About HEC
A Community Space For
Connecting With The Environment
About Hills Environment Centre
Staffed by a Coordinator and volunteers, we provide a diverse range of services and information resources for landholders, local residents, community groups, individuals, and students.
Since opening in 2004, HEC has become a focal point for the community to access the latest environmental information and advice, resources and equipment. We are co-located with the Summit Community Centre providing a comprehensive range of services to the local community.
HEC is a not-for-profit organisation funded by Green Adelaide.
Management Committee
The HEC Management Committee (MC) are volunteers from the community who enjoy positive and friendly bimonthly meetings. Every member is respected for their different experiences, knowledge and ideas and participation in events such as the Hills Harvest Exchange and the Sustainability Fair. The MC also assists with workshops throughout the year aligning to our Strategic Plan concepts for care of the environment and sustainability. A significant role of the MC is supporting the employment of the Coordinator of the HEC.
The MC is responsible for among other things, closely connecting with the local community and gaining access to fresh ideas and suggestions. This information is reflected in our core documents e.g. the Strategic and other Management Plans.
The current committee members are: Andrew Davidson, Chairperson (Summertown), Rob Hall (Kersbrook), Linda Builth (Montecute) and Frank Banks (Erindale).
Coordinator
The Coordinator works under the direction and support of the Management Committee to achieve the Centre’s goals and objectives. Jess Bamford is our Coordinator, appointed in August 2024, and is responsible for the delivery of programs and services, hosting community forums, running the Hills Environment Centre, curating and sharing environmental and sustainability information and supporting community action to care for and manage the environment.
Volunteers
The Coordinator is supported by a team of volunteers who assist with the daily management of the Centre, developing and running new projects, updating resources and information and helping with events. For further information ring our Coordinator, Jess on 0405 527 610 or email her below.
Message From Our HEC Coordinator
Hello HEC community,
As of August 2024, I have taken on the position as Coordinator of the vibrant Hills Environment Centre. I come to this position with with many years of experience in the conservation sector including revegetation, project management, sustainable agriculture, fungi surveying, bush care and horticulture.
One of my key areas of interest is citizen science, empowering individuals who don’t necessarily have a scientific background or formal training to contribute to scientific research & projects. Citizen scientists can make a tangible local impact by accelerating research, participating in on ground projects & fostering community collaboration.
Land clearing, pest & disease introduction and habitat fragmentation have significantly impacted our biodiversity, with ~10% of our beautiful & unique native vegetation remaining. It is vital that we support the conservation of these areas, continue to pursue a greater understanding of our ecosystems and strive to make a positive impact. It is my belief that embracing the deep knowledge & lived experience of the traditional custodians of this land, the Kaurna & Peramangk peoples, is an important & necessary step in understanding & healing our environment.
I particularly look forward to arranging educational workshops & events on understanding the dynamic ecology of the Mount Lofty Ranges. MLR is one of Australia’s 15 federally listed ‘biodiversity hotspots.’ More than 450 native fauna species & ~1,500 native plant species have been recorded in the region.
If you are part of a local group or want to join with other like-minded people and need help getting a project off the ground, please reach out and contact us. You can also visit the centre from 9am – 3pm Monday, Wednesday & Thursday to browse our extensive resources.
Ngaityalya,
Jess Bamford
HEC Coordinator