HikeWest 2025 AGM

HikeWest held its 2025 Annual General Meeting on Monday 27 October 2025.

We extend our appreciation to representatives from the following member clubs and affiliates who attended in person or online: Action Outdoors Association, Bushwalkers of Western Australia, Hiking Club of WA, Perth Bushwalkers Club, WA Family Bushwalking Club, WA Wanderers Mens Bushwalking, and Western Walking Club. Apologies were received from Bunbury Bushwalking Club and Great Walk Network.

Reports

The President’s Report and audited financial statements were presented and accepted at the AGM and are included in the 2024-25 Annual Report. Highlights of the year included:

• Expansion of HikeWest’s community participation programs. The program initiatives – including the Seniors Hiking Program, Community Hiking Program, All Abilities Hiking Program, and Family Hiking Program – created more opportunities for diverse communities to experience the physical, mental, and social benefits of hiking. Approximately 800 people have participated in the programs.
• Other community engagement. During 2024–25, HikeWest interacted with more than 700 community members at a range of events, including Hyde Park Festival, Seniors Day and Recreation Day in Collie.
• Commitment to WA Trails Festival in 2026.  HikeWest established a partnership with Trails WA to co-deliver this new event evolving from the popular WA Hiking Expo previously presented by HikeWest in 2021 and 2023. The event, supported by the Shire of Kalamunda, will take place in Jorgensen Park in May 2026 and will promote trails, clubs, and local businesses, along with a celebration of hiking, with guided walks.
• Continuing advocacy. HikeWest maintained its advocacy efforts, emphasising the importance of protecting and maintaining access to WA’s unique natural environments in the interests of fostering healthier, and more connected communities.

Board members

Following elections at the AGM and subsequent appointments post-AGM, the composition of the Board is now:

President                          Peggy Leung
Vice-President                 Jessica Strauss
Treasurer                         (appointment pending)
Secretary                          Mark Pybus
Director                            Shaun Hefferon
Director                            Hecate Jay
Director                            (appointment pending)

The meeting thanked the Board  – including outgoing President Pascal Veyradier – and Executive Officer Meelee Soorkia for their achievements for the organisation and hiking over the past year.

Profiles of the current Board members can be viewed here. 

Posted November 2025