I acknowledge the Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute’s Chief Executive Officer, Jane Powles. Jane joined the Institute in September 2022, bringing with her an impressive skill set, where she followed in the footsteps of our fabulous founding Directors Rosalie Chapple and Dr John Merson. Jane has been an impressive leader, with an ethos centred around seeking opportunities for progress, and creatively seeking alternative possibilities for connection. 

The Institute is an independent, not-for-profit organisation bringing together research, local communities, and government agencies to support the conservation and management of the Greater Blue Mountains. At present, the Blue Mountains ecosystem is under threat from climate change impacts, fire, urban interference, invasive species and the loss of biodiversity.  

Jane and the learned collective at the Institute are working tirelessly to contribute to the protection and preservation of this precious World Heritage region. They are focused on driving change and championing a more just, equitable and sustainable future.  

Whilst Jane has recently announced her retirement from the Institute, I know her legacy will live on, and I wish her all the very best in her future endeavours.