Jacquie Petrusma,Minister for Parks
It was my absolute pleasure today to attend the Statewide celebrations to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS).
From humble beginnings in November 1971, the Service has now grown from 59 employees to over 450 employees who are dedicated and committed to delivering a world-class parks service, while preserving and protecting our world-renowned reserve system and our beautiful and glorious natural and cultural values.
50 years on, our dedicated staff and volunteers care for more than 51 per cent of our beautiful island state, including National parks, reserves, marine seascapes, Crown lands and three World Heritage Areas.
The 50th celebrations today were a fantastic occasion for past and present staff and volunteers to get together and celebrate and reflect on the achievements of the Service since these humble beginnings, and to share their thoughts and insights for the next 50 years of the PWS.
It was also an important opportunity to acknowledge and recognise the traditional and original owners and continuing custodians of this land, including reflecting on the return of Aboriginal cultural burning practices in Tasmania’s Parks and reserves, delivered importantly by Tasmanian Aboriginal people.
The achievements of the Service over the last 50 years are a true reflection of the continuing camaraderie and outstanding teamwork of our staff and volunteers.
I’m incredibly proud of what the Service has achieved over the last 50 years, and on behalf of the Tasmanian Government, I thank and congratulate our Parks staff and volunteers who play a vital role each and every day in helping visitors to our Parks recognise, value and enjoy our natural and cultural heritage.
