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Parks Victoria finds new leadership 

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In late November, Parks Victoria saw its leadership change hands as Matthew Jackson stepped down and Graeme Dear was appointed as Interim CEO. Jackson had led the government agency since 2017, but left the position by mutual agreement.

Graham Dear brings with him 30 years of experience in public and private sector administration and has served on the Victorian Fisheries Authority Board. Dear is also a member of the Great Outdoors Taskforce – the group responsible for reviewing and making recommendations about future forest and land management in Victoria. 

The Victorian Minister for Environment, Steve Dimopoulos, expressed his confidence in this move.

“His passion for the great outdoors and experience in administration means he is the right person to help Parks Victoria change,” he said.

“His leadership will ensure Parks Victoria continues to provide accessible, enjoyable outdoor experiences, while protecting and enhancing the state’s natural environment,” he said.

At the end of last year, Dimopoulos also announced that he had ordered a review of Parks Victoria. He wants to ensure that the organisation can serve the needs of Victorians to the best of its abilities.

He said that “It’s clear that Parks Victoria’s current operations need to be improved to meet community expectations.”

According to reporting by the ABC, the review will be conducted by the Melbourne based advisory firm KordaMentha.

Parks Victoria ensured that during this period of change and review, that it remains focused on ensuring our parks are open, safe and clean for all Victorians to enjoy, and we will continue to prioritise this important work over summer.

The agency has already shown this to be true, raising over $800,000 to establish a conservation sanctuary at Wilsons Promontory National Park, in South Gippsland.

This project has been a collaboration with a long-term charity partner, the People and Parks Foundation. Donations from generous Victorians will directly fund habitat restoration, species reintroduction, and critical pest control efforts.

The sanctuary would be the largest in Victoria and would create an environment where vulnerable wildlife and habitats can thrive. A new 10 km fence will prevent pests from entering the park, while continuing to provide access for Victorians and visitors to have empowering exposure to nature.

This sanctuary will ensure future generations can experience the best the Prom has to offer for years to come.

Parks Victoria encourages Victorians to continue to help fund this project. To donate towards the Prom Sanctuary, visit the People and Parks Foundation.

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