Free course for volunteer Crown Land managers

The NSW Government is offering a free course run by the Australian Institute of Company Directors for people who are existing or potential Crown Land managers.

Applications will be accepted from both individuals in the community keen to volunteer in managing non-council Crown reserves, and from existing appointed non-council volunteer community-based managers.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the government was looking for volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds and with a diversity of skills, expertise and interests to help manage local public land.

“Crown reserves are government owned public lands that are at the heart of every community and we are looking for more volunteers to take up board positions to help manage them,” Mrs Pavey said.

“Our volunteer managed reserves are home to a wide range of community facilities and public assets like showgrounds, parks, sporting fields, racecourses, coastal foreshores, camping grounds, nature reserves and community halls.

“We are offering potential volunteers or existing volunteers the opportunity to be a part of this pilot program. The free three-day course with the Australian Institute of Company Directors is the Foundations of Directorship program.

“Participants will learn about governance skills to help them participate in the management of Crown land in a volunteer capacity.

“Volunteering in the management of Crown land is a rewarding experience as you help build resilience in your community by supporting local groups and industries.”

The tailored three-day online course, to be offered to 40 people, will be delivered by expert facilitators and consist of six sessions delivered across three courses –

Governance for Directors, Finance for Directors, and Strategy and Risk for Directors.

The course will cover the range of directors’ duties and responsibilities and on completion, participants will be able to do an assessment task to gain their certificate.

Mrs Pavey said there were about 600 volunteer Crown land community boards across the state so there were plenty of great opportunities for community members to get involved.

“Board membership is a rewarding experience and we want people who are passionate about working cooperatively as a team to benefit their local community.”

Applications for the Australian Institute of Company Directors course are open until 10 June 2020. Please refer to Reserve Manager Crown land governance training program

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