About NESSiE
In mid-2008 Armidale Dumaresq Council contracted a consortium of professionals and organisations – the New England Sustainability Strategy Executive, nicknamed NESSiE – to commence work on developing the New England Sustainability Strategy for the Region covered by the New England Strategic Alliance of Councils (NESAC). Since this time NESSiE have:
- Convened the Inaugural New England Sustainability Forum at NERAM with more than 120 attendees and 300 other participants through working groups and online engagement;
- Completed the “Foundation” New England Sustainability Strategy;
- Coordination of the Solar New England Region Project which has generated a near tripling in the level of installed grid connected solar power (130-150 residential solar power systems), 180+ new evacuated tube solar hot water systems, training for thirteen tradespeople in solar power and twenty-four in solar hot water, and creation of a substantial new Partner Network across the 'whole of the Region' and 'whole of the community'.
NESSiE uses a 'community enterprise' structure, that is defined by being:
- For 'purpose' rather than for 'profit' meaning that the money is for fair pay for goods and services;
- Undertaken by a partner network of community stakeholders to build social, economic and environmental value; and,
- Transparent and accountable, especially for the finances.
The current members of NESSiE are: Adam Blakester, ParadigmPlay (Convenor); Micheal O'Loughlin, Starfish Enterprises; Rebecca Spence, PeaceWorks; Jackie Bowe, Southern New England Landcare; Hannah Taylor, UNE Graduate; Zoe Miller, Professional Psychologist.
Past members of NESSiE have played important roles in the establishment stages of work and include: Maureen Chapman, NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet; Peter Sniekers, NSW Department of State and Regional Development; Ken McLeod, Creative Edge Facilitation; Tex Skuthorpe and Anne Morrill, Tuckandee Training; Kathryn Brooks, UNE Graduate; Armidale Family Support Services.
Conveners
Media Director
Forum Leaders
Maureen Chapman
Kathryn Brooks
Rebecca Spence
Sonia Williams
Jackie Bowe
Steve Widders
Peter Sniekers
Zoe Miller
