1. Marilyn you were chosen to be the Chair of the Native Vegetation Council. What is your background and how does that connect you to Native Vegetation?
I have a degree in Agricultural Science, a PhD in Animal Science and a Graduate Diploma in Environmental Studies. I became aware of Environmental Issues in the early 1970s, whilst studying, and joined the Australian Conservation Foundation.
Simultaneously we moved to a rural small acreage in the Adelaide Hills, which surprisingly had no native vegetation.We joined Trees for Life and thus began my journey with Native Vegetation. My husband and I subsequently revegetated 3 rural properties in the Hills and continue that work on our property on the FLeurieu Peninsula. I also became a Bush for Life Volunteer, protecting and restoring a patch of Native Vegetation at Lobethal in the Adelaide Hills.
My journey to the Native Vegetation Council was via the Local Government Association. Being a Councillor with the City of Victor Harbor, I applied to be the LGA representative on the NVC. The criteria for applying included being a Primary-producer with experience in Revegetation work. I was subsequently offered the position of Presiding Member which I gratefully accepted.
2. In your community what practices do you have in place to protect Native Vegetation that can influence the greater State?
I am privileged to belong to a Council and a Community which takes the Environment seriously. As a result, Council adopted the Biodiversity and Natural Assets Management Plan 2023-2028.
3. You are also Council Member for the City of Victor Harbor and there is word you like to keep busy – tell us more?
I do like to keep busy. Having been elected to the Council I soon realised that much of the work of an LGA is done in Committees and Advisory Groups, which bring together members of the Community to work with Council Members and Staff Members.
As well as my interest in the Environment, I am also passionate about Intergenerational Connection, Social Equality and Inclusion, Safety, and Arts and Culture. Hence, since being elected, 6+ years ago, I have Chaired the Southern Communities Transport Scheme Committee (a joint Committee with Alexandrina Council), the Community Services Advisory Group Committee (a Joint Committee with Yankalilla Council), the Disability Access and Inclusion Committee, the Arts and Culture Advisory Group, as well as being a Council Representative on many other committee's and coucils in my local area.
4. Special moments in your career to date?
I have to say that being offered the position of Presiding Member of NVC is, without doubt, the highlight of my Career. I was truly humbled and honoured to be offered the position.
Highlights of my LGA career are having successfully brought a Climate Emergency Declaration Motion to Council in early 2019, followed by a Carbon Neutrality Motion for the City of Victor Harbor. This was also supported and determines that the Council will be a Carbon Neutral Entity by 2030.
Highlights of my Academic Career were achieving my goals as a Mature-Age student, leading to a Career in Electron Microscopy and Scientific Research at the University of Adelaide, and managing my own Laboratory.
5. What do you like to do in your spare time?
I Chair a local Volunteer group, the Fleurieu Neighbourhood Network which runs a Senior’s Information Hub once a week. The Hub helps connect Seniors with Services and Activities in the Local Region. I also enjoy Reading, Knitting, Cross-stitch, Patchwork Quilting, and Aquarobics. I am also an active member of South Coast U3A and also the South Coast Progressive Women’s Group.
Subscribe
Website
Contact