Chairpersons Report - Friends of the Western Swamp Tortoise

08 Dec

2013 Achievements

2013 achievements The Friends and others celebrated 50 years of scientific monitoring of the tortoise at an event held on 2 October at Ellen Brook Nature Reserve. The 65-year-old female Tortoise Number 4 was recaptured and briefly on display. Gerald took the opportunity to do an ultrasound and she was…

06 Nov

2014 Achievements

Highlights of 2014 The release of the 500th Western Swamp Tortoise bred by the Perth Zoo. WA Environment Minister Albert Jacob attended - great day, good publicity. Thanks to DPaW's Craig for a smooth running, well organised event. Sponsorship by Margaret River Chocolate – still going strong. Ray Mooney handed…

31 Dec

Chairperson's Annual Report 2012

CHAIRPERSON’S ADDRESS: PRESENTED AT THE AGM, 1 Dec 2012 I enjoy preparing the Chairperson’s address for the AGM, because it gives me a chance to reflect on all the hard work we’ve done over the preceding year, and assess the priorities for the coming year. Releases: 32 juveniles released at…

30 Dec

Chairperson's Address AGM 2011

Release: Over 60 tortoises were released this year. The Friends Group participated with the Minister for the Environment, Bill Marmion, to release 30 at TSNR on the 6 Aug. The others were released a week earlier by DEC staff at Moore River. Because of good following rains, no tortoises had…

30 Dec

Chairperson's Address AGM 2010

2010 signified the change to bi-monthly meetings of the group. This has ensured a quorum at all meetings. This seems to have worked well. As most members are on email, it is an easy matter to contact members between meetings if necessary. Some of our meetings have been a comedy…

30 Dec

Chairperson's Address AGM 2009

In collaboration with our sponsors, Edgecombe Brothers Winery, we held a very successful ‘Foodlovers’ Tour of the Swan Valley’ in March 2009. Our guide, Julie, took us to some of the unsung local venues for everything from fresh vegetables to fig jam. We held a very successful meeting in March,…

31 Dec

Chairperson's Address AGM 2008

Firstly I’d like to thank all Committee members for their hard work, their contribution of ideas, and their attendance at the monthly meetings. 2008 was a particularly difficult year for the Recovery Team of the Western Swamp Tortoise, as over 60% of their funding was cut. This has impacted on…

31 Dec

Chairperson's Address AGM 2007

I’d just like to remind you of all the hard work we’ve done and the accomplishments of the Friends of the Western Swamp Tortoise during 2007. Membership has been gradually increasing, and now our Tortoise Tales quarterly newsletter reaches over 200 people. Although Helen left us earlier in the year…

29 Dec

Chairperson’s Report: 2006

This has been an exciting year for the Friends group with several projects being successfully undertaken. We have received, and spent, two $5500 Community Conservation Grants and a Grant from Lotterywest for $5800 to prepare displays With the help of Edgecombe Brothers Winery we fundraised almost $2000 through a cocktail…

30 Dec

Chairperson's Address: AGM 2005

Lesley gave an overview of the group’s achievements and contributions over the last year. These are summarised below: FoWST trip to Perth Zoo to visit the WST captive breeding program. Met Dean Burford and Clint who run the breeding program at the Zoo. Friends were given a tour of the…