OUR MISSION
“To advance sustainable practices for the conservation of our natural & cultural resources. Including maintaining & enhancing biodiversity, cultural heritage, landscape & conservation, environmental interpretation, access & recreational use.”
The Protected Area Workers Association (PAWA) is an non-profit, non-industrial, apolitical professional association for protected area workers in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and Australia's offshore territories.
A protected area worker is someone who works in a field operational position, or who directly supervises or supports the work of staff in field operational positions, that cares for protected areas, natural and cultural resource systems &/or the flora and fauna of NSW, ACT and Australian territories. This includes those working in government departments and agencies, and private agencies, organisations, collectives, societies, and trusts.
PAWA's constitution sets out who we are, who we represent, what we have set out to achieve.
PAWA'S OBJECTIVES
Promote and enhance the professions that collectively manage the protected areas in NSW and the ACT
Provide a forum for professional and social enrichment and foster professional exchange
Provide education and other training to develop and or improve the knowledge and skills of protected area workers
Provide a forum for discussion of common concerns of protected area workers, to share knowledge and communicate with the public to promote greater public benefit from their work
Provide material assistance, education and other training to develop and improve the knowledge, skills, professional standards and the status of protected area workers in developing countries throughout the world
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Leah Pippos
Chairperson
Josh Madden
Vice Chairperson
Max Walker
Secretary
Jodie McGill
Treasurer
Wendy Whorrod
Extension Officer
Steve Woodhall
Public Officer
Phuong Le
Committee Member
Nick Thorne
Committee Member
Aaron West
Committee Member
Andy McQuie
Committee Member
Emma Bendall
Committee Member
Nadia Kuzman
Committee Member
AFFILIATIONS
PAWA is affiliated with the International Ranger Federation (IRF) and the International Ranger Federation Oceania (IRF Oceania) division.
The goal of the IRF is to ‘provide a forum for rangers from around the world to share their successes and failures in protecting the world’s heritage and to promote information and technology transfer from countries in which protected area management enjoys broad public and government support to countries in which protected area management is less well supported.
In 2018 the IRF Oceania division evolved to encompass ranger associations from around Australia and the Pacific. Prior to this, the Council of Australian Rangers Associations (CARA) existed to share news, ideas and to vote on matters affecting ranger associations across the country. The amalgamated division was formed to reduce barriers between Australian ranger associations and our nearby partners across the pacific. Once a year the IRF Oceania meets for its Annual General Meeting, hosted by a state or Pacific association.
VALUES
Embracing diversity
PAWA celebrates the rich diversity of the communities we serve, placing a high value on Aboriginal cultural awareness and knowledge across all areas. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds, including people from diverse ethnic, religious, and linguistic backgrounds. We also embrace people of varying abilities, genders, and orientations, ensuring everyone feels valued and included.
Acknowledging culture
PAWA is dedicated to safeguarding Aboriginal culture and fostering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness within our association. We acknowledge and respect their deep connections to Country and community, and we strive to foster awareness, understanding, and celebration of diverse cultural histories and contributions throughout our association.
Respect, equity and inclusion
PAWA is committed to promoting an inclusive and equitable culture that prioritises safety, respect, and fairness. We actively work to remove barriers, champion diverse perspectives, and ensure everyone can engage with our mission in an environment that upholds dignity and mutual respect.
Conservation values
PAWA is committed to the protection of Australia's, Oceania's, and the Earth’s biodiversity through the establishment and management of natural reserves. We respect and support effective reserve management strategies, making conservation decisions based on scientific research and available resources to ensure the long-term preservation of our natural environment.
Assisting rangers to better manage their reserves
PAWA is dedicated to supporting Rangers across Australia, Oceania, and globally. We assist Rangers by providing essential equipment and financial resources, helping to form ranger associations, and fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration among rangers worldwide.