Latest News and Events
January 2010: Research Manager Position Vacant
We are seeking to recruit a dynamic and experienced Research Manager to be responsible for the research activities of the Institute, in particular for identifying research needs, brokering the implementation of projects and ensuring delivery of outcomes to partners. This is an ideal opportunity for someone interested in collaborating with a wide research network to take a whole system approach to environmental issues through implementing inter-disciplinary research that crosses ecological, socio-cultural and economic dimensions.
The successful applicant will have post-graduate qualifications, preferably in environmental or related research, and a proven record of research collaboration and the capacity to attract research funding. The current contract is for 2 days a week located primarily at the
University of NSW in Sydney, to commence as soon as possible and no later
than March 2010.
Applications addressing selection criteria and including resume should be forwarded to: Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute, Vallentine Annexe, University of NSW, Sydney NSW 2052 Australia or s.terkes@bmwhi.org.au
Applications close: Monday February 1st 2010
Information packages: Sarah Terkes (02) 9385 5759 or s.terkes@bmwhi.org.au
Inquiries: Dr Rosalie Chapple (02) 9385 5653 or r.chapple@bmwhi.org.au.
October 2009: The Mt Wilson Community Fire Forum
The Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute organised a community fire forum for residents of the Mt Wilson region on Saturday 26 September at the Mount Wilson Community Hall. About 35 local residents attended the two-hour forum that shared information about bushfire ecology and management, with a focus on: regeneration of ecosystems after fire; how fire sensitivity is influenced by fuel load, weather and terrain, and climate change implications for fire behaviour. read more >>
September 2009: The Golden Gumtree Postal Run
We would like to remind you of a very important anniversary.
The Blue Mountains National Park turned 50 this year and many Blue Mountains residents wanted to celebrate. So the Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute helped to plan a major event for September to coincide with Spring and the first Gazettal date of the Blue Mountains National Park (records show this occurred on the 25th November 1959). The public was invited to join in this community event. read more >>
June 2009: Announcing the Institute's new Strategic Plan and Research Strategy
The Institute is now implementing its revised Strategic Plan and associated Research Strategy, which will guide activities until 2012.
The Strategic Plan succinctly presents the key goals, values and strategies of the Institute, while the Research Strategy provides the framework for research and community engagement based on the management issues defined in the 2009 Strategic Plan of Management for the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.
In particular, the Research Strategy guides the prospectus of projects that is now being prepared for implementation over the coming years to inform conservation and management of the World Heritage Area.
View the Strategic Plan 2009 - 2012 [ download pdf ]
View the Research Strategy 2009 - 2012 [ download pdf ]
May 2009: New Independent Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee
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We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer Tait, former Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of Blackmores, as the Independent Chair of the BMWHI Finance and Audit Committee.
Jennifer understands how to deliver results through the alignment of strategy and culture and has expertise in corporate capability and operational risk assessment, capital infrastructure and logistics, crisis and risk management.
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In August 2008, AFR Boss magazine recognised Jennifer as one of Australia’s True Leaders.
As the chair of the Finance and Audit Committee, Jennifer will draw upon her expertise to support the BMWHI with its governance responsibilities and to help ensure that the Institute efficiently conducts and manages its resources, its projects and activities in accordance with the Institute’s Constitution, Strategic Plan and Business Plan.
The Institute is grateful and fortunate to have Jennifer’s knowledge, experience and commitment.
May 2009: Recognising our Volunteers
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In celebration of National Volunteer Week, the Institute recognises the outstanding service of its two core volunteers, Jane Daish and Rosie Forsyth-Jackson.
Thank you, Jane and Rosie. |
Jane Daish has volunteered for the Institute two days per week since April 2007. She is a brilliant subeditor, providing excellent editorial support and research project assistance. She is flexible and tolerant of sporadic demands on her time.
Rosie Forsyth-Jackson has volunteered for the Institute one day per week since December 2008. She is an outstanding administrator, providing high-level support to the Business Manager in a wide range of tasks, and is happy to take on new challenges.
March 2009: Echoes Exhibition at Blacktown Arts Centre
The Mayor of Blacktown, Councillor Charlie Lowes, invites you to the exhibition launch of Echoes of Blacktown on Saturday 28th March at 2pm. This exhibition explores collective stories of the Darug people, the traditional owners of this land, who are intrinsically linked to this place by name, history and cultural significance. read more >>
March 2009: Aboriginal Art Exhibition @ Jemby Rinjah Eco Lodge
Starting on the
21st March 2009, the
Jemby Rinjah Eco Lodge
will be hosting an Aboriginal art exhibition. The opening featured a traditional
Aboriginal Welcome, Marra Mob Artists, Didgeridoo and a small Indigenous Fashion Show by Dianne Ussher and Robyn Caughlan. For more details please contact Tracey:
Phone: 0416 628 908 or
4787 7622
Email:
info@jembyrinjahlodge.com.au
February 14th, 2009: BMWHI Staff Attend Unveiling of the Gully Sign
Cheryle Yin-Lo, Sarah Terkes and Anne O'Grady were honoured to attend the official ceremony for the unveiling of the Gully sign on Saturday 14th February at Katoomba Aquatic Centre.
A highlight of the event was a dance piece, created by Jo Clancy and performed with Ian Colless.
October 2008: New Independent Chair for the Board of Directors
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The Institute is pleased to announce the new Independent Chair of its Board of Directors, Dr Don Stammer.
Described in the Australian Financial Review as “one of the doyens of economics in Australia”, Dr Stammer has enjoyed a long and distinguished career as an economist.
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Don has held senior positions at the Reserve Bank of Australia, taught economics and finance at the Australian National University and from 1981, for twenty years, was the Chief Economist / Director of Investment Strategy for Deutsche Bank and its predecessor Bain and Company.
Don is an active lecturer to institutions, government and investors on the Australian and world economy. Outside of economics and business strategy, Don has a keen interest in the environment and socially responsible investments.
October 2008: New Acting Executive Director for the BMWHI
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Dr Rosalie Chapple, one of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute’s co-founders, is now Acting Executive Director of the Institute.
Dr. Chapple was Executive Officer until
2007 and Company Secretary until 2008, when she took on the roles of
Research Director and Executive Director.
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Throughout her career she
has undertaken part-time university teaching, research and consulting in
ecology and sustainability. From an early research career focused on the
biology and behaviour of mammals, increasingly her work has involved the
broader socio-cultural and political aspects of environmental management and
conservation.
July 2008: Wollemi Yields its Ancient Secrets
There is a ridge and a creek in the heart of the 500,000-hectare Wollemi wilderness which are so remote they have never been officially named by Europeans. An archaeologist, Wayne Brennan, and his colleagues have called these wild features Forgotten Ridge and Creek and have just completed the first archaeological survey there. They have uncovered six archaeological sites, including a rock shelter with about 100 drawings and stencils. read more >>
March 2006: Lawson Turns on the Bright Lights
South
Lawson residents have been given a chance to participate in a community
energy-use survey run by the Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute. This
survey is part of a wider environmental program to work towards energy
efficiencies and long-term energy savings for Lawson residents. read more >>
December 2005: Earth Journeys Finish Year on a High
The team from the Blue Mountains’ leading world heritage
enviro-cultural education project have finished the year on a high
having just been awarded an official 'Cultural Partnership' from the
Blue Mountains City Council. read more >>
October 2005: Artistic Workshops Focus on Environment
Local
Indigenous children had the opportunity to participate in special
school holiday art workshops held at the Blue Mountains World Heritage
Institute (BMWHI) on September 26 and 27. read more >>
July 2005: Future Partners (with Integral Energy)
Integral Energy and the Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute (BMWHI)
have announced they have formed a community partnership to help deliver
more sustainable energy solutions for the Blue Mountains. Integral Energy will become a key partner in the BMWHI’s campaign to
have the Blue Mountains included in the Australian Greenhouse Office’s
Solar Cities trial. read more >>
May 2005: Katoomba Forum Focuses on Fire
The Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute hosted an interdisciplinary
forum called Climate Change & Fire in Katoomba last month as part
of a new research program. The
program – to be managed by the Institute – aims to address important
climate change issues and their potential impact on ecosystems in the
Greater Blue Mountains and Sydney Basin. read more >>
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