective efforts to care for our country and seek collaborative ways forward.

This was followed by a presentation from Dr Abbie Rogers, Deputy Director of the UWA Oceans Institute and Co-Director of UWA’s Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy, discussing the work being done to provide cost-benefit analyses that can inform and direct environmental outcomes in both the public and private spheres.

These methodologies are intended for practical applications, and will be used to include significant socio-economic values in research for the WAMSI-Westport Marine Science Program as part of the proposed Westport facility in Cockburn Sound.

Official business commenced with the CEO’s report from Keith Pekin, outlining the operationalisation of last year’s Strategy Plan in our Business Plan, providing focus and direction to ensure we achieve our goals as a for-purpose organisation in ecosystem restoration and as an agent of change in our region.

Dr Hegge ran through the confirmation of last year’s AGM minutes and the results of the resolutions voted for by the quorum of members present, including:

• Confirmation of Dr Elena Limnios and Dr Nick Moffatt as new Board Directors.
• Approval of minor changes to the Constitution*;
  • Additional clause (21) identifying the circumstances in which payments can be made to Board Directors or Standing Committee members.
  • An amendment to permit members to attend the AGM by phone or other means of instantaneous communication.

* Exact wording of constitutional changes are available in the Notice to Members.

Constitutional amendments will be made subject to approval from the Western Australian Government.

Darrell Jones presented the financial report from the Committee of Finance, Audit and Risk (CFAR), indicating an overall deficit of $13,669 for the financial year from revenues of $3,933,360. Mr Jones noted that this is a relatively good result, reflecting the loss of COVID funding from previous years and savings of over $50,000 in overheads associated with the decision to purchase office space rather than remaining in the rental market.

Dr Hegge then closed business, introducing Dr Limnios as the new Chair of the Board, supported by Darrell Jones as the new Deputy Chair, with Keith Halliwell taking over as the Chair of CFAR.

This was followed by opportunities to present gifts and say farewell to Dr Hegge and Ms Anklesaria, who have served as directors for seven and six years respectively.

Perth NRM extends its gratitude to directors past and present, and to our constitutional members for supporting our continuing work.