The Friends of Parks Inc Forum returns in 2024, for the first in-person forum since 2018 in Belair National Park, the birthplace for National Parks in South Australia. This will be the 33rd Forum and is being co-hosted by the Friends of Belair National Park and the Friends of Old Government House.

The Forum welcomes Friends of Parks volunteers, those considering joining, and anyone interested in conservation and nature. The event will be held over three days in Belair National Park and Club Marion Function Centre. The three-day program will incorporate a diverse range of expert and informative speakers, breakout sessions, panel discussions and tours. There will able be plenty of time to catch up with old and new friends over a “cuppa” with the event fully catered, with dinners on the Friday and Saturday nights.

Theme for 2024 – Strong Roots and New Branches

As Paul Kelly sings, “From Little Things Big Things Grow”, Friends of Parks Inc has grown to represent over 5,000 volunteers from over 140 groups. The theme of the 33rd Friends of Parks Inc Forum ‘Strong Roots and New Branches’ will celebrate the strong roots that have been established over the past 40+ years and will explore how Friends of Parks groups can continue grow into the future with new branches.

Ticket options

Tickets for the Forum have been partly subsidised by Friends of Parks Inc and National Parks and Wildlife Service. Ticket prices include GST. Humanitix booking fees apply. There is a limited number of tickets, so book early to avoid disappointment!!!

The following ticket options are available:

$110.00 – Forum ticket (all 3 days) 
Includes

• Friday night Welcome Dinner at Belair National Park (two-courses – roast carvery & dessert. Non-alcoholic beverages will be provided, you may BYO alcohol)
• Saturday program at Club Marion with morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. 
• Sunday program at Belair National Park with a choice of seven guided tours, workshops and presentations with morning tea and lunch

$60.00 – Single Day ticket

• Available for Friday, Saturday and Sunday

 $65.00 – Friends of Parks Inc Awards Dinner
Includes

• Three-course dinner at Club Marion on Saturday 24 August (beverages not included and can be purchased from bar) 
• Special Guest Speaker
• 2024 Friends of Parks Inc. Awards Presentation

There are a variety of accommodation options available in the local area, including caravan parks, motels and hotels. The following document has suggestions for accommodation.

Friends of Parks Form – Accommodation suggestions.

Friends of Parks groups contribute to looking after South Australia’s national parks and environment, either as one-off activities or over a longer period of time. Sometimes though, there are exemplary contributions made by groups that leave you scratching your head and thinking ‘Wow! That is really pretty impressive for a volunteer group, which is deserving of special recognition.

The Friends of Parks Inc. Awards recognise outstanding group achievements in five different categories.

• Nature Foundation Habitat Restoration and Protection Award
  Projects/activities that protect/restore/monitor native plant communities and associated eco-systems, including but not limited to, pest plant control, re-vegetation, bush care etc.
• Wildlife Protection and Recovery Award
  Projects/activities that protect/restore/monitor native wildlife communities and their associated eco-systems.
• RAA Innovation Award
  A new/different method/approach to activities that have an on-park biodiversity management outcome.
• Four Wheel Drive Association of SA Cultural and Structural Heritage Award
  Projects/activities that are aimed at preserving/renovating/restoring/ protecting/interpreting cultural and/or structural heritage and assets on park.
• Adelaide Airport Community Engagement Award 
  Projects/activities that reflect communicating/interpreting/educating aspects of the South Australian parks and reserves to the SA community.

A Gold and Silver award winner will be selected for each category. The winner will receive a certificate and a donation (Gold award $1000, Silver award $500) towards their group.

The 33rd Friends of Parks Inc Forum thanks the following organistations and business for helping make this event possible: