Forever Wild Bequest event - Katoomba, Blue Mountains, 24 August, 2008

Robyn Collier and Jennifer Morrison, Blue Mountains Forever Wild Bequest event, August 2008. Photo by Daryl Morris; original artwork by Robyn Collier

The Mountain Heritage Hotel and Spa Retreat

It was a pleasure to meet our supporters who ventured out into the cool mountain weather. Together, we enjoyed an update on the progress of our WildCountry vision, and our Forever Wild bequest program that is becoming vital to the organisation. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for a very informative, enjoyable afternoon.

The afternoon started with a presentation by Felicity Wishart, The Wilderness Society’s National Strategic Development Coordinator. Felicity gave an inspiring overview of our WildCountry vision, which includes our work on climate change and the recently released Green Carbon report.

Peter Cooper, our NSW River Red Gum Campaigner, informed us of the state of the remaining River Red Gum forests in NSW. Seventy five percent of the river red gums are stressed, dead or dying. The Wilderness Society is working with Traditional Owners in the region, who have long campaigned for the right to manage and protect their country, and is campaigning to see new national parks created in the forests.

Following this presentation, Robyn Collier, one of Australia’s finest wilderness artists and a supporter of The Wilderness Society, took the stage and explained what motivated her to join The Wilderness Society, and why she has decided to leave a gift in her Will.  Robyn has been painting Australia wilderness for thirty years now and says:

“The only places available for me to paint are those that have been fought for and protected by dedicated organisations such as The Wilderness Society. I have a huge respect for the organisation and I hope my bequest will carry my support well into the future.”

Many thanks Robyn, for your moving and inspiring presentation and for generously lending three of your beautiful paintings for this event!

And a big thank you to Jennifer Morrison (one of our tremendously committed supporters) for helping out on the day, and Daryl Morris (a long-standing and dedicated volunteer) for taking the photos.

For more information on leaving a bequest to The Wilderness Society, or for details of the upcoming Forever Wild bequest events, please contact:

Anneke de Graaf on (03) 9038 0802
anneke.degraaf@wilderness.org.au or,

Gaye French on (03) 6270 1778
or call 1800 030 641