'Historic milestone': Catholic schools office appoints first female director
Jacqueline Wilkinson has accepted the position after holding multiple roles in 2024 as assistant head of schools and acting director of schools.
The latter position had been held by former CEO Sean Scanlon, who made a shock exit from the CSO in February.
Ms Wilkinson was recently appointed acting head of schools when Steve Lemos resigned in 2024.
"I was in that role for about eight weeks and then interviewed for the role permanently," she said.
She said her focus was on stabilising the diocese and bringing a sense of community back.
"I have a focus on schools and what they need to enhance teaching and learning, and I'm really focused on building a high leadership team," she said.
"I've always been committed to the experience that students have in the classroom, which really depends on the quality of teachers, the great leadership that happens in schools, and the way we can all partner to make that happen."
Ms Wilkinson said, despite a shift of positions in the CSO, she was confident in the diocese's future.
"I think that comes from having the right people in the right roles who are promoting our Catholic Schools. I think that sense was lost that we're all in this together, but now we are doing great work in that space," she said.
She said change happens, and anyone who comes along offers a new vision.
"Change is a very natural thing. It's how we respond to change, rather than react to change," she said.
"I'm always thinking about how we can improve and our ultimate mission. I'm clear on what that is. So, I think we're we're in a good place."
Ms Wilkinson said she felt privileged and excited to take on the role and was in it for the "long haul".
She brings over 35 years of experience with the Hunter Catholic education system, having started her career in 1990 as a classroom teacher at St Joseph's Primary School in Dungog.
"I moved around a little bit as a kid and came to Dungog as a child of a police sergeant and then stayed," she said.
She has also held various leadership roles, including assistant principal at St Brigid's Raymond Terrace and first female principal at St Patrick's Lochinvar.
THE Maitland-Newcastle diocese's Catholic Schools Office has appointed its first female Director of Schools.
Jacqueline Wilkinson has accepted the position after holding multiple roles in 2024 as assistant head of schools and acting director of schools.
The latter position had been held by former CEO Sean Scanlon, who made a shock exit from the CSO in February.
Ms Wilkinson was recently appointed acting head of schools when Steve Lemos resigned in 2024.
"I was in that role for about eight weeks and then interviewed for the role permanently," she said.
She said her focus was on stabilising the diocese and bringing a sense of community back.
"I have a focus on schools and what they need to enhance teaching and learning, and I'm really focused on building a high leadership team," she said.
"I've always been committed to the experience that students have in the classroom, which really depends on the quality of teachers, the great leadership that happens in schools, and the way we can all partner to make that happen."
Ms Wilkinson said, despite a shift of positions in the CSO, she was confident in the diocese's future.
"I think that comes from having the right people in the right roles who are promoting our Catholic Schools. I think that sense was lost that we're all in this together, but now we are doing great work in that space," she said.
She said change happens, and anyone who comes along offers a new vision.
"Change is a very natural thing. It's how we respond to change, rather than react to change," she said.
"I'm always thinking about how we can improve and our ultimate mission. I'm clear on what that is. So, I think we're we're in a good place."
Ms Wilkinson said she felt privileged and excited to take on the role and was in it for the "long haul".
She brings over 35 years of experience with the Hunter Catholic education system, having started her career in 1990 as a classroom teacher at St Joseph's Primary School in Dungog.
"I moved around a little bit as a kid and came to Dungog as a child of a police sergeant and then stayed," she said.
She has also held various leadership roles, including assistant principal at St Brigid's Raymond Terrace and first female principal at St Patrick's Lochinvar.
THE Maitland-Newcastle diocese's Catholic Schools Office has appointed its first female Director of Schools.
Jacqueline Wilkinson has accepted the position after holding multiple roles in 2024 as assistant head of schools and acting director of schools.
The latter position had been held by former CEO Sean Scanlon, who made a shock exit from the CSO in February.
Ms Wilkinson was recently appointed acting head of schools when Steve Lemos resigned in 2024.
"I was in that role for about eight weeks and then interviewed for the role permanently," she said.
She said her focus was on stabilising the diocese and bringing a sense of community back.
"I have a focus on schools and what they need to enhance teaching and learning, and I'm really focused on building a high leadership team," she said.
"I've always been committed to the experience that students have in the classroom, which really depends on the quality of teachers, the great leadership that happens in schools, and the way we can all partner to make that happen."
Ms Wilkinson said, despite a shift of positions in the CSO, she was confident in the diocese's future.
"I think that comes from having the right people in the right roles who are promoting our Catholic Schools. I think that sense was lost that we're all in this together, but now we are doing great work in that space," she said.
She said change happens, and anyone who comes along offers a new vision.
"Change is a very natural thing. It's how we respond to change, rather than react to change," she said.
"I'm always thinking about how we can improve and our ultimate mission. I'm clear on what that is. So, I think we're we're in a good place."
Ms Wilkinson said she felt privileged and excited to take on the role and was in it for the "long haul".
She brings over 35 years of experience with the Hunter Catholic education system, having started her career in 1990 as a classroom teacher at St Joseph's Primary School in Dungog.
"I moved around a little bit as a kid and came to Dungog as a child of a police sergeant and then stayed," she said.
She has also held various leadership roles, including assistant principal at St Brigid's Raymond Terrace and first female principal at St Patrick's Lochinvar.
THE Maitland-Newcastle diocese's Catholic Schools Office has appointed its first female Director of Schools.
Jacqueline Wilkinson has accepted the position after holding multiple roles in 2024 as assistant head of schools and acting director of schools.
The latter position had been held by former CEO Sean Scanlon, who made a shock exit from the CSO in February.
Ms Wilkinson was recently appointed acting head of schools when Steve Lemos resigned in 2024.
"I was in that role for about eight weeks and then interviewed for the role permanently," she said.
She said her focus was on stabilising the diocese and bringing a sense of community back.
"I have a focus on schools and what they need to enhance teaching and learning, and I'm really focused on building a high leadership team," she said.
"I've always been committed to the experience that students have in the classroom, which really depends on the quality of teachers, the great leadership that happens in schools, and the way we can all partner to make that happen."
Ms Wilkinson said, despite a shift of positions in the CSO, she was confident in the diocese's future.
"I think that comes from having the right people in the right roles who are promoting our Catholic Schools. I think that sense was lost that we're all in this together, but now we are doing great work in that space," she said.
She said change happens, and anyone who comes along offers a new vision.
"Change is a very natural thing. It's how we respond to change, rather than react to change," she said.
"I'm always thinking about how we can improve and our ultimate mission. I'm clear on what that is. So, I think we're we're in a good place."
Ms Wilkinson said she felt privileged and excited to take on the role and was in it for the "long haul".
She brings over 35 years of experience with the Hunter Catholic education system, having started her career in 1990 as a classroom teacher at St Joseph's Primary School in Dungog.
"I moved around a little bit as a kid and came to Dungog as a child of a police sergeant and then stayed," she said.
She has also held various leadership roles, including assistant principal at St Brigid's Raymond Terrace and first female principal at St Patrick's Lochinvar.
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The Advertiser
8 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Marie is 105 - guess what she got up to for her birthday?
Last time I spoke to Marie Nixon she was having a beer, celebrating her 100th birthday and was the life of the party. She told me she was looking forward to her 105th birthday and was already making plans for the big event. Well, this week that event arrived, and she was still the life of the party and still enjoying a beer. Mrs Nixon's daughter Janette Van Haren, said her mother was doing remarkably well. "She's terrific - she looks a million dollars and I reckon she'll outlive her kids who are all in their 80s now," Janette said. Apart from a few mobility issues, Mrs Nixon is in good health and takes one blood pressure tablet a day. Originally from Lorn and now living in Queensland, Janette said Mrs Nixon and her son Brian, who Mrs Nixon had been caring for, made the move to the Sunshine State late last year. After a short stint living with Janette, Mrs Nixon moved into an aged care village at Carseldine near Brisbane and Brian, 72, to independent living also close by. "They're just five minutes from me," Janette said. While the family celebrated Mrs Nixon's birthday on July 8, a larger event is planned for Saturday, July 12 with friends and family travelling from Maitland to wish her many happy returns. Mrs Nixon is relishing the social aspect of her new living arrangements and enjoys going to housie, 10-pin bowling and Mass. "She's not a Catholic but she goes to Mass every day," Janette said. "She still has that wicked sense of humour and loves the fact that she is the oldest person in the nursing home - she's now received congratulatory letters from Queen Elizabeth and King Charles. Mrs Nixon raised her seven siblings from age 13 and nursed her husband through dementia. She has seen war, floods and famine. Born and bred in Ballina on July 8, 1920, Mrs Nixon moved to Maitland with her husband Robert in 1949 when he took up a job with the council as an electrical linesman. The couple came with their three young children. Two other siblings were born after the family settled in Lorn. No stranger to tough times, Mrs Nixon, the eldest daughter of eight children, lost her mother when she was just 13 and was left to raise her brothers and sisters. She soldiered on with a young family when her husband went to Palestine during World War II. In 1971, her life took another tragic turn when her son Brian, then 18, suffered severe head injuries in a motorcycle accident. She has been his full-time carer since. But it doesn't end there for this stoic woman. Her husband was diagnosed with dementia, and she nursed him through his illness until he passed in 1999. Five years ago, she lost her son Allan to cancer. Life for Mrs Nixon had its highs and lows but in her words: 'the best thing to do is to be accepting, try not to worry and make the best of what you have.' Mrs Nixon has five children, 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and more than 20 great-great-grandchildren. One of the biggest joys in her life was driving taxis in Maitland for 19 years. During an interview with The Mercury when she turned 100, Mrs Nixon said she made many friends on the job, counselled many passengers and saw and heard a lot of things she can't repeat. "I certainly heard some stories and I couldn't get over how people thought the taxi driver could help solve their problems," she said. "I'd just try and say something that would make them happier. It was a great occupation - I really loved it," Mrs Nixon said. Sadly she had to resign from her driving job when Mr Nixon fell ill. "I feel very humbled and have to thank everyone for all they have done. "I've been lucky to have good health and I look forward to keep going and be sensible and live a good life," Mrs Nixon said. Last time I spoke to Marie Nixon she was having a beer, celebrating her 100th birthday and was the life of the party. She told me she was looking forward to her 105th birthday and was already making plans for the big event. Well, this week that event arrived, and she was still the life of the party and still enjoying a beer. Mrs Nixon's daughter Janette Van Haren, said her mother was doing remarkably well. "She's terrific - she looks a million dollars and I reckon she'll outlive her kids who are all in their 80s now," Janette said. Apart from a few mobility issues, Mrs Nixon is in good health and takes one blood pressure tablet a day. Originally from Lorn and now living in Queensland, Janette said Mrs Nixon and her son Brian, who Mrs Nixon had been caring for, made the move to the Sunshine State late last year. After a short stint living with Janette, Mrs Nixon moved into an aged care village at Carseldine near Brisbane and Brian, 72, to independent living also close by. "They're just five minutes from me," Janette said. While the family celebrated Mrs Nixon's birthday on July 8, a larger event is planned for Saturday, July 12 with friends and family travelling from Maitland to wish her many happy returns. Mrs Nixon is relishing the social aspect of her new living arrangements and enjoys going to housie, 10-pin bowling and Mass. "She's not a Catholic but she goes to Mass every day," Janette said. "She still has that wicked sense of humour and loves the fact that she is the oldest person in the nursing home - she's now received congratulatory letters from Queen Elizabeth and King Charles. Mrs Nixon raised her seven siblings from age 13 and nursed her husband through dementia. She has seen war, floods and famine. Born and bred in Ballina on July 8, 1920, Mrs Nixon moved to Maitland with her husband Robert in 1949 when he took up a job with the council as an electrical linesman. The couple came with their three young children. Two other siblings were born after the family settled in Lorn. No stranger to tough times, Mrs Nixon, the eldest daughter of eight children, lost her mother when she was just 13 and was left to raise her brothers and sisters. She soldiered on with a young family when her husband went to Palestine during World War II. In 1971, her life took another tragic turn when her son Brian, then 18, suffered severe head injuries in a motorcycle accident. She has been his full-time carer since. But it doesn't end there for this stoic woman. Her husband was diagnosed with dementia, and she nursed him through his illness until he passed in 1999. Five years ago, she lost her son Allan to cancer. Life for Mrs Nixon had its highs and lows but in her words: 'the best thing to do is to be accepting, try not to worry and make the best of what you have.' Mrs Nixon has five children, 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and more than 20 great-great-grandchildren. One of the biggest joys in her life was driving taxis in Maitland for 19 years. During an interview with The Mercury when she turned 100, Mrs Nixon said she made many friends on the job, counselled many passengers and saw and heard a lot of things she can't repeat. "I certainly heard some stories and I couldn't get over how people thought the taxi driver could help solve their problems," she said. "I'd just try and say something that would make them happier. It was a great occupation - I really loved it," Mrs Nixon said. Sadly she had to resign from her driving job when Mr Nixon fell ill. "I feel very humbled and have to thank everyone for all they have done. "I've been lucky to have good health and I look forward to keep going and be sensible and live a good life," Mrs Nixon said. Last time I spoke to Marie Nixon she was having a beer, celebrating her 100th birthday and was the life of the party. She told me she was looking forward to her 105th birthday and was already making plans for the big event. Well, this week that event arrived, and she was still the life of the party and still enjoying a beer. Mrs Nixon's daughter Janette Van Haren, said her mother was doing remarkably well. "She's terrific - she looks a million dollars and I reckon she'll outlive her kids who are all in their 80s now," Janette said. Apart from a few mobility issues, Mrs Nixon is in good health and takes one blood pressure tablet a day. Originally from Lorn and now living in Queensland, Janette said Mrs Nixon and her son Brian, who Mrs Nixon had been caring for, made the move to the Sunshine State late last year. After a short stint living with Janette, Mrs Nixon moved into an aged care village at Carseldine near Brisbane and Brian, 72, to independent living also close by. "They're just five minutes from me," Janette said. While the family celebrated Mrs Nixon's birthday on July 8, a larger event is planned for Saturday, July 12 with friends and family travelling from Maitland to wish her many happy returns. Mrs Nixon is relishing the social aspect of her new living arrangements and enjoys going to housie, 10-pin bowling and Mass. "She's not a Catholic but she goes to Mass every day," Janette said. "She still has that wicked sense of humour and loves the fact that she is the oldest person in the nursing home - she's now received congratulatory letters from Queen Elizabeth and King Charles. Mrs Nixon raised her seven siblings from age 13 and nursed her husband through dementia. She has seen war, floods and famine. Born and bred in Ballina on July 8, 1920, Mrs Nixon moved to Maitland with her husband Robert in 1949 when he took up a job with the council as an electrical linesman. The couple came with their three young children. Two other siblings were born after the family settled in Lorn. No stranger to tough times, Mrs Nixon, the eldest daughter of eight children, lost her mother when she was just 13 and was left to raise her brothers and sisters. She soldiered on with a young family when her husband went to Palestine during World War II. In 1971, her life took another tragic turn when her son Brian, then 18, suffered severe head injuries in a motorcycle accident. She has been his full-time carer since. But it doesn't end there for this stoic woman. Her husband was diagnosed with dementia, and she nursed him through his illness until he passed in 1999. Five years ago, she lost her son Allan to cancer. Life for Mrs Nixon had its highs and lows but in her words: 'the best thing to do is to be accepting, try not to worry and make the best of what you have.' Mrs Nixon has five children, 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and more than 20 great-great-grandchildren. One of the biggest joys in her life was driving taxis in Maitland for 19 years. During an interview with The Mercury when she turned 100, Mrs Nixon said she made many friends on the job, counselled many passengers and saw and heard a lot of things she can't repeat. "I certainly heard some stories and I couldn't get over how people thought the taxi driver could help solve their problems," she said. "I'd just try and say something that would make them happier. It was a great occupation - I really loved it," Mrs Nixon said. Sadly she had to resign from her driving job when Mr Nixon fell ill. "I feel very humbled and have to thank everyone for all they have done. "I've been lucky to have good health and I look forward to keep going and be sensible and live a good life," Mrs Nixon said. Last time I spoke to Marie Nixon she was having a beer, celebrating her 100th birthday and was the life of the party. She told me she was looking forward to her 105th birthday and was already making plans for the big event. Well, this week that event arrived, and she was still the life of the party and still enjoying a beer. Mrs Nixon's daughter Janette Van Haren, said her mother was doing remarkably well. "She's terrific - she looks a million dollars and I reckon she'll outlive her kids who are all in their 80s now," Janette said. Apart from a few mobility issues, Mrs Nixon is in good health and takes one blood pressure tablet a day. Originally from Lorn and now living in Queensland, Janette said Mrs Nixon and her son Brian, who Mrs Nixon had been caring for, made the move to the Sunshine State late last year. After a short stint living with Janette, Mrs Nixon moved into an aged care village at Carseldine near Brisbane and Brian, 72, to independent living also close by. "They're just five minutes from me," Janette said. While the family celebrated Mrs Nixon's birthday on July 8, a larger event is planned for Saturday, July 12 with friends and family travelling from Maitland to wish her many happy returns. Mrs Nixon is relishing the social aspect of her new living arrangements and enjoys going to housie, 10-pin bowling and Mass. "She's not a Catholic but she goes to Mass every day," Janette said. "She still has that wicked sense of humour and loves the fact that she is the oldest person in the nursing home - she's now received congratulatory letters from Queen Elizabeth and King Charles. Mrs Nixon raised her seven siblings from age 13 and nursed her husband through dementia. She has seen war, floods and famine. Born and bred in Ballina on July 8, 1920, Mrs Nixon moved to Maitland with her husband Robert in 1949 when he took up a job with the council as an electrical linesman. The couple came with their three young children. Two other siblings were born after the family settled in Lorn. No stranger to tough times, Mrs Nixon, the eldest daughter of eight children, lost her mother when she was just 13 and was left to raise her brothers and sisters. She soldiered on with a young family when her husband went to Palestine during World War II. In 1971, her life took another tragic turn when her son Brian, then 18, suffered severe head injuries in a motorcycle accident. She has been his full-time carer since. But it doesn't end there for this stoic woman. Her husband was diagnosed with dementia, and she nursed him through his illness until he passed in 1999. Five years ago, she lost her son Allan to cancer. Life for Mrs Nixon had its highs and lows but in her words: 'the best thing to do is to be accepting, try not to worry and make the best of what you have.' Mrs Nixon has five children, 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and more than 20 great-great-grandchildren. One of the biggest joys in her life was driving taxis in Maitland for 19 years. During an interview with The Mercury when she turned 100, Mrs Nixon said she made many friends on the job, counselled many passengers and saw and heard a lot of things she can't repeat. "I certainly heard some stories and I couldn't get over how people thought the taxi driver could help solve their problems," she said. "I'd just try and say something that would make them happier. It was a great occupation - I really loved it," Mrs Nixon said. Sadly she had to resign from her driving job when Mr Nixon fell ill. "I feel very humbled and have to thank everyone for all they have done. "I've been lucky to have good health and I look forward to keep going and be sensible and live a good life," Mrs Nixon said.
Sky News AU
20 hours ago
- Sky News AU
'Very sad and difficult time': Brisbane elite private girls school in shock after sudden death of student leads to closure
An elite all-girls Catholic school in Brisbane has been left shaken after a student died by suicide over the weekend. All Hallows' School closed the 159-year-old institution on Tuesday, bringing all activities to a complete halt after breaking the news of the passing of a Year 9 student. The school's principal Catherine O'Kane sent an email to parents, caregivers and the extended school community in the afternoon that read: 'It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of Stella Medeiros-Hodge, Year 9 (Whitty), overnight on Sunday. 'Stella is the beloved daughter of Lucia and Iain and the sister of Isabella (Year 12). 'The family have shared with us that Stella died by suicide. 'At this very sad and difficult time, Stella's family have requested privacy. 'I know that our community will respect this with the utmost sensitivity and care. 'I also encourage you to speak with your daughter about responding to this news with compassion and the thoughtful use of social media.' On Tuesday, parents were seen rushing to the school to pick up their children by 2pm as it closed in light of the tragedy. Ms O'Kane advised parents to monitor their children's engagement with social media and the amount of time they are spending online. She also noted scheduled school activities have been postponed revealing no clear timeline of when it will return to normal operations. 'I also want to let you know that we have postponed the spirit week activities that were planned for the remainder of the week, and the Adderton house mass scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday morning) has been postponed," she wrote. 'At this time, it is our expectation that all other scheduled activities will continue as planned. I know that you will keep Stella and her family in your hearts and prayers and I will provide details of Stella's funeral when these become available. 'The following prayer may offer a way for your family to come together in support during this time: Loving God, in times of sorrow and loss, you are with us. May your love surround the Medeiros-Hodge family, bringing comfort and strength. Help us to trust in your mercy and to carry Stella's memory with love and grace. Be near to all who are grieving and grant us your peace. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.' The sudden closure has sparked a demand for transparency around the institution's values and its students with parents and alumni now pressing for clear answers.
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- The Advertiser
Hunter Wetlands Centre invited to prestigious international conservation conference
The Hunter Wetland Centre will be represented among 170 other nations at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe later this month as delegates from across the world meet for a prestigious international conference. Christine Prietto, the Wetlands Centre's Ramsar officer, will head up the Australian delegation at the 15th Conference on the International Convention for Wetlands, where she will meet with government representatives and other experts to further the global conservation effort. Ms Prietto will be an official adviser to the Australian Government in recognition of her 20 years of participation in the Convention on Wetlands, her role as Australia's NGO Focal Point for Communication, Education, Participation and Awareness and her valuable advice on related matters in the recent triennium. "Having the Hunter Estuary Wetlands represented at an international level provides an opportunity to network and engage with environmentalists, conservationists and government agencies from around the world," Ms Prietto said. "We are extremely proud of our wetlands and the work we have done in preserving them. To share the story of our Centre, and the region, on the global stage is a great honour." The 3000ha Hunter Estuary Wetlands site takes in the Hunter Wetlands National Park, first listed in 1984, and the Hunter Wetlands Centre, which was added in 2002. It is one of only 67 Australian sites formally recognised under the Convention as a Wetlands of International Importance. Inclusion on the 'Ramsar list' - derived from a treaty that promotes wetlands and their preservation - is reserved for wetlands considered rare, unique or critical for supporting vulnerable species. "The Hunter Estuary is one of the most biologically diverse wetlands in Australia. A quarter of Australia's avian species live in, or visit, the region annually. It is also a seasonal destination for a number of species on international migrations from as far away as Alaska, including the endangered Godwit." Ms Prietto said. Meanwhile, in a first for the region, two Hunter-based photographers have had their images selected by the Ramsar Secretariat for display at the Conference. The photographs taken by Melissa New and Sarah Nelson showcase the beauty and biodiversity of our local wetlands. "This is a great honour for Melissa, Sarah and the Hunter Estuary Wetlands Ramsar site. The selection of their wonderful images reinforces just how special the Hunter Wetlands are, not only for our local community but globally." Ms Prietto said. The international convention begins on Wednesday, July 23. The Hunter Wetland Centre will be represented among 170 other nations at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe later this month as delegates from across the world meet for a prestigious international conference. Christine Prietto, the Wetlands Centre's Ramsar officer, will head up the Australian delegation at the 15th Conference on the International Convention for Wetlands, where she will meet with government representatives and other experts to further the global conservation effort. Ms Prietto will be an official adviser to the Australian Government in recognition of her 20 years of participation in the Convention on Wetlands, her role as Australia's NGO Focal Point for Communication, Education, Participation and Awareness and her valuable advice on related matters in the recent triennium. "Having the Hunter Estuary Wetlands represented at an international level provides an opportunity to network and engage with environmentalists, conservationists and government agencies from around the world," Ms Prietto said. "We are extremely proud of our wetlands and the work we have done in preserving them. To share the story of our Centre, and the region, on the global stage is a great honour." The 3000ha Hunter Estuary Wetlands site takes in the Hunter Wetlands National Park, first listed in 1984, and the Hunter Wetlands Centre, which was added in 2002. It is one of only 67 Australian sites formally recognised under the Convention as a Wetlands of International Importance. Inclusion on the 'Ramsar list' - derived from a treaty that promotes wetlands and their preservation - is reserved for wetlands considered rare, unique or critical for supporting vulnerable species. "The Hunter Estuary is one of the most biologically diverse wetlands in Australia. A quarter of Australia's avian species live in, or visit, the region annually. It is also a seasonal destination for a number of species on international migrations from as far away as Alaska, including the endangered Godwit." Ms Prietto said. Meanwhile, in a first for the region, two Hunter-based photographers have had their images selected by the Ramsar Secretariat for display at the Conference. The photographs taken by Melissa New and Sarah Nelson showcase the beauty and biodiversity of our local wetlands. "This is a great honour for Melissa, Sarah and the Hunter Estuary Wetlands Ramsar site. The selection of their wonderful images reinforces just how special the Hunter Wetlands are, not only for our local community but globally." Ms Prietto said. The international convention begins on Wednesday, July 23. The Hunter Wetland Centre will be represented among 170 other nations at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe later this month as delegates from across the world meet for a prestigious international conference. Christine Prietto, the Wetlands Centre's Ramsar officer, will head up the Australian delegation at the 15th Conference on the International Convention for Wetlands, where she will meet with government representatives and other experts to further the global conservation effort. Ms Prietto will be an official adviser to the Australian Government in recognition of her 20 years of participation in the Convention on Wetlands, her role as Australia's NGO Focal Point for Communication, Education, Participation and Awareness and her valuable advice on related matters in the recent triennium. "Having the Hunter Estuary Wetlands represented at an international level provides an opportunity to network and engage with environmentalists, conservationists and government agencies from around the world," Ms Prietto said. "We are extremely proud of our wetlands and the work we have done in preserving them. To share the story of our Centre, and the region, on the global stage is a great honour." The 3000ha Hunter Estuary Wetlands site takes in the Hunter Wetlands National Park, first listed in 1984, and the Hunter Wetlands Centre, which was added in 2002. It is one of only 67 Australian sites formally recognised under the Convention as a Wetlands of International Importance. Inclusion on the 'Ramsar list' - derived from a treaty that promotes wetlands and their preservation - is reserved for wetlands considered rare, unique or critical for supporting vulnerable species. "The Hunter Estuary is one of the most biologically diverse wetlands in Australia. A quarter of Australia's avian species live in, or visit, the region annually. It is also a seasonal destination for a number of species on international migrations from as far away as Alaska, including the endangered Godwit." Ms Prietto said. Meanwhile, in a first for the region, two Hunter-based photographers have had their images selected by the Ramsar Secretariat for display at the Conference. The photographs taken by Melissa New and Sarah Nelson showcase the beauty and biodiversity of our local wetlands. "This is a great honour for Melissa, Sarah and the Hunter Estuary Wetlands Ramsar site. The selection of their wonderful images reinforces just how special the Hunter Wetlands are, not only for our local community but globally." Ms Prietto said. The international convention begins on Wednesday, July 23. The Hunter Wetland Centre will be represented among 170 other nations at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe later this month as delegates from across the world meet for a prestigious international conference. Christine Prietto, the Wetlands Centre's Ramsar officer, will head up the Australian delegation at the 15th Conference on the International Convention for Wetlands, where she will meet with government representatives and other experts to further the global conservation effort. Ms Prietto will be an official adviser to the Australian Government in recognition of her 20 years of participation in the Convention on Wetlands, her role as Australia's NGO Focal Point for Communication, Education, Participation and Awareness and her valuable advice on related matters in the recent triennium. "Having the Hunter Estuary Wetlands represented at an international level provides an opportunity to network and engage with environmentalists, conservationists and government agencies from around the world," Ms Prietto said. "We are extremely proud of our wetlands and the work we have done in preserving them. To share the story of our Centre, and the region, on the global stage is a great honour." The 3000ha Hunter Estuary Wetlands site takes in the Hunter Wetlands National Park, first listed in 1984, and the Hunter Wetlands Centre, which was added in 2002. It is one of only 67 Australian sites formally recognised under the Convention as a Wetlands of International Importance. Inclusion on the 'Ramsar list' - derived from a treaty that promotes wetlands and their preservation - is reserved for wetlands considered rare, unique or critical for supporting vulnerable species. "The Hunter Estuary is one of the most biologically diverse wetlands in Australia. A quarter of Australia's avian species live in, or visit, the region annually. It is also a seasonal destination for a number of species on international migrations from as far away as Alaska, including the endangered Godwit." Ms Prietto said. Meanwhile, in a first for the region, two Hunter-based photographers have had their images selected by the Ramsar Secretariat for display at the Conference. The photographs taken by Melissa New and Sarah Nelson showcase the beauty and biodiversity of our local wetlands. "This is a great honour for Melissa, Sarah and the Hunter Estuary Wetlands Ramsar site. The selection of their wonderful images reinforces just how special the Hunter Wetlands are, not only for our local community but globally." Ms Prietto said. The international convention begins on Wednesday, July 23.
