Your Committee
Your current committee members (elected or re-elected at our most recent AGM on February 7, 2024) have lived in this region for decades.
We would welcome enquiries about standing for election as a committee member at the next opportunity, especially representatives of the next generations!
The committee currently has 2 casual vacancies. If you are a member, or would like to become a member, please give some thought to putting your name forward to the committee via email.
Gudrun Dieberg
(Committee member)
“I grew up in Germany and creeks, rivers, lakes and oceans were always there, not only on holidays, but part of everyday life. Water makes life possible and for many of us, it is restorative and calming. Having called Armidale home for nearly 30 years, our lovely creeklands have not changed much – they could be so much more”.
Gudrun recently retired as an Associate Professor in Biomedical Science at the University of New England and has maintained an adjunct role to support her postgraduate students. Her research interest is in exercise physiology, and she believes our creeklands can contribute to Armidalians’ well-being (including the four-legged kind).
Don Hardman
(Secretary)
“I have a vision of the Armidale Creeklands as a fabulous natural resource and recreational playground for the people of Armidale. It can become the hub for vibrant cultural activities for the city, set in an amazing natural and man-made landscape”.
Don retired after 40 years with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. He was a Ranger at various locations around NSW including having an extensive leadership role in bushfire management. He has been a long-term active member of Arding Landcare.
Martin Levins
(Committee member)
“Humans are naturally attracted to water. In Australia, water is celebrated whether it is an ocean, lake, river or stream, but Armidale's beauty is marred by the ugly drain running through its centre. Let’s re-imagine our waterway. Let’s provide a beautiful, relaxing, healthy and natural environment as the core of our town”.
Martin has been a teacher of students from year 0 to year 15 (from primary to tertiary) in the areas of Science, Mathematics, Computing Studies, Design and Technology, Agriculture and Geography. His interests lie in environment, digital futures and individual empowerment; he sees each of these being mutually supportive and synergistic.
Mike Porter
(Committee member)
“We want to see things improved; we want to improve the playing fields; most of the playing fields are on the creeklands and that's a really important focal point for the town. Having lived here for 40 odd years, surely we've got some ideas; we represent the users of these places. We are trying to encourage Council to negotiate with users.”
Mike is now retired from his role building and maintaining much of Armidale’s water, sewage and waste recycling facilities. He has worked in the district most of his life including with CSIRO and the University of New England. His passion is for the sporting facilities of Armidale and especially for cricket.
Jim Reid
(Treasurer)
“Having travelled around the world a bit and viewed many towns and cities from Oxford and Cambridge to New York and Seattle, I can appreciate the value of water enhancing the lived environment. The Australian climate presents particular difficulties in achieving this. However, there are many examples of success such as Forbes, Adelaide, Pinnaroo, Stanthorpe and others. I would like to help create an enhanced and attractive space in Armidale that everyone can enjoy”.
Jim has retired from roles as Computer Systems Administrator, Biological Technician and Professional Officer at the University of New England and a consultant to various organisations. He has had extensive experience with electronic, mechanical and software engineering. Was an Arding Landcare founding member and executive with special interest in the care of Thomas Lagoon. He is also an Armidale Men’s Shed member and has been on the executive.
Jim Scott
(President)
“I believe that all great cities have water as their focal point. As Armidale is, in most respects, a great city, I want it to see beautiful water features throughout the city to enhance the quality of life - of humans, water life, bird life and vegetation”.
Jim is a retired Professor of Farming Systems, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England (UNE) and foundation Coordinator of UNE’s Centre for Sustainable Farming Systems (2001-2007). Jim cycled along Armidale’s creeklands for 28 years, commuting to and from UNE.
Graham Wilson OAM
(Vice President)
“As a historian for an earlier Armidale Council, I became aware of a number of reports written about the Dumaresq Creek. With the establishment of this Visions for Armidale Creeklands association, I now see an opportunity to use these reports to develop this magnificent resource for future generations”.
Graham is a retired academic in Heritage History from the Armidale Teachers’ College, Armidale College of Advanced Education and the University of New England. He has been a consultant to Armidale Regional Council and other organisations on heritage matters. He has compiled numerous histories of most aspects of Armidale life, facilities and heritage buildings.