James Jenkins is the Director of the Community and Recreation at AlburyCity. His responsibilities include community development and services, children’s services, cultural services, parks, recreation and leisure facilities. James has qualifications in horticulture and arboriculture and has significant local government and governance experience.He has also been a Director of Parks & Leisure Australia for over ten years; four of those as Finance Director. He is currently the Chairperson of the Wonga Wetlands Conservation Association Board; and Public Officer and Director of the Albury Conservation Company. James is passionate about integrating the social and cultural aspects of our lives, with the natural and built environment. James has overseen the development and implementation of the Murray River Experience Master Plan and believes this key Council project is core to achieving the community’s vision for its relationship to the Murray River environment. Delivering Experiences on the Murray River and Lake Hume. The community and Council’s vision is to create better connections between the community and its greatest natural resources, the Murray River and Lake Hume. James will outline how better connections can be achieved including the Wagirra Trail and associated works which are being built and managed under AlburyCity’s Aboriginal Employment and Training Program. The Wagirra Trail crew is working on construction and land conservation tasks and has completed significant projects including the Kremur Street Boat Ramp and Oddies Creek Adventure Playground. Unlike many short-term employment initiatives, the Wagirra Trail traineeships are three years in duration and aim to develop future leaders and mentors in the Aboriginal community. The presence of an Aboriginal workforce within Albury City Council has far reaching benefits for the whole community and is a tangible step towards Reconciliation.