To mark the 100th edition of the Friends of Parks and Nature Newsletter, we’re taking a brief look back at how Friends of Parks and Nature Inc. first began.

Today, more than 150 groups and over 5,000 volunteers care for South Australia’s natural places – a legacy built on passion and community spirit.

The Friends of Parks scheme was launched in 1982 by the then Minister for Environment, the Hon. David Wotton, and supported by the NPWS Community Liaison Unit. Two groups had already formed, the Fort Glanville Historical Association Inc. (1980) and Friends of Ferguson Conservation Park (1982).

Early champions from the Nature Conservation Society of SA, including Agnes Jackson and Penny Robertson, helped drive the vision. Penny, a natural history lecturer, saw opportunities for students to volunteer in parks… and early discussions with NPWS leaders helped the idea gain momentum.

Minister Wotton later reflected on the broader challenges, such as limited resources within parks and rising concerns about issues like pest plants, fire and land access. Consultative committees were formed to bring communities and agencies together. At the same time, public interest in getting involved was growing.

Dr. Barbara Hardy strongly championed the volunteer concept, while unions raised concerns about roles being replaced… but through negotiation, common ground was found.

Much early momentum was thanks to the Manager of the Community Liaison unit,  Dene Cordes, whose dedication helped turn the idea into a state-wide movement.

At the AGM in 2023, the meeting voted to change the name from Friends of Parks Inc. to Friends of Parks and Nature Inc.

From tentative beginnings and lengthy negotiations (and many more people who cannot all be named in this short wrap up), Friends of Parks and Nature grew into a volunteer network built on shared stewardship and community leadership.

Today, every group, every volunteer and every hour contributed adds to this ongoing legacy, and the benefits of which, will be reaped for generations to come.

Header Image: Mike Williams, Executive Director, National Parks and Wildlife SA, at the 40th birthday celebration of Friends of Parks Inc., held on Sunday 25 September 2022, Main Oval Pavilion, Belair National Park

 

The annual Nature Festival is returning to South Australia once again from 26 September – 12 October 2025. This year’s theme, Flow, explores everything from rivers and oceans to creative expression and the flow of communities and generations.

On Saturday 30 August, the Friends of Parks and Nature Inc and National Parks and Wildlife Service SA along with sponsors Nature Foundation, Green Adelaide, ElectraNet and Adelaide Airport gathered to celebrate the incredible contributions of our Friends of Parks and Nature volunteers at the 2025 Awards Dinner at the Adelaide Pavilion. It was a night filled with inspiration and connection as we acknowledged the people and groups who help protect and conserve South Australia’s natural environment. The night began with Jack Buckskin from Kuma Kaaru and his daughter Mahleaha, who welcomed us to Country, the Deputy Premier, The Hon. Susan Close, Minister for Climate, Environment and Science delivered an opening address followed by Sophie Green from Fungi Map presenting on recent surveys which were supported by recent Citizen Science Grants.

To view photos from the night, click here.

To read more about the finalists submissions, click here.

Congratulations to all our Award Winners and Nominees!

Your dedication and commitment to conservation, community, and connection with nature is truly remarkable.

Nature Foundation Habitat Restoration and Protection Award
GOLD: Friends of Brownhill Creek
SILVER: Friends of Kenneth Stirling Conservation Park

Green Adelaide Wildlife Protection and Recovery Award
GOLD: Friends of Bool and Hacks Lagoons
SILVER: Friends of Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park

Adelaide Airport Limited Community Engagement Award
GOLD: Walking SA
SILVER: Friends of Black Hill and Morialta Parks

ElectraNet Innovation Award
GOLD: Friends of the Heysen Trail and other Walking Trails Inc.

National Parks and Wildlife SA Cultural and Structural Heritage Award
GOLD: Friends of Old Government House

Thank you to all the volunteers who attended the awards dinner. We would also like to acknowledge the support of our sponsors: Nature Foundation, ElectraNet, Adelaide Airport, and Green Adelaide.