• Bird conservation in the West Coast National Park • Birding events in various national parks • Book publications • Walkway repairs and maintenance More information on these and other initiatives is provided in the “Members Activities” section (page 77) in this report. Looking ahead The Executive Centre will focus on the following key tasks in the next year: • Finalising new policy documents and standard operating procedures (SOPs), which separate operational elements out of policies into (SOPs) • Continuing to add functionality to the GoSHR information management system, with priority and functionality informed by member input • Financial management reporting and risk management • Improving and automating the wish list system • Donor support and management, with an automated system for issuing Section 18A Certificates • Organisational fundraising • Continuing to promote and enhance the SHR One of our primary objectives is to preserve the volunteer nature of the SHR. However, this needs to be balanced with the need to professionalise our management functions, such as administration, finance and fundraising, while remaining relevant and continuing to support SANParks and SANParks’ objectives. Our working relationship with SANParks is extremely strong, and firmly grounded in trust and respect. This was underpinned by the recently signed Collaboration Agreement between SANParks and the SHR, extending our working relationship and emphasising the trust that SANParks places in the SHR to provide the necessary support and services. We are eager to start implementing the Collaboration Agreement, with the initial process requiring the formation of a Steering Committee led by the Chief Executives of SANParks and the SHR. Within six months of the formation of this Steering Committee, an Annual Implementation Plan will be prepared. Members of the SHR will continue to be included in this process and will be given new opportunities to support SANParks. Finally, I would like to share inspiration from the legendary Dr Jane Goodall who realised early on that conservation cannot be effective if it is solely about protecting the wilderness and wildlife. Effective conservation must equally be about people, particularly those who rely on natural areas for their wellbeing and livelihoods. If wildlife is to flourish, we must ensure that conservation offers tangible and visible benefits to local communities. May this serve as inspiration and guidance to the SHR going forward. With thanks I would like to thank our Exco members for contributing far more than is expected of them. Our full-time employees are thanked for always making themselves available to attend meetings after hours when our volunteer members are available. I am grateful to members of our National Board and Board Committees for their continued support and assistance. I also wish to thank the Chairpersons’ Committee, and all the Regional Management and National Project Management Committees, for ensuring that SHR members have the opportunities and support to perform their volunteer duties. The working relationship between all management structures remains one of the most important mechanisms within the SHR for ensuring our continued relevance and success. Finally, I would like to thank every member. Without you, we would not have achieved these remarkable results and excellent support for SANParks. As I usually conclude my report, I am truly proud to be a member of and serve an organisation such as the SHR. Jimmy Telle Chief Executive SANParks Honorary Rangers 2024 33
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