The Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority (BGPA) is a Statutory Authority that operates as part of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. The Department promotes biodiversity and conservation to enrich people’s lives through sustainable management of Western Australia’s species, ecosystems, lands and the attractions in the Department’s care.
The BGPA curates the Western Australian Botanic Garden within Kings Park, a 400 hectare park comprising the Botanic Garden, parkland and urban bushland areas that is located on the doorstep of Perth’s CBD. The BGPA manages significant research and collection development programs as well as volunteering, education and community engagement activities.
Alan Barrett joined the BGPA in July 2018, coming from the Western Australian Public Sector Commission (PSC), a central WA government agency that sets human resource management standards, ethical codes and provides leadership in governance. Prior to that, Alan’s early career included time as a secondary teacher, curriculum-writer and senior roles in policy and corporate governance positions at the Art Gallery of WA and at the WA Museum. It was in these organisations that Alan developed a strong appreciation and interest in the art of effectively balancing research, collections management, public programs, visitor services and commercial activities in iconic values-driven public institutions.
