Fin Martin accepting his award from Jane Young
I am very pleased to announce that the winner of the inaugural ARRC Yellow Award is Fin Martin from the Lachlan Catchment Management Authority. The ARRC Yellow Award was developed because I feel there is a need to value people as much as we value our rivers and the environments we work so hard to protect and restore. Without enthusiastic and dedicated people we cannot achieve all the goals to which we, the organisations we work within, and the communities we care about, aspire to attain.
People like Fin are really important to have in any organisation because they remind us of how valuable our relationships with others are in making both our professional and personal lives meaningful. I am thrilled that Fin is the first recipient of this award which is:
For sharing his hope, optimism, energy, friendliness, knowledge and belief in the value of people, with those lucky enough to be around him.
Thank you to my co-conspirators Michelle Crossley, Jane Young and Joanne Lenehan who organised a morning tea and special awards ceremony. In winning his award Fin said:
Although totally unexpected, it was very pleasing to receive the inaugural ARRC Yellow award. Although I don’t need much encouragement in doing a job that I love – working with rivers and wetlands, it is nice to be recognised sometimes, especially by peers”
If you would like to nominate someone for an ARRC Yellow Award please get in touch with me.
Siwan
The Water Governance Research Initiative is a theme of the NCCARF Water Resources and Freshwater Biodiversity Adaptation Research Network. Our objectives are to create a community of conversation about water governance in Australia, build collaborative research links, create opportunities for co-researching and information sharing, and provide opportunities for early-career researchers to participate in a national network of researchers and research-users.
The outcomes of the Water Governance Research Initiative to date are available below:
There is also a wealth of resources provided on the home page for this project, so please take some time to have a read and learn more about water governance in Australia.
Phillip Wallis, Monash University
Filmmaker Andrew Stanton (“Toy Story,” “WALL-E”, Finding Nemo) shares what he knows about storytelling — starting at the end and working back to the beginning.
I really enjoyed this TED talk. Andrew is interesting to listen to and his insights into what makes a great story can be adapted for our use as we communicate through story with others. To watch Andrew follow this link.
If you are feeling really keen on story I also loved this TED talk told by Jonathon Druri whose presentation is “every pollen grain tells a story”. Jonathan Drori gives an up-close glimpse of these fascinating flecks of plant courtship. He tells a terrific story and the photographs are amazing! Follow this link to watch Jonathon.
Siwan
I completed a three day Executive Certificate in Positive Psychology with ‘Dr Happy’ (Tim Sharp) from The Happiness Institute and thoroughly enjoyed myself, as well as learning some new techniques and ways of approaching life. The Happiness Institute is now running a series of one day workshops and longer courses that you may be interested in attending.
We are committed to helping people learn and practice the skills and approaches that promote happiness. We offer a range of courses and coaching formats to accommodate varying needs and circumstances. If you’d like to know more about who we are click here. Our approach is based on the understanding that happiness is achievable by all of us and the skills and strategies required for a happier life, including helpful, optimistic thinking and healthy, energising behaviours, can be learned.
I am going to be getting a refresher course with Dr Happy when he is in Canberra in June, I really encourage you to take the opportunity to do some ‘different’ personal development and get yourself along to one of these sessions.
Siwan
The National Water Commission has funded research through its Raising National Water Standards Program to –
- investigate the scientific and management implications of the Ecological Limits of Hydrologic Alteration framework for regional environmental flow assessment (Prof Angela Arthington)
- research modelling of low flows and ways to improve information on flow related ecology (Dr Fran Sheldon)
- complete a national waterbird survey of major wetlands in Australia, assess long term changes in waterbird numbers in eastern Australia and establish a national waterbird database. (Dr Richard Kingsford)
The research findings are now available and the Commission invites you to register for a morning seminar where the Waterlines reports will be released. The seminar will feature a presentation from each author. Places are limited so get in early! Seminar Outline
Anthea Brecknell, National Water Commission
People and relationshops, Resources | Siwan Lovett | 
19 March 2012 9:46 am | 
Comments Off 
