Conference
Program

The overarching theme of our conference follows the Ramsar theme for 2022 of ‘Wetlands Action for People & Nature’. The 2-day conference is divided into 4 half-days, each of which is set to feature the following themes - Leadership, Reconciliation, Sustainability and Partnerships.

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LEADERSHIP

Day 1 | Morning
Wednesday, 2nd February 2022

RECONCILIATION

Day 1 | Afternoon
Wednesday, 2nd February 2022

SUSTAINABILITY

Day 2 | Morning
Thursday, 3rd February 2022

PARTNERSHIPS

Day 2 | Afternoon
Thursday, 3rd February 2022

THE LEADERSHIP SESSION

Day 1 | Morning | Wednesday, 2nd February 2022

To increase the knowledge, awareness, understanding, participation, engagement, and commitment to the conservation of wetlands.

Click here to view the Leadership Session Proceedings

Opening

Marie J Taylor

Hon. Reece Whitby MLA

Keynote

Emeritus Prof. Hans Lambers

School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia

Born in the Netherlands; PhD (1979), and appointed Professor of Ecophysiology at Utrecht University (1985). Migrated to Australia, where he was appointed Professor of Plant Biology/Ecology at UWA. There, he studied mineral nutrition of Australian native species. In 2006, he established the Kwongan Foundation.

He has published over 550 refereed articles, and features on the recent and current ISI Highly Cited lists. He was elected to the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (2003), and the Australian Academy of Science (2012).

He received the Lifetime Achievement Award of the International Society of Root Research (2018) and the John Oldham Conservation Employee Award from the CCWA (2019).

Expert Presentations

Dr Rose Weerasinghe

Dr Felicity Bairstow

Dr Felicity Bairstow is involved in more environmental groups than she dares to admit and advocates for the protection and conservation of urban bushland and wetlands in Perth. As a founder and first convenor of Save Beeliar Wetlands Dr Bairstow was instrumental in steering the campaign and strategy that led to a successful outcome for the group. In 2020 Dr Bairstow was awarded the City of Cockburn Citizen of the Year Award.

Daniel Jan Martin

Landscape Planner, UWA School of Design, WA Australia

Daniel Jan Martin is an environmental planner and designer based in Perth, Australia. He teaches and researches in architecture and landscape architecture at the UWA School of Design. His work explores ways of mapping and designing with our water systems and ecosystems with expertise across geospatial analysis, sustainability and urban design. A passion for environmental communication drives his work; sharing, translating and advocating.

Case Studies

Tracy de Vetter

Murdoch University

Tracy de Vetter is completing her BSc in Conservation and Wildlife Biology at Murdoch University, and has a keen interest in the development of a connected and resilient environment for Perth and beyond. She is an avid animal lover that hopes to use her studies in working towards the protection and regeneration of the wonderful native flora and fauna of the South West WA. She wishes to be able to work alongside the traditional owners and extend values of connection to country into this field.

Dr Steve Fisher

Peel-Harvey Catchment Council Inc.

Steve Fisher has a PhD in Chemistry from Curtin University where he specialised in Petroleum and Environmental Organic Geochemistry. Steve has 35 years of experience as a scientist working in academia, private consultancy, at CSIRO and at various state government agencies. He is currently the Operations Manager, Science and Waterways at the Peel–Harvey Catchment Council (PHCC) with his key responsibilities to provide science leadership, better integrate science into the management of the Peel-Harvey waterways, in particular Ramsar Site 482, and to engage with the community.

Plenary

Tom Perrigo OAM

The Wetlands Centre Cockburn.

Tom Perrigo is the Chair of the Wetlands Centre Cockburn. Tom comes to us with extensive and in-depth experience, having served as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Trust of Australia for over 25 years. His experience in heritage conservation, interpretation and management within the community, government and private sectors are of special significance and value to us at the Centre.

He is a stalwart supporter of WA’s indigenous and cultural custodians. He was awarded the Order of Australian Medal (OAM) in 2018 Honours List for his service to heritage conservation and to the community. In the last two years under Tom’s chairmanship, the Centre has found renewed purpose looking at synergetic partnerships, collaborative projects, and a focus on sustainability.

THE RECONCILIATION SESSION

Day 1 | Afternoon | Wednesday, 2nd February 2022

To initiate, support and sustain a proactive partnership with traditional custodians for the conservation of wetlands. This includes increasing participation, support and engagement recognising the importance of traditional knowledge and expertise.

Click here to view the Reconciliation Session Proceedings

Keynote

Dr Cristina Ramalho

School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia

Dr Cristina E Ramalho is a Research Fellow in Urban Ecology at The University of Western Australia. Her work is inter-disciplinary and focuses on how we can better plan, design and manage urban environments in order to make these more liveable, biodiverse, ethical and sustainable. She is interested in evidence-informed urban greening, conservation of urban biodiversity, and integration of traditional knowledge in urban land-use and water planning and natural resource management.

Expert Presentations

Tod Jones

School of Design and Built Environment, Curtin University

Tod Jones is an Associate Professor in Geography in the School of Design and Built Environment at Curtin University. Tod’s research interests are cultural landscapes and heritage in Australia and Indonesia. He is co-Project Lead in the Connecting to Our Rivers project that is investigating a holistic approach to conservation of historic river landscapes and community development through a pilot study in the City of Swan.

Marie J Taylor

Elder in Residence, The Wetlands Centre Cockburn

Marie Taylor is a traditional Elder, Custodian and descendent of Whadjuk Juet Balardong country Nyungars from the Southwest of Western Australia’s Bibbulmun peoples. She has a long career in both government and non-government agencies. She is a community leader, story teller, author and Elder in Residence at Holyoake. Marie is the Chairperson of Yelakitj Moort Nyungar Association which ensures traditions, culture, language and stories of the Nyungar families are maintained and taught in schools and community.

Marie Taylor is Elder in Residence of the Wetland Education Centre, a first in Australia.

Gina Pickering

Board Member, The Wetlands Centre Cockburn

Gina Pickering is a PhD Candidate at Curtin University and a Heritage Consultant with over 20 years experience in WA’s South West.

Gina has developed and implemented interpretive approaches for places of state and national significance including the WA Museum Boola Bardip, Fremantle Round House, Heathcote Cultural Precinct and Christmas Island. Gina has received national and state awards for her work and has recently completed a Podcast series for the State Library of Western Australia. Gina Pickering is a Wetlands Centre Board member.

Case Studies

Associate Prof. Robyn Heckenberg

Centre for Aboriginal Studies, Curtin University

Robyn Heckenberg is a Wiradjuri (Murray Darling Basin) woman working in Whadyuk Noongar Country. She works in supporting staff, and working with colleagues to make Indigenous cultural studies more applicable for the twenty first century in the learning and teaching space. Her research concerns water, Indigenous pedagogy, eco-theology, and she has been facilitator of community development programmes around love of rivers and waterways, and Country.

Plenary

Fiona Hook

Managing Director, Archae-aus

Fiona Hook is the owner, managing director and executive archaeologist for Archae-aus. She has over 30 years cultural heritage management and community consultation experience across Australia, with a focus on Western Australia and in parts of Asia. She has managed thousands of successful outcomes for her clients resulting in seamless on time and on budget project delivery, whilst ensuring the best practice documentation and management of cultural heritage.

She is actively involved in the professional archaeological community where she is a full member of the Australian Association of Consulting Archaeologists. She is the past President of the Australian Archaeological Association and the Australian Association of Consulting Archaeologists. She regularly present papers at international and Australian conferences and is currently a Honorary Research Fellow and a PhD Student at the University of Western Australia, Archaeology Department.

THE SUSTAINABILITY SESSION

Day 2 | Morning | Thursday, 3rd February 2022

To develop and deliver standards, processes, projects, and/or programs that are environmentally, socially and economically justified.

Click here to view the Sustainability Session Proceedings

Opening

Mr David Anthony Edward Scaife MLA

Mr David Anthony Edward Scaife MLA BA (Hons); LLB; LLM;
Acting Speaker, Western Australian Legislative Assembly

David Anthony Edward Scaife was elected as a Labor member for Cockburn in the Western Australian Legislative Assembly at the 2021 state election. He has been the Acting Speaker of the Legislative Assembly from 4 May 2021.

David Scaife is a former IR lawyer and small business operator turned advocate for his local community Cockburn. He is always keen to chat and support others pursuing progressive change. In opening Day 2 of the 2022 WA Wetlands Conference, the minister, in his address spoke about the power of partnerships in safeguarding and rehabilitating wetlands:

"Partnerships—people working together—brings expertise and knowledge, brings skills and opinions to the table and makes any community or campaign more resilient in the face of any setbacks (such as those faced in the fight to preserve the Beeliar wetlands), and ultimately succeed. We have to be mindful to hang on to the progress that has been made. This conference will help expand the efforts of these groups to protect and enhance all of our wetlands around Perth and Western Australia. We have to get better at the science of managing wetlands for our future. I hope that this conference for all of you is a shot in the arm and I hope you come out of this reinvigorated, inspired and reconnected. Let's use it not only to learn new things but also to strengthen or reconnect relationships and partnerships because it's only by working together that we can make and protect the type of lasting change that we've achieved in the Beeliar Wetlands and enhance the environment and all of our wetlands for future generations "

Keynote

Dr Libby Jackson-Barrett

Centre for People Place and Planet, Edith Cowan University

Dr Libby Jackson-Barrett is a Senior Lecturer for Kurongkurl Katitjin, Centre for Indigenous Australian Education and Research, and a core member of the Strategic Research Centre for People, Place, & Planet at Edith Cowan University. Libby’s research has included On Country Learning, which the Asia-Pacific Regional Network for Early Childhood has recognised as an innovative pedagogical approach to Aboriginal education.

Prof. Mindy Blaise

Centre for People Place and Planet, Edith Cowan University

Prof. Mindy Blaise is a Vice Chancellor's Professorial Research Fellow, in the School of Education, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia. She is also Co-director of the Centre for People, Place & Planet and Co-founder of the Common Worlds Research Collective. Her transdisciplinary and postdevelopmental research with the more-than-human uses responsive, affect-focused and creative methods to rework a humanist ontology. She is interested in how the more-than-human and feminist speculative research practices activate new meanings about childhood that sit outside the narrow confines of developmentalism.

Prof. Pierre Horwitz

Centre for People Place and Planet, Edith Cowan University

Prof. Pierre Horwitz is Professor of Environmental Sciences, and Co-Director of the Strategic Research Centre for People, Place, & Planet, at Edith Cowan University, Australia. He is recognised for his work on ecosystem approaches to human health, and as a theme coordinator for wetlands and health for the Ramsar Convention (2009-2015). He is currently the Co-Editor-in-Chief for the journal PLOS Water.

Expert Presentations

Dr Belinda Robson

Murdoch University

Dr Belinda Robson is Editor in Chief of Freshwater Biology, the world's leading freshwater ecology journal and received the 2021 Jolly Award from the Australian Freshwater Sciences Society. She has been researching the conservation, restoration and management of rivers and wetlands for >30 years, publishing > 80 research books, book chapters and scientific papers. In 2020, she contributed to 16 chapters on freshwater ecosystems the IUCN Global Ecosystem Typology (v.2), the official descriptions of all Earth's ecosystems. Her current research focuses on the devastating effects of climatic drying on freshwater biodiversity and how we can prevent further losses.

Dr Nicole White

Dr Mattia Saccò

Dr Josephine Hyde

Ecosystem Science Program, Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

Josephine Hyde obtained her PhD at the University of Adelaide and was a Louis A. Magnarelli Post-Doctoral Fellows at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in New Haven, USA. In the past her research has looked at regressive evolution of subterranean invertebrates and the role of the microbiome in insects, particularly in relation to arboviruses. Josephine’s current research interests are in developing an eDNA program at DBCA, in terrestrial and freshwater environments and expanding the current sequence reference library for animals present in WA.

Dr Michael Coote

Department of Biodiversity Conservation & Attractions

Michael has been the Principal Coordinator of the Wetlands Section in the Department of Biodiversity Conservation & Attractions since 2002. His main roles are coordinating the implementation of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and providing environmental impact advice for wetlands subject to development proposals. Michael has studied aquatic ecology for a MSc from Lakehead University in Canada and a PhD from UWA. Michael began assisting in developing wetland buffer guidelines as one of his first roles in the Wetlands Section and is hoping to see some fruition before his retirement!

Case Studies

Dr Ru Somaweera

Stantec

Ru is a Principal Environmental Scientist working across aquatic, subterranean, and terrestrial fauna study groups at Stantec. He is also an Adjunct Research Fellow at UWA and a National Geographic Explorer. With over 15 years of field experience in northern Australian outback, and several part of Asia, and South Africa, Ru has a strong interest in studying how reptiles adapt to a changing word, and designing sound and innovative management and conservation strategies for their preservation.

Robyn Loomes

Department of Water and Environmental Regulation

Robyn is an Environmental Water Planner at the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation in Perth. She has a BSc (hons) in Environmental Management (ECU) and a MSc in Ecology and Groundwater (UTS). Robyn has over 20 years’ experience, specialising in water requirements of water-dependent ecosystems across WA, including the SW, Pilbara and Kimberley regions.

Drew Thornton

Curtin University

Drew Thornton is a graduate research student working on the RTP project titled “Feral Science: Transformative Concepts and Methods in the Posthumanities, Animalities, and Environmental Humanities”, supervised by Dr Matthew Chrulew and Dr Robert Briggs. This project investigates place-based creative writing practice and narratives of futurity in suburban ecological spaces.

Plenary

Dr Jonathan Whale

Murdoch University

Jonathan Whale joined Murdoch University as a researcher in the field of wind energy with nine years experience working with research groups in the United Kingdom and the United States. This work often involved collaboration with other research groups and industries throughout the world through mechanisms such as the International Energy Agency (IEA) Wind RD&D Program. In addition, he co-wrote successful grant applications for funding from the UK’s Science and Engineering Research Council (SERC) and Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

He has been employed in different roles at Murdoch University since February 2001. Initially, he was employed by the Australian Cooperative Research Centre for Renewable Energy (ACRE) on projects related to the commercialisation of a range of wind turbines. At around the same time, he was consulted by the School of Engineering to work together with others from the wind energy industry and develop a unit on wind energy for the Renewable Energy Engineering Program. From 2002 to 2007, he worked as a part-time lecturer in the Energy Studies Program and a part-time research officer with the Research Institute of Sustainable Energy (RISE) on industry projects related to wind turbines. In 2007, he became 100% employed by the School of Engineering and Energy in the area of Energy Studies and Renewable Energy Engineering. In 2008 he established a National Small Wind Turbine Centre (NSWTC) at Murdoch University, sparked by my ideas on small wind turbine research. The NSWTC is a $1.05 million federally-funded Centre that aims to improve the quality and reliability of small wind turbines. He is currently the Academic Chair of the Energy Studies Program.

THE PARTNERSHIPS SESSION

Day 2 | Afternoon | Thursday, 3rd February 2022

To initiate and sustain the widest possible proactive participation, support and engagement for the conservation of wetlands.

Click here to view the Partnerships Session Proceedings

Keynote

Dr Ingrid Sieler

Perth Region NRM Inc

Ingrid engages widely with Perth NRM’s community and corporate stakeholders. Her aim is to see more people connecting with Perth’s natural environment and to be better linked to share their knowledge and experiences to create sustainable communities.

Ingrid has over 25 years of experience in environmental and cultural heritage management. She has worked with local, state and national governments to deliver programs aimed at improving on-ground management and conservation of Australia’s heritage. In the last 20 years, Ingrid’s work has focused on building capacity for groups and organisations to conduct their on-ground environmental work and ensure that social, cultural, environmental, and economic values are included during the project implementation. Ingrid is passionate about supporting the community to share their expertise with one another so we can all improve our skills in caring for and acknowledging our unique environment.

Expert Presentations

Dr Jane Chambers

Murdoch University

Dr Jane Chambers is the Director of NatureLink Perth, a community of practice that collaborates, shares knowledge and promotes the transition of Perth to a nature-linked city. She is also a Senior Lecturer in Environmental and Conservation Sciences, at Murdoch University with over 30 years experience in wetlands, rivers and estuaries in South Western Australia.

Co-Presenters

Anthony Santoro and

Stephen Beatty

Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University

Johnny Prefumo

Mandy Bamford

WA Gould League / Herdsman Lake Discovery Centre

Mandy Bamford grew up near the Swan River, watching the creatures that spilled over into the suburbs from urban swamps and bushland. Mandy is now an ecologist and partner in Bamford Consulting Ecologists with a particular interest in vertebrate ecology, urban nature, science communication, waterbirds and wetland rehabilitation. Mandy works with a range of stakeholders to increase biodiversity in urban environments, conducts ecological research, presents community workshops, and creates educational resources and publications. She is vice president of BirdLife Australia, chairs the Herdsman Lake Regional Park community advisory committee, and is president of the WA Gould League, which manages Herdsman Lake Discovery Centre.

Co-Presenters

Karen Cullen

Executive Officer, WA Gould League

Case Studies

Barbara Sing & Amanda Zele

John Tonkin College
Barbara Sing and Amanda Zele are Marine Science Teachers at John Tonkin College. Students in the Specialist Science Program are involved in a range of initiatives including Fishing Line Bins, Shorebird Education, Estuary Guardians and the Fin Guide, the Bream Project and the Shellfish Farming Project with partners including Peel Harvey Catchment Council, Murdoch University, The Nature Conservancy and the City of Mandurah.

Dr Catherine Baudains

The Wetlands Centre Cockburn

Catherine is an experienced and passionate Education for Sustainability (EfS) practitioner. She is currently The Wetlands Centre Education officer funded by State NRM. As an adjunct lecturer and researcher, she is involved in a wide number of EfS projects, continues to supervise postgraduate research students and maintains active involvement with the Australian Association for Environmental Education. Her interests focus on fostering voluntary changes in human behaviour through education in order to achieve environmental/sustainability outcomes. Her recent research includes the fields of urban biodiversity (aquatic and terrestrial), waste management behaviour, environmental and lifestyle education programs, evaluation of environmental education, and the WA Sustainable Schools Initiative. Linkedin.com/in/catherine-baudains-03388027/

Plenary

Dr Ingrid Sieler

Perth Region NRM Inc

This conference was made possible thanks to our benefactors and supporters

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

This event is supported by PHCC through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

Bronze Sponsors

Gavin Waugh

Supporters

Register Today

Join us for an outstanding experience that brings together scientists, planners, community leaders, educators, natural resource managers, aboriginal elders, environmental champions, nature enthusiasts and stakeholders in the network that connects us all – Our Wetlands.

Conference ProceedingsThe 18th Annual Western Australian Wetlands Conference

Conference Program

LEADERSHIP

RECONCILIATION

SUSTAINABILITY

PARTNERSHIPS

THE LEADERSHIP SESSION

Day 1 | Morning | Wednesday, 2nd February 2022

To increase the knowledge, awareness, understanding, participation, engagement, and commitment to the conservation of wetlands.

Opening

Keynote

Expert Presentations

Case Studies

Plenary

THE RECONCILIATION SESSION

Day 1 | Afternoon | Wednesday, 2nd February 2022

To initiate, support and sustain a proactive partnership with traditional custodians for the conservation of wetlands. This includes increasing participation, support and engagement recognising the importance of traditional knowledge and expertise.

Keynote

Expert Presentations

Case Studies

Plenary

THE SUSTAINABILITY SESSION

Day 2 | Morning | Thursday, 3rd February 2022

To develop and deliver standards, processes, projects, and/or programs that are environmentally, socially and economically justified.

Opening

Keynote

Expert Presentations

Case Studies

Plenary

THE PARTNERSHIPS SESSION

Day 2 | Afternoon | Thursday, 3rd February 2022

To initiate and sustain the widest possible proactive participation, support and engagement for the conservation of wetlands.

Keynote

Expert Presentations

Case Studies

Plenary

This conference was made possible thanks to our benefactors and supporters

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Gavin Waugh

Supporters

Register Today

Conference
Program

To increase the knowledge, awareness, understanding, participation, engagement, and commitment to the conservation of wetlands.