Blue Mountains News

The 11 names on the NPWS Honour Roll were read in front of family, friends and colleagues at the NPWS memorial at George Phillips Lookout, near Govetts Leap in Blue Mountains National Park.

Special mention was made of the 25th anniversary of a hazard reduction burn in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, which claimed the lives of four staff members, seriously injured three others, and changed the way NPWS undertakes fire management.

World Ranger Day, held each year on 31 July, honours the people who dedicate their life’s work to protecting our environment for future generations.

This year’s theme – Rangers, Powering Transformative Conservation – highlights the role rangers play as protectors of nature as well as partners in community-led conservation.

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe said “Our dedicated NPWS staff show courage and commitment every day, protecting and defending our natural environment and cultural heritage on behalf of the people of NSW.

“We honour those who have lost their lives in this pursuit and thank them for their service. We also acknowledge those injured at work, as well as those who mourn the loss of their friends and colleagues.

“Twenty-five years on from the tragedy at Mt Ku-ring-gai, we especially remember those staff, families and friends who were affected.”