10 days to nominate to become a Board Member for the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board
....Curious about what it's like to serve as a landscape board member?
We asked current Board Member, Holly Cowan, what inspired her to step up, what she's gained from the experience and any advice for people thinking about nominating. Holly is is driven to protect the landscapes and natural places that have meant so much to her, so her children and the generations after them can experience them too.
Holly's story highlights the many different pathways to board membership and the valuable contribution people from a wide range of backgrounds can make.
𝐐: What motivated you to become a Landscape Board member?
𝐀: I’m passionate about our environment and, as a mum, I want to help protect and shape a future where my children, and generations to come, can experience the same incredible landscapes and natural places that have meant so much to me. Serving on the board is a small way to give back to the environment that has supported me my whole life. Nature is my happy place. It’s where I go to recharge, reconnect and wash away stress and anxiety. With degrees in Environmental Studies and Social Sciences, being involved allows me to combine my personal passion with my professional knowledge.
𝐐: What has been the most rewarding part about serving on a Landscape Board?
𝐀: The people. Both Board Members, staff and other stakeholders. I've always believed the "M" in NRM is all about people, and serving on the Board has reinforced that for me. It has been a privilege to meet so many passionate, like-minded people who genuinely care about our environment and the communities connected to it.
One of the greatest strengths of the Board has been the opportunity to become involved in subcommittees and communities of interest, allowing members to explore particular topics in greater depth while building meaningful connections with others who share those passions. Being involved in the Five Nations Landscape Committee has broadened my friendships, expanded my knowledge, and inspired me to delve deeper into landscape management and collaborative approaches. Those experiences have provided valuable opportunities to learn from diverse perspectives and strengthened my appreciation for the importance of partnerships.
We've also had some fabulous field trips that have provided real inspiration, showcasing projects and ideas that could be adapted and applied in other areas. Being involved in the strategic planning process has stretched my thinking, challenged me to think more creatively, and encouraged me to imagine what our landscapes could become. I love exploring not just how we care for our environment, but how we interact with it through recreation, culture, education and even art, creating places that people value, connect with and want to protect.
𝐐: What would you say to someone who is considering nominating but isn't sure they're the 'right fit'?
𝐀: There’s a place for everyone. If you care about the environment and are passionate about how we interact with nature, I’d encourage you to put your hand up. Our board includes people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, and that diversity makes us stronger. You don’t need to come from a particular profession. Your perspective and passion can make a real difference.
Interested in becoming a board member?
If you are interested in shaping the future of our landscapes, make sure you nominate. Successful nominees will be appointed for up to four years commencing in January 2027. Nominations are open until 5pm, Sunday 16 August 2026.
If you want to read more firsthand insights from Board Members across SA and discover why your skills, experience and perspective could make a difference, check out this article on the statewide website: https://bit.ly/whyinominated
