Outgoing Wheatbelt NRM Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator Jacquie Lucas is a reminder that at its heart NRM is about engaging with the people in your community.
After more than 10 years she has called time on her journey with Wheatbelt NRM, one which she says was all about the characters she met along the way.
With a background as a science teacher and landcare volunteer, Jacquie entered Wheatbelt NRM managing the organisation’s library before becoming a small grants admininstrator.
The Toodyay local moved through virtually every part of the organisation, working in biodiversity, communications, managing the popular Red Card for Rabbits and Foxes Program and finally taking a role as the Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator.
One of her highlights was working with landholders on the Mortlock Connections project, a prime example of her people-centred approach to natural resource management.
“I met lots of different people, I would have doorknocked on at least 100 to 200 properties,” she remembered.
“In fact some of the people I now count as friends, not just landholders.
“That community engagement activity is really important.”
Outside of work Jacquie is known for her passion for poultry and crocheting, and plans to visit family in her native Victoria she has not been able to visit since before the Covid-19 pandemic.
The staff and board of Wheatbelt NRM would like to thank Jacquie for her fantastic service over the past decade.
Her tireless work has helped educate and engage the public to take meaningful action to preserve our region’s natural assets.