New emerging leader joins Terrain NRM board

Bringing people together and highlighting the diverse initiatives underpinning natural resource management in the Wet Tropics region is something Terrain NRM’s new ‘Emerging Leader’ Lucy Friend is passionate about.

As North Queensland Airports’ Environmental Manager, Lucy will bring skills and experience in environmental strategy and collaborative environmental management.

Lucy was born in Cairns and is an active part of the Far North Queensland community. She holds volunteer positions within the biodiversity, conservation, agriculture, youth support, and mental health sectors.

Ms Friend is the fourth leader to take advantage of the Emerging Leader program, designed to improve capacity building and foster leadership within the younger generations of the Wet Tropics community.

“I want to see this region, my home, thrive sustainably, with the support of its future leaders. I’m really excited for the opportunity to fill the twelve-month position as an Emerging Leader with Terrain NRM – it will give me first-hand experience with company directors and will enhance my ability to influence others.”

“Natural Resource Management is of increasing importance locally and globally and we have a real opportunity to build on the inspiring work already done to take things to the next level through good governance and meaningful collaboration,” Ms Friend said.

Terrain NRM’s Board Chair, Dr Keith Noble, said Terrain’s Emerging Leader program was established to provide young people with the real-world experience of board governance, decision making and strategy; along with the opportunity to explore career opportunities within natural resource management.

“While this experience will provide Lucy with an understanding of the importance of a board, over the years we have found that it really helps the Terrain board in understanding and connecting with youthful perspectives and fresh ideas.”