Community Engagement Network

Community is at the heart of everything we do…

Partnerships with community are one of the best ways to achieve great onground outcomes for West Gippsland.

Our Community Engagement Network (CEN) is a board appointed forum that focuses on two-way information exchange between us and West Gippsland community members.

Its purpose is to:

  • identify community needs and issues in natural resource management
  • provide a community perspective into strategies and plans
  • strengthen our profile and reputation in the community.

Community Engagement Network Members

The CEN includes a geographic spread of individuals with a range of industry experience, interests and demographics. There are currently 25 members comprising fourteen males and eleven females, with a mix of young, middle and older age groups, that inlcudes two university students. A good geographic spread with members from all corners of the region, from Fish Creek up to Warragul and from Sale to Inverloch.

Members are:

  • Anna Larkin
  • Barry Rogers
  • Bryan Watterson
  • David Meikle
  • David Sutton
  • Deanne Smith
  • Evan de Gooyer
  • Geoff Gooch
  • Graham Ross
  • James Stringer
  • Jennifer O’Neill
  • Jessica Obersby
  • Jo Caminiti
  • Jock Handley
  • Joey Boothby
  • Liz Fleming
  • Mat Price
  • Michael Hobson
  • Natalie Goodfellow
  • Nicki Jennings
  • Nicole Creaser
  • Patrick Brooks
  • Peter Warner
  • Rhonda Hastie
  • Tony Pitt

Meetings and updates

Since 2019 the CEN have met at Traralgon, Heart Morass Wetland, Powlett River Estuary, Thomson River Fishway and Corner Inlet and two online sessions. West Gippsland CMA staff and other agency staff have presented on current works program, partnerships and community engagement. In between meetings CEN members get regular information, updates and have input opportunities into CMA and other NRM plans and strategies.

The CEN is supported by two Board Members, Liz Clay is the Chair and Brian Stevens is the Deputy Chair.