Thursday, February 27, 2025

27 February 2025 AGM & General Meeting

(L-R, front) Nell Graham, Cr David Walsh, Cr Ninos Khoshaba, Cr Peter Mahoney, Cr Matthew Allison
(L-R, front) Nell Graham, Cr David Walsh, Cr Ninos Khoshaba, Cr Peter Mahoney, Cr Matthew Allison

Georges Riverkeeper held its FY2023/24 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and General Meeting on 27 February 2025, hosted by Sutherland Shire Council.

Key highlights from the AGM included:

  • Welcoming our new Program Manager, Nell Graham, and new Councillor representatives to the Committee.
  • Endorsing the FY2023/24 Annual Report.
  • Selecting the Executive Group for the current financial year.

Following the AGM, the General Committee Meeting featured:

  • Program Reports: Updates from our five Programs.
  • River Health Report Card 2023/24: The freshwater reaches of the Georges River received an ecological grade of C+ (down from B- in 2021-22), while the estuary improved to A- (up from B in 2021-22).
  • PFAS Report: A presentation on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in the Georges River. The Committee endorsed recommendations to:
    • Invite NSW EPA to present on past PFAS testing and remediation plans.
    • Engage landholders in affected areas to explore mitigation strategies and establish a framework for information sharing.
  • Bushcare in Sutherland Shire: A presentation on the Bushcare program undertaken by Sutherland Shire Council and volunteers.

Additional agenda items covered operational matters, grants, and Georges Riverkeeper’s future priorities.

The meeting concluded with a farewell and thank you to Robert Dixon, who is stepping down after over five years as Project Coordinator, Environmental Officer. The Committee also bid farewell to departing members Paul Sedrak, Andrew Tsounis, Rey Manoto, Matt Stellino, Carmen Lazar, and Hassan Awada.