I am delighted to announce that at the National Trust (NSW) Board meeting of Wednesday 29 November, Professor John Niland was elected President.  Zeny Edwards was elected Deputy President; and William Holmes a Court, Treasurer.

John Niland was Vice Chancellor and President of UNSW from 1992-2002. He is currently Chairman of the Centennial Park Trust and Moore Park and on the Board of Macquarie Bank. He has served as Chief Executive of the State Pollution Control Commission and Chair of the Environment Protection Authority. Together with his credentials in the management of large environmental agencies, John brings a wealth of senior administrative and corporate governance expertise to the National Trust.

The November 29 Board meeting followed the announcement of the results of the 2006 election of the National Trust (NSW) at the AGM held last Saturday 25 November at Observatory Hill – many thanks to all those members who voted. Two new Board members were elected: Zeny Edwards and Don Godden.

Zeny Edwards is an architectural historian, having completed a PhD in the architecture of John Sulman, a committed conservationist and an Honorary Life Member of the National Trust (NSW).  She has served on numerous committees, including chairing the Historic Buildings Committee. Recently, she helped fund the soft furnishings project at Old Government House, and is funding restoration work on the Annie Wyatt Room at the National Trust Centre and Everglades Gardens. She is a recipient of several significant Trust Heritage Awards. Don Godden is a senior heritage consultant and a 30-year member of the Trust who has been active on the Industrial Archaeology Committee and on the Trust Council. He was Director of the Master of Built Environment (Building Conservation) degree at UNSW and Director of leading heritage consultancy Godden Mackay Logan from 1990-2002, and is an alternate member of the Heritage Council of NSW.

For further details on the President, new Board Members and those continuing over the next year please see www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au.

Following the announcement of the election results at the AGM, former President Barry O’Keefe AM QC paid tribute to outgoing Board member Camilla McRae for her ongoing work throughout her period of service on the Board, especially in regard to the regions.

On behalf of the Trust, I would like to express my sincere thanks to those who stood for election, and those who have served on the Board in the previous year. A warm welcome, also, to the newly elected Members and Office Bearers. I look forward very much to working with the Board to further the Trust’s mission over the forthcoming year.

Tina Jackson
Executive Director