Rottnest Foundation celebrates 40th anniversary
The Rottnest Foundation celebrated its 40th anniversary in November.
We were joined by many distinguished guests including Hon. Klara Andric MLC, Member of the Legislative Council representing the Premier, Roger Cook and Minister for Tourism Reece Whitby, our founder, Pat Barblett AM, and RIA Board Chair, Hamish Beck OAM and RIA Executive Director, Jason Banks. We were also pleased to welcome our Life Members, Ambassadors, past and present Board Members, many Rottnest Island businesses and representatives from RVGA, Winnits and Scouts WA.
It was an honour to have our Ambassador, Karen Jacobs perform the Welcome to Country, and pay tribute to her relationship with Wadjemup, Pat Barblett AM and the Rottnest Foundation. The Hon. Klara Andric MLC beautifully acknowledged the work of the Foundation and the importance of what we do for Rottnest Island.
Our CEO, Sally Hollis, shared with members and guests the early history of the Rottnest Foundation, including its first establishment in 1985 as the Des Sullivan Foundation, and our many incredible achievements over the last 40 years, driven by a community of passionate members, and our partnerships with the RIA, corporates and RICC businesses. Sally presented a video from the Share our Passion campaign, showcasing the Foundation’s vision for a transformative future for Wadjemup.
Our Chair, Steve Carre OAM closed the formalities with some heartfelt words of praise for Pat Barblett and her steadfast dedication to conservation, without which the Rottnest Foundation wouldn’t exist. He also thanked the RIA, in particular Board Chair, Hamish Beck and Executive Director, Jason Banks, the RICC, and our Members, our Board and our Patron, Janet Holmes à Court for all their support.
Rottnest Foundation Timeline
1985
Founded by Pat Barblett AM, initially name The Des Sullivan Foundation
1985 - 2000
Home Building Society Rottnest Calendar Project
Propagation materials and fencing as part of the Indigenous Tree Reforestation Project
Restore and refurbish building at Kingstown Barracks for establishment of the ‘Discovery Centre’
Boardwalk to protect dunes in front of Thomson Bay Tearooms
Accessible Island Manual
Accessibility ramps at Sergeants Mess at Kingstown Barracks and cottages
Repair and restore Boathouse Roof
2001 - 2010
Conservation Plan for refurbishment of Wadjemup Hill Battery Observation Post
Quad bike, trailer and zodiac donation
First Rottnest Foundation Calendar
Raffle Introduced
Wadjemup Bidi Walk Trail Site Development Plan
2011 - 2015
Launched Rottnest Festival of Sail which ran for 7 years
Boardwalk construction at West End
Little Parakeet steps and interpretive signage
Cathedral Rocks Seal Viewing Platform
Lakes Trail Walk
Wadjemup Bidi Walk Trail commenced
Ride-on mower to maintain walk trails
2016 - 2020
London Chapter Founded
Partnership with Margaret River Chocolate Factory established
Ongoing Wadjemup Bidi Walk Trail construction and funding
Rocky Bay Stairs
Marjorie Bay West Beach Access
Marjorie Bay East Stairs
Aboriginal Burial Ground Conservation Project
Art Exhibition fundraiser
Saltmarsh Revegetation Initiative - Lake Herschel
Container Deposit Scheme launched
Contributions to quokka monitoring program
2021 - 2025
Noongar Elder Bronze Bust artwork commissioned
Partnership with HBF funding nursery reticulation and volunteer planting
Partnership with Alinta Energy volunteer planting
Replacement of North Thomson stairs
Adopt-a-Quokka Program launched
Australian Geographic Fundraiser
Samphire Go Green Partnership established
All-Terain wheelchair and walker donated
Queen’s Jubilee Commemorative Tree Planting
Ambassador Program launched
5 Priority Projects launched
Remembering Rottnest book launch
Marsupial of the Year campaign
Share our Passion campaign
Wadjemup Bidi Discovery Trail program
Capacity Building Project through Lotterywest