WILDTIMES Page 9

April 2012 wildtimes  9

WILDCARE says Goodbye to the Treasurer
ours was a treasure!!!

Craig Saunders was the Wildcare Treasurer from September
2005 until March 2012 which, if you include a few months
hand over time to the new Treasurer, this adds up to 7 years
at the top job. Not only will he be a huge act to follow, but
Craig's commitment and skill has been a major contribution to
the success of Wildcare and its many branches.

I was able to ask Craig a few questions before he cycled off
on another European tour. I first asked Craig what sort of
experience had he in this field before taking on the job as
Wildcare Treasurer?

I have been a treasurer for many community groups over the
years and we have run a family nursery business for over 20
years. I have always had a tidy mind, a good background in
numeracy (as an engineer) and I am lucky to have the discipline
required to look after other people's money. Just before taking
on the Wildcare job I left another largish treasury job which
gave me some spare time for this one.

Why did you accept the job and what has been the most
satisfying aspect of being Wildcare Treasurer?

At the time I was working for PWS as the Southern Regional
Volunteer Facilitator. Wildcare had been operating without a
treasurer for a year or so and had been attempting to maintain
at least the basic financial services through casual employment
of a bookkeeper. We did have a stand in for a short period
but this person was not working close enough to PWS and
had no idea of the daily workings of the volunteer groups.
I offered then to step in and do the job myself before things
deteriorated further. The most satisfying aspect of the job is
realising that volunteer groups have so much more energy to
get on with projects in the field when they have solid financial
management behind them.

What was your biggest learning's throughout your time as
treasurer?"

In the early days I had to come to grips quickly with the financial
software MYOB. That was no real problem. I've also learned
to keep very detailed and up to date running records of all our
financial activity because as the financial complexity has grown
I can no longer keep it all in my head.

What will you remember in 5 years time? "

Hmm - 5 years is a long time. I hope Wildcare continues to
grow and I'll look forward in 5 years to remembering my small
role in providing the solid platform that allowed Wildcare to
grow.

What is your advice to others thinking of taking on voluntary
positions?

Just Do It

Will Forsyth the Wildcare Co Chair

says a few words...........

Craig is the very essence of a volunteer. Not only did he carry
out the work of the Wildcare Treasurer, it looks like once he
is gone we will have to call on a bookkeeper in addition to a
Treasurer to do all the work that he has been doing.

Craig was also the Wildtimes editor where he wrote a good
many of the articles and revamped the layout of Wildtimes.
These sorts of volunteers are hard to come by.

We wish him all the best on his next cycle adventure and we
hope that he will continue to be involved with Wildcare in
some capacity in the future.

Wildcare wishes to thank the following sponsors offering discounts to Wildcare members:

Aggies Bed and Breakfast, Longford: 10% discount to Wildcare members

Parks Shop Huonville, 22 Main Street Huonville: 10% discount to Wildcare members

Par Avion Wilderness Tours, Cambridge Aerodrome, Cambridge: 10% discount to Wildcare members

Plants of Tasmania Nursery, Ridgeway: 10% discount to Wildcare members

Platypus Park Country Retreat, Bridport: 15% discount to Wildcare members

Department of Primary Industries, PArks, Water and the Environment - Fox Eradication Program

Sponsorship opportunities exist for businesses to support Wildcare and its members. Discount sponsors each receive a free
acknowledgement in each edition of Wildtimes. For $200 sponsors also receive a one eighth page display advertisement in
4 editions of Wildtimes. Contact our editor at wildtimes@wildcaretas.org.au for details.

WILDCARE DISCOuNT SPONSORS