Wetland managers, researchers, Traditional Owners, educators and community members will gather at The Wetlands Centre Cockburn for the 22nd Annual Western Australian Wetlands Conference, to be held on 5–6 February 2026 at Bibra Lake – Walliabup.
The 2026 conference theme, “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage,” recognises the deep cultural and ecological significance of wetlands and highlights the shared responsibility required to protect and sustain these vital ecosystems. It is especially relevant to our local area where we have archaeological records showing indigenous habitation of this country for over 40,000 years.
The conference will open with a Welcome to Country by Aunty Marie Taylor, followed by the official conference launch by Hon. Matthew Swinbourn MLC. Day One will also feature a keynote presentation by Walter McGuire OAM and Francesca Flynn on BoorYul-Bah-Bilya, a new model for river catchment management.
Across the two-day program, keynote speakers include Cristina Ramalho and Vivienne ‘Binyarn’ Hansen, presenting on Noongar water knowledge in the Djarlgarro Beeliar catchment; Dr Rod Giblett, speaking on Wetland Cultures; and Dr David Morgan, addressing critically endangered sawfish in northern Western Australian rivers, wetlands and estuaries.
Conference Convenor Professor Stephen Beatty said the event is a key fixture in the annual calendar for wetland practitioners and researchers, noting strong attendance from across the state, supported this year by a Lotterywest Regional Link grant.
The conference is held in the same week as World Wetlands Day, the annual celebration marking the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971. In 2026, World Wetlands Day marks the 55th anniversary of the Convention. Western Australia has 12 Ramsar-listed wetlands, including the Forrestdale and Thomsons Lakes Ramsar site.
A highlight of Day One will be the launch of Living Black Waters: Wetland Cultures in Australia by Dr Rod Giblett, a long-time advocate for Perth wetlands, now based in Melbourne. Dr Giblett will introduce the book as part of his keynote presentation. The program will also feature exhibition artist talks by Sabrina Dowling Giudici, Nada Murphy and more.
Across both days, the program combines keynotes with rotating expert and case-study sessions running across multiple rooms, plus hands-on workshops and hybrid presentations, with poster presentations available throughout breaks for informal discussion. Delegates can also join optional wetland experiences (including an early self-guided AR art and ecology tour and a guided wetlands walk), with dedicated networking breaks. The closing with remarks aims to wrap up key themes and next steps keeping the focus on our wetlands.
Ana Terrazas, Manager of The Wetlands Centre Cockburn, said urban wetlands play a vital role in making cities liveable.
“Wetlands provide spaces for people to relax and connect with nature, while supporting a rich diversity of plant and animal life. Wetlands and human life are deeply interconnected” Ms Terrazas said.
Event details
What: 22nd Annual WA Wetlands Conference 2026
When: 5–6 February 2026
Where: The Wetlands Centre Cockburn, 184 Hope Road, Bibra Lake WA 6163
More info: thewetlandscentre.org.au/conference
ENDS
Media enquiries
Rohit Kanchi
Conference Planning Committee Member
The Wetlands Centre Cockburn
The Wetlands Centre Cockburn
184 Hope Road Bibra Lake WA 6163
Tel: 08 9417 8460 Mobile: 0473 645 176
Email conference@thewetlandscentre.org.au
Website thewetlandscentre.org.au/conference
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