A message from the WPN President - How time flies - it's already mid 2010!
Hard to believe that it is halfway through 2010 already and we are deep in the depths of winter. So far the year has been a good one for WPN, and we are looking forward to a great second half of 2010. With planning issues seemingly always in the media, and with the promise of elections soon at both the federal and state levels, no doubt it will be as important as ever to keep our fingers on the pulse of what is happening in the world of planning.I have stepped into the shoes of president this year. After completing our research into the History of Women in Planning last year, we are now looking at how we can further promote this research, and other opportunities it may provide. And as we reflect on our 15 year anniversary in 2009, and what WPN had achieved in that time, we have some new ideas and opportunities awaiting us, and we look forward to pursuing those for the rest of 2010 and beyond.
WPN as always has an exciting calendar of events planned, and we hope that we will see you along to many of them. Our 2009/10 committee has been busy planning and organising the events calendar, and we are very excited to be able to bring you opportunities for networking, as well as learning and contributing to planning debate. Click here what we have done so far and to see our upcoming events.
2010 is also the year of Women in Local Government, and given the number of women in our professions who work in local government, it is important to recognise and contribute to this. I presented to the ALGWA Victorian Branch's conference, ‘Women Can’, back in March, which was a great opportunity to tell local government about WPN, and establish some opportunities for stronger relationships with other like associations. Further information can be found at www.lgwomen2010.org.au.
As usual, we look forward to seeing you at our events, and hope you enjoy your involvement in the Network. If there is anything you feel you can contribute, or any ideas you have for WPN, please always feel free to contact Micaela, our Executive Officer. We love to hear from our members to ensure we are continuing to provide the best opportunities for networking and professional development.
Once we get out of this wintry cold snap, we hope to see more of you all!
All the best for the remainder of 2010.
Melinda Wealands
President
Image: A proud research project team pose with Parliamentary Secretary for Planning Jenny Mikakos at the launch event. Pictured from left to right: Roz Hansen, Jana Perkovic, Dr David Nichols, Kellie Burns, Jenny Mikakos, Dr Carolyn Whitzman and Melinda Wealands.
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WPN is grateful for the ongoing financial support of the Department of Planning and Community Development. |