h3. Parks Canada Exchange
Over the last two summers the Grampians participated in a staff exchange program with Parks Canada and Jeff Weir joined our team. Jeff carried out excellent work on the presence of grazing species along the boundaries of the Park. Jeff’s experience in fire fighting was also greatly valued during two bad fire seasons.
The exchange program is continuing, as is the work on grazing species, and this summer Sean Frey will join our team. Sean will be joined by wife, Ruth, and son, Aiden.
h3. Congratulations Stan
Congratulations to Stan on his appointment as President of the FOGG’s. I would like to also say thankyou to Proo for the fantastic leadership that she has provided during her term as president. Best wishes to the FOGG’s for another productive year ahead.
h3. Staff News
We welcome Peter Foster to the Park as Team Leader Visitor Services. Peter was based in Beaufort, part of the Southern Goldfields Area. And a big thank you to Stewart Davidson who has been Acting Team Leader since December last year.
Suzie Skurrie and Ken Lever are both on extended sick leave and we wish them well in their recoveries.
Four Summer Rangers have been appointed to the Grampians this summer for a period of twelve weeks. These staff will be a valuable addition at this busy time in the Park. A large part of their work will be focussed on patrol duties in the Park, talking to visitors, providing information and interpreting the Park’s values.
h3. Fire Recovery Works
Recently we appointed two fire recovery crews to carry out works to June next year. Fortunately we have been able to re-engage many of the workers who were involved in last year’s recovery works. Since last year’s fire we have made excellent progress in the restoration of facilities and now most of the popular destinations are open.
In the near future we will be reopening Bomjinna, Kalymna, Mafeking and Jimmy Creek visitor sites. Works are progressing well on new residence and toilets at Mackenzie Falls and these are planned to be completed by Christmas. By Easter 2008 we plan to reopen all parts of the Southern end of the Wonderland Range and Mount Rosea, including Sundial Car Park, Sundial Lookout, Lake View Lookout, Delleys Dell and Mount Rosea Walking Track. By end June 2008 we plan to complete access over the Major Mitchell Plateau.