About us
Who we are
The Victorian Protected Areas Council Inc. (VPAC) is a professional association for current and former public land protected area professionals that advocates for the critical role of protected areas in conserving natural and cultural values and visitor experiences, supports the professional development of current staff and facilitates ongoing contributions to protected area management by former staff.
In addition to staff currently working for public land protected area management organisations around Victoria, VPAC includes former rangers, managers, park planners, conservation and cultural heritage experts, interpretation and education specialists, and others who have worked in protected area management, from Mildura to Mallacoota and the Alps to the 12 Apostles. They have deep and broad-ranging experience in protected area management, often accumulated over decades, and can provide expertise to support the ongoing management of Victoria’s protected areas.
VPAC’s vision for Victoria’s public land protected areas
By 2030, Victoria’s national parks and other public land protected areas, and the important natural and heritage values they protect, are healthy, well-resourced and effectively managed, and are widely appreciated and respectfully enjoyed by the community.
What we do
Advocating for Parks
VPAC works with government agencies, Traditional Owners, non-government organisations, peak bodies, and the media to promote best practice in public land protected area management, advocate for improved resourcing and management capabilities, and support the strategic growth of Victoria’s protected area network.
Professional Development and Knowledge Sharing
We provide current protected area managers with access to expert advice and mentoring, facilitate networking between past and present managers, and help with the transfer of knowledge between generations.
Connecting Former Colleagues
We help past staff maintain or re-establish connections through online and in-person gatherings, enable ongoing contributions to park management, and provide support for former and retired colleagues.
