The Noosa Parks Association’s Friday Environment Forum team hosted a special lunch to farewell their much loved leader, Di Shun-Wah and her husband Doug last Friday.
Among guests was Noosa MP Sandy Bolton whose speech to Di and Doug was heartfelt and sincere, making the event all the more special for them. We were so grateful for the time Sandy spent with us.
Di has led the Friday Environment Forum for the past 15 years. Her dedication, commitment and passion have been inspirational. Her husband, Doug, has also been a great support, always in the wings with assistance when required and a good sense of humor.
During 2009/10, Di started as MC for the Forum, sharing the role with other members of Noosa Parks Association, Cecily Fearnley and Sandra Lilley.
Di found almost all the speakers for weekly forums, communicated expectations to them and wrote and sent press releases to several local newspapers.
It was only a matter of time before Di took on sole responsibility for the forum. It was a monumental job!
By 2013/14, Liz Diggles and other members came on board to assist with all the tasks as well as morning tea. Alison Jones assisted with computer operations. Di initiated the donation of quality audio equipment, making presentations far more professional. By this time the forum was attracting quite large numbers, due to the number of highly qualified, interesting speakers. There was no doubt Di and her team were fast becoming the public face of Noosa Parks Association, generating many new members for NPA.
Then, in 2020, the dreaded Covid hit! Of course, the forum had to cease for some time, but this did not deter our intrepid leader. Di ran Zoom Forums and picnics in the Botanical Gardens to keep people in touch. During this time Di also launched the Friday Environment Forum Newsletter which continues.
Under Di’s leadership, the Forum has become an environmental education hub, attracting many members of the community as well as visitors to the region. Many young people have attended the Forum and been inspired to take an active interest in their environment. Audiences have grown to an average of 60/70 and even reached 130. You can learn more about the Friday Environment Forum at www.noosaparks.org.au
We are all fortunate that Di has handed the baton to Lyn Graham, who has become the new Team Leader.
Di will be greatly missed. Her contribution to the community has been immeasurable and her legacy will remain. We wish her and Doug well and hope to see them in the audience from time to time.
Our thanks go again to Sandy, for recognizing Di’s achievements and adding a special note to our farewell lunch.
