A message from the new Chair

Dear Lord Howe Island community,

I’m honoured to introduce myself as the new Chair of the Lord Howe Island Board. It is a privilege to support this extraordinary island and its community, and I look forward to working closely with you to protect and enhance the values that make Lord Howe Island so special.

With over two decades of experience in conservation and emergency management, including senior roles within the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, I bring a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and community wellbeing. I’ve long admired Lord Howe Island’s unique biodiversity and the strength of its local community, and I’m excited to contribute to its sustainable future.

I’m also pleased to welcome two new Minister-appointed members to the Board:

• Ms Margy Osmond, a respected leader in the tourism sector and CEO of the Tourism and Transport Forum Australia. Margy brings a wealth of experience in sustainable tourism, infrastructure, and industry engagement.
• The Hon Nathan Rees, former Premier of NSW and current Head of Government Relations and External Affairs at MetLife Australia. Nathan has a strong track record in conservation, governance, and community development.

We look forward to working with the four elected members of the Board—Robert, Therese, Matthew and James. Together, we are committed to supporting the Island’s community, protecting its World Heritage values, and ensuring that Lord Howe Island remains a resilient and thriving place for generations to come.

I look forward to spending time on the island in the coming months and hopefully hearing from some of you first-hand about your ideas, concerns and aspirations.

Warm regards,

Naomi Stephens
Chair, Lord Howe Island Board