Thank you to Mike Hansen

The Board and staff of Parklands Albury Wodonga extend our sympathies to Nina and family on the loss of Mike Hansen, the inaugural Executive Officer of Albury Wodonga Regional Parklands.

Mike spun his magic in establishing partnerships with community, business, all levels of government,  educational institutions and the local  First Nation’s community.  Many of these partnerships have endured for 25 years and continue to benefit the community.

Mike ensured community was at the heart of everything and community voices made the decisions with a highly skilled Board who navigated all the challenges of starting up, growing, diversifying and evolving. Truly, an incredible team who have collectively left a legacy.

Mike was ahead of his time instigating partnerships to save Bonegilla Migrant Heritage Park from being demolished, establishing Burraja Cultural Centre, IMBY Festivals, restoration of threatened species corridors in Thurgoona and the Kiewa River. With partners such as Regional Skills and National Environment Centre (Riverina TAFE).

The popular walking trails at McFarlanes Hill and Swainsona were built through partnerships Mike established with Wandoo Aboriginal Corporation and Wodonga TAFE.  National Industrial Skills Training Centre built and reinforced with bitumen the road up to Huon Hill Lookout with the three Wodonga Rotary Clubs building the lookout platforms, shelters and toilet.

All this was delivered on the smell of an oil rag as it was Mike’s leadership that fostered an ethos of sharing resources as well as cultivating a culture of reuse and repurposing.  Nothing was wasted. Mike was particularly proud of the annual IMBY (In My Back Yard) Festivals that were initiated by Parklands Albury Wodonga, showcasing the sustainability and environmental projects community groups and businesses were working on.

It was Mike’s background in the Army that encouraged teamwork and a sense of belonging amongst all involved with Parklands projects.

Thank you Mike for your big vision and your big heart in doing the challenging work behind the scenes to enable that bold vision to happen.

Thank you Mike Hansen and may you rest in peace.