Help us grow our connections.
Help us spread our roots.
21 Years of building connections
Ecological endeavours have been fledging in Western Australia since the 1960s and 70s in various areas. With over 80% lost in WA, wetlands have been their main focus. Through the years following Australia's signing of the Ramsar convention and the number of Ramsar sites in WA growing to 12, the ecologists and environmental groups working to protect, conserve and develop wetlands have grown manifold. The Wetlands Centre Cockburn gradually became a place of confluence for wetland ecologists, given its central location and its plight amidst the Roe 8 or the Perth Freight Link controversy.
In 2005, we started the tradition of holding WA's first-ever Wetlands Conference, celebrating World Wetlands Day, to encourage research, information sharing and scientific exchanges within the area of wetland sciences and foster networks and interchange amongst wetland professionals. Over the years it has grown to include more and more stakeholders in wetlands. But this has not been without the support of those who have helped to fund this massive endeavour and keep it going. Now in its 21st year, we are once again reaching out to our steadfast and new supporters to help us run one of the country's biggest wetlands conferences.
An Opportunity
The Wetlands Centre Cockburn would like to offer you an exciting opportunity to sponsor the 21st Annual WA Wetland Conference 2025. We look forward to continuing our tradition of facilitating a meaningful symposium and providing access to quality keynotes, engaging session speakers, inspirational success stories, informative panels, networking opportunities and hands-on workshops. We aspire to reach out to the cultural leaders and traditional custodians and learn and partake from their accrued knowledge, to make the Conference more meaningful and informed.
World Wetlands Day
World Wetlands Day is celebrated internationally each year on 2 February. It marks the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) in Ramsar, Iran, on 2 February 1971.
Since 1997, World Wetlands Day has been used to:
- raise public awareness of wetland values and benefits
- promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
As a supporter of this conference, you are joining a global event that is truly bringing about a change in the way the world views and understands the importance of wetlands.
Objectives of our conference
“To increase knowledge, awareness, understanding and commitment to the conservation, interpretation and management of Wetlands.”
“And, to provide an annual networking forum for organisations and individuals involved in the above”.
Conference Themes
The overarching conference theme follows the Ramsar theme for 2025 of 'Protecting wetlands for our common future.' The 2-day conference is divided into half-days, and is set to feature the following themes - Leadership, Reconciliation & Truth-Telling, Sustainability, Partnerships, Education, Humanities & Community Engagement and Action.
01.
EMERGING HORIZONS
Pathways to Resilient Wetlands
This session will explore forward-thinking approaches to bolstering wetland resilience in the face of emerging challenges. Anchored in innovation and adaptability, it will delve into strategies that address the dynamic complexities of wetlands in a changing climate.
Keynote by Professor Anne Poelina
02.
SHAPING THE FUTURE
Partnerships, Policy, and Practice
Highlighting the transformative potential of collaboration, this session will examine how leadership, policy, and community action intersect to drive meaningful change. It will showcase the synergies required to build a sustainable future for wetlands.
Keynote by Dr. Jane Chambers
03.
CHALLENGES INTO TRIUMPHS
Wetlands Success Stories
This session will celebrate inspiring examples of conservation efforts that have turned obstacles into opportunities. By spotlighting achievements and lessons learned, it will provide a platform for shared experiences and enduring impacts in wetland restoration.
Keynote by Dr. Tim Storer
04.
FROM IDEAS TO ACTION
Building Skills and Capacity
Along with presentations, this session will include workshops focused on practical tools and innovative strategies. It will underscore the importance of translating ideas into impactful solutions, empowering participants to contribute effectively to wetland sustainability.
Keynote by Luke Bently
The Audience
Past conferences have brought together community conservation volunteers, landowners, local and State Government officers, students and academics, political representatives and private sector environmental officers involved with wetland management. This year we are increasing our outreach to welcome community leaders, aboriginal representatives and cultural stakeholders associated with our wetlands. All past conferences have been booked to capacity with 200 delegates attending.
Environmentally Friendly
The conference strives to minimize its environmental impact by encouraging delegates to carpool and bring their own water bottles. We also provide re-usable coffee mugs, glasses and plates, produce e-program booklets, and use recycled paper. We encourage the display of promotional material on common tables or at exhibition spaces, rather than in conference kits, ensuring only interested persons avail of relevant material.
A sponsorship
opportunity
Expressions of interest are sought for sponsorship of the WA Wetlands Conference. Four sponsorship categories are available for you to support this conference. The sponsorship categories are cash contributions and are GST-exclusive.
| INCLUSIONS | Gold sponsor | Silver sponsor | Bronze sponsor |
| Free delegate registrations | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Colour advertisement in e-program booklet¹ | 1 x A5 | 1 x A5 | ½ x A5 |
| Banner display at front of the centre |  | ||
| Acknowledgement by MC at opening and closing | | | |
| Promotional slides during intervals | | ||
| Listing on The Wetland Centre’s website, Facebook and social media | | | |
| Major logo display² | | ||
| Minor logo display² | | | |
| Exhibition space | | | |
| Promotional material on common tables or exhibition space³ | | | |
¹The program booklet is produced in colour in digital format.
²Logos are incorporated in the registration brochure, website, welcome screen in the Centre and the program.
³Conference kits are not supplied: please read the section on ‘Waste-wise event’.
Note: All applications are subject to approval by the Board of The Wetlands Centre.
Get in touch
If you wish to discuss the available sponsorship opportunities or involvement in other aspects of this conference, please contact us at conference@thewetlandscentre.org.au.