2019-12-10 P&E Agenda - Item 6 - Attachment 1 - NBRF Annual Report 2018-19

8. COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT


This year, the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation has refocused its strategic goals and operations in response
to the new funding agreement and how this reflects the way the NBRF communicates with and engages the
community.

NBRF refreshed its public facing website to better communicate its role in the community and showcase
projects it supports. The website is a clean and easy to navigate reference with information about what is a
biosphere reserve, the role of the NBRF, project profiles and latest news. The website provides information on
how the community can get involved, either through supporting projects or directing them to Noosa’s network of
environmental organisations. Final project reports and public documents will also be made available to the public
in the interest of transparency.

The AGM in October 2018 saw the end of term for some its board of directors. A public call for new directors was
promoted through the NBRF digital channels as well as regional newspapers as well as the Australian Institute of
Company Directors. The campaign was successful and three new directors were appointed that met the criteria of
specialist experience.

Members of the NBRF Board together with members of Noosa Community Biosphere Association attended
the inaugural Australian Biosphere Conference in Maryborough early 2019. NBRFs attendance proved to be a
worthwhile opportunity for strengthening Noosa’s relationship with the Australian MaB working group and other
Australian biosphere reserves.

NBRF supported the 2018 Noosa Biosphere Day festival which took place in Kin Kin and again supports the 2019
Biofest scheduled for 16-17 November 2019. This event is an initiative of the NCBA to reinstate the once popular
event in engaging the Noosa community in celebrating our biosphere reserve.




9. LINKS TO COUNCIL
The Board and support staff of NBRF are very grateful for and encouraged by the contact and help we get from
both Councilors and Council Staff. We would like to thank all participants for their expert guidance throughout
2018/19 and look forward to ongoing co-operation.




10. WORKING WITH NCBA
NBRF consider NCBA to be an important partner in the activities within our Biosphere. We are happy to support
ongoing annual Biosphere Days and offer any assistance that NCBA would like as they rebuild their presence.




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