Former President of the Legislative Council of Western Australia and the National Trust of WA, Hon John Cowdell AM has been appointed Chairperson of the Heritage Council of Western Australia.
An existing member of the Heritage Council, Mr Cowdell will lead the Council for the next three years, drawing from a long and successful career in State Parliament and his former roles as president and vice president of the National Trust of WA, and director and deputy chairperson of the Australian Council of National Trusts.
Professor Erika Techera, an experienced academic specialising in heritage and environmental law, has also been appointed as a new member, further strengthening the gender balance of the board and continuing the significant contribution of the outgoing chairperson, Anne Arnold.
With a specialised mix of knowledge, experience and skills in heritage and board disciplines, the Heritage Council advises the State Government on the conservation, protection and promotion of heritage and the hundreds of places listed on the State Register of Heritage Places.
As stated by Heritage Minister David Templeman:
“John brings a wealth of experience and insight into the role of chairperson. He is a long-term ambassador of heritage conservation and an advocate for the importance of heritage to the Western Australian community, as well as having substantial experience in providing leadership of high level government bodies.
“I am also pleased to welcome Erika Techera to the Council, and I look forward to working closely with both John and Erika as we continue to preserve our State’s past and ensuring our heritage lives on to be celebrated and enjoyed by future generations.
“I thank Anne Arnold for her tireless work over 11 years of service on the Heritage Council. Anne has played a key role in achieving great outcomes for our State’s varied places of heritage significance and Western Australia is a better place because of her work.”
