Four new members appointed to Zoological Parks Authority Board

Four new appointees have been announced for the Zoological Parks Authority Board to oversee implementation of Perth Zoo’s 20-year Master Plan.

Tully Carmady has been appointed Deputy Chair of the Zoological Parks Authority Board, replacing Alex Lamond. The specialist commercial litigator has extensive experience in corporate governance.

Professor Kris Warren from Murdoch University will also join the Board, working for more than two decades in the fields of wildlife, zoological and conservation medicine.

Vanessa Martin is the National General Manager of Diversity, Inclusion and Indigenous Engagement at Compass Group, and Commissioner of the Forest Products Commission. She has held various senior leadership roles in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

Ronald Hurst brings extensive consultancy experience in sport, recreation and community development, with a focus on the provision of public infrastructure.

The new members will join the existing Board, and Chair Marion Fulker, in overseeing the implementation of Perth Zoo’s 20-year Master Plan. The redevelopment was kick-started by a $50 million investment from the Western Australian Government, with a new café and function centre due to open mid-2023.

WA Environment Minister Reece Whitby advised “I’m pleased to welcome the new Board members and their invaluable experience at a pivotal time for Perth Zoo, as we head into its 125th year of operation.

“Perth Zoo is truly a WA icon, attracting 700,000 visitors each year. It’s a leader in conservation education and safeguards some of the world’s rarest species.

“I would like to thank outgoing Board Member Brad Geatches and Deputy Chair Alex Lamond for their significant service, and endorsing a new direction for Perth Zoo to ensure it continues to be world leading into the future.”

Image: Concept for Perth Zoo's 20-year Master Plan