Program

Sunday, November 23, 2025

Track 1
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Post Graduate Day
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Managing Bushfire Risk and Biodiversity at the Urban Fringe
Spend an afternoon with some of South Australia’s leading fire management practitioners in a park on Adelaide’s urban fringe. You’ll hear about the challenges of managing bushfire risks in this environment and the lengths South Australia’s National Parks and Wildlife Service are going to, to also manage fire regimes to maintain and enhance biodiversity values.  Transport provided. Catering not included.
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Registration and Welcome Drinks
Track 1
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Post Graduate Day
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Managing Bushfire Risk and Biodiversity at the Urban Fringe
Spend an afternoon with some of South Australia’s leading fire management practitioners in a park on Adelaide’s urban fringe. You’ll hear about the challenges of managing bushfire risks in this environment and the lengths South Australia’s National Parks and Wildlife Service are going to, to also manage fire regimes to maintain and enhance biodiversity values.  Transport provided. Catering not included.
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Registration and Welcome Drinks

Track 1
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Post Graduate Day
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Managing Bushfire Risk and Biodiversity at the Urban Fringe
Spend an afternoon with some of South Australia’s leading fire management practitioners in a park on Adelaide’s urban fringe. You’ll hear about the challenges of managing bushfire risks in this environment and the lengths South Australia’s National Parks and Wildlife Service are going to, to also manage fire regimes to maintain and enhance biodiversity values.  Transport provided. Catering not included.
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Registration and Welcome Drinks

Monday, November 24, 2025

Track 1
Track 2
Track 3
Track 4
Track 5
Track 6
Track 7
7:00 AM - 8:45 AM
Registrations Day 1
8:44 AM - 10:30 AM
Opening Plenary Day 1
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM Welcome to Country
9:00 AM - 9:10 AM Conference Opening - Dan Rogers, ESA25 Organising Committee Chair
9:10 AM - 9:15 AM Conference Welcome - Hon Susan Close MP, Deputy Premier of South Australia
9:15 AM - 9:55 AM Keynote Presentation - Tiahni Adamson, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Manager, Bush Heritage Australia
9:55 AM - 10:30 AM Keynote Presentation - Dr Phillippa McCormack, Future Making Fellow and DECRA Fellow, Environment Institute, University of Adelaide
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Morning Tea Day 1
11:00 AM - 1:05 PM Indigenous Ecological Knowledge 1.1.1 Navigating vegetation dieback and climate succession 1.1.2 Conservation in the dark: how to protect poorly documented dark-taxa 1.1.3 Restoration provenancing in a changing climate 1.1.4 Citizen science is key to ecological research 1.1.5 Movement ecology for conservation action 1.1.6 Nature-based climate adaptation and resilience 1.1.7
1:05 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch Day 1
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Indigenous Ecological Knowledge 1.2.1
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Navigating vegetation dieback and climate succession 1.2.2 Conservation in the dark: how to protect poorly documented dark-taxa 1.2.3 Restoration provenancing in a changing climate 1.2.4 Open Forum: aquatic and marine ecology 1.2.5 Movement ecology for conservation action 1.2.6 Open Forum: climate adaptation and resilience 1.2.7
2:55 PM - 3:30 PM The Ups, Downs, and Sideways of an Ecology Career
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Afternon Tea Day 1
4:00 PM - 5:20 PM Open Forum: Community Ecology 1.3.1 Open Forum: Threatened Species 1.3.3 Open Forum: Climate Change 1.3.4 Open Forum: Behavioural Ecology 1.3.5 Movement ecology for conservation action 1.3.6 More than water - exploring relational values of water bodies 1.3.7
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM Open Forum: Plant Ecology 1.3.2
5:20 PM - 5:45 PM
Book launch with CSIRO publishing: Ecology Matters - conversation with Australian Ecologists (TBC)
5:45 PM - 7:45 PM Poster Session Presenters
Track 1
Track 2
7:00 AM - 8:45 AM
Registrations Day 1
8:44 AM - 10:30 AM
Opening Plenary Day 1
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM Welcome to Country
9:00 AM - 9:10 AM Conference Opening - Dan Rogers, ESA25 Organising Committee Chair
9:10 AM - 9:15 AM Conference Welcome - Hon Susan Close MP, Deputy Premier of South Australia
9:15 AM - 9:55 AM Keynote Presentation - Tiahni Adamson, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Manager, Bush Heritage Australia
9:55 AM - 10:30 AM Keynote Presentation - Dr Phillippa McCormack, Future Making Fellow and DECRA Fellow, Environment Institute, University of Adelaide
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Morning Tea Day 1
11:00 AM - 1:05 PM Indigenous Ecological Knowledge 1.1.1 Navigating vegetation dieback and climate succession 1.1.2
1:05 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch Day 1
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Indigenous Ecological Knowledge 1.2.1
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Navigating vegetation dieback and climate succession 1.2.2
2:55 PM - 3:30 PM The Ups, Downs, and Sideways of an Ecology Career
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Afternon Tea Day 1
4:00 PM - 5:20 PM Open Forum: Community Ecology 1.3.1
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM Open Forum: Plant Ecology 1.3.2
5:20 PM - 5:45 PM
Book launch with CSIRO publishing: Ecology Matters - conversation with Australian Ecologists (TBC)
5:45 PM - 7:45 PM Poster Session Presenters

Track 3
Track 4
7:00 AM - 8:45 AM
Registrations Day 1
8:44 AM - 10:30 AM
Opening Plenary Day 1
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM Welcome to Country
9:00 AM - 9:10 AM Conference Opening - Dan Rogers, ESA25 Organising Committee Chair
9:10 AM - 9:15 AM Conference Welcome - Hon Susan Close MP, Deputy Premier of South Australia
9:15 AM - 9:55 AM Keynote Presentation - Tiahni Adamson, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Manager, Bush Heritage Australia
9:55 AM - 10:30 AM Keynote Presentation - Dr Phillippa McCormack, Future Making Fellow and DECRA Fellow, Environment Institute, University of Adelaide
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Morning Tea Day 1
11:00 AM - 1:05 PM Conservation in the dark: how to protect poorly documented dark-taxa 1.1.3 Restoration provenancing in a changing climate 1.1.4
1:05 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch Day 1
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Conservation in the dark: how to protect poorly documented dark-taxa 1.2.3 Restoration provenancing in a changing climate 1.2.4
2:55 PM - 3:30 PM
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Afternon Tea Day 1
4:00 PM - 5:20 PM Open Forum: Threatened Species 1.3.3 Open Forum: Climate Change 1.3.4
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
5:20 PM - 5:45 PM
Book launch with CSIRO publishing: Ecology Matters - conversation with Australian Ecologists (TBC)
5:45 PM - 7:45 PM Poster Session Presenters

Track 5
Track 6
7:00 AM - 8:45 AM
Registrations Day 1
8:44 AM - 10:30 AM
Opening Plenary Day 1
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM Welcome to Country
9:00 AM - 9:10 AM Conference Opening - Dan Rogers, ESA25 Organising Committee Chair
9:10 AM - 9:15 AM Conference Welcome - Hon Susan Close MP, Deputy Premier of South Australia
9:15 AM - 9:55 AM Keynote Presentation - Tiahni Adamson, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Manager, Bush Heritage Australia
9:55 AM - 10:30 AM Keynote Presentation - Dr Phillippa McCormack, Future Making Fellow and DECRA Fellow, Environment Institute, University of Adelaide
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Morning Tea Day 1
11:00 AM - 1:05 PM Citizen science is key to ecological research 1.1.5 Movement ecology for conservation action 1.1.6
1:05 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch Day 1
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Open Forum: aquatic and marine ecology 1.2.5 Movement ecology for conservation action 1.2.6
2:55 PM - 3:30 PM
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Afternon Tea Day 1
4:00 PM - 5:20 PM Open Forum: Behavioural Ecology 1.3.5 Movement ecology for conservation action 1.3.6
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
5:20 PM - 5:45 PM
Book launch with CSIRO publishing: Ecology Matters - conversation with Australian Ecologists (TBC)
5:45 PM - 7:45 PM Poster Session Presenters

Track 7
7:00 AM - 8:45 AM
Registrations Day 1
8:44 AM - 10:30 AM
Opening Plenary Day 1
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM Welcome to Country
9:00 AM - 9:10 AM Conference Opening - Dan Rogers, ESA25 Organising Committee Chair
9:10 AM - 9:15 AM Conference Welcome - Hon Susan Close MP, Deputy Premier of South Australia
9:15 AM - 9:55 AM Keynote Presentation - Tiahni Adamson, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Manager, Bush Heritage Australia
9:55 AM - 10:30 AM Keynote Presentation - Dr Phillippa McCormack, Future Making Fellow and DECRA Fellow, Environment Institute, University of Adelaide
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Morning Tea Day 1
11:00 AM - 1:05 PM Nature-based climate adaptation and resilience 1.1.7
1:05 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch Day 1
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Open Forum: climate adaptation and resilience 1.2.7
2:55 PM - 3:30 PM
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Afternon Tea Day 1
4:00 PM - 5:20 PM More than water - exploring relational values of water bodies 1.3.7
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
5:20 PM - 5:45 PM
Book launch with CSIRO publishing: Ecology Matters - conversation with Australian Ecologists (TBC)
5:45 PM - 7:45 PM Poster Session Presenters

Track 1
7:00 AM - 8:45 AM
Registrations Day 1
8:44 AM - 10:30 AM
Opening Plenary Day 1
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM Welcome to Country
9:00 AM - 9:10 AM Conference Opening - Dan Rogers, ESA25 Organising Committee Chair
9:10 AM - 9:15 AM Conference Welcome - Hon Susan Close MP, Deputy Premier of South Australia
9:15 AM - 9:55 AM Keynote Presentation - Tiahni Adamson, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Manager, Bush Heritage Australia
9:55 AM - 10:30 AM Keynote Presentation - Dr Phillippa McCormack, Future Making Fellow and DECRA Fellow, Environment Institute, University of Adelaide
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Morning Tea Day 1
11:00 AM - 1:05 PM Indigenous Ecological Knowledge 1.1.1
1:05 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch Day 1
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Indigenous Ecological Knowledge 1.2.1
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
2:55 PM - 3:30 PM The Ups, Downs, and Sideways of an Ecology Career
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Afternon Tea Day 1
4:00 PM - 5:20 PM Open Forum: Community Ecology 1.3.1
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
5:20 PM - 5:45 PM
Book launch with CSIRO publishing: Ecology Matters - conversation with Australian Ecologists (TBC)
5:45 PM - 7:45 PM Poster Session Presenters

Track 2
7:00 AM - 8:45 AM
Registrations Day 1
8:44 AM - 10:30 AM
Opening Plenary Day 1
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM Welcome to Country
9:00 AM - 9:10 AM Conference Opening - Dan Rogers, ESA25 Organising Committee Chair
9:10 AM - 9:15 AM Conference Welcome - Hon Susan Close MP, Deputy Premier of South Australia
9:15 AM - 9:55 AM Keynote Presentation - Tiahni Adamson, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Manager, Bush Heritage Australia
9:55 AM - 10:30 AM Keynote Presentation - Dr Phillippa McCormack, Future Making Fellow and DECRA Fellow, Environment Institute, University of Adelaide
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Morning Tea Day 1
11:00 AM - 1:05 PM Navigating vegetation dieback and climate succession 1.1.2
1:05 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch Day 1
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Navigating vegetation dieback and climate succession 1.2.2
2:55 PM - 3:30 PM
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Afternon Tea Day 1
4:00 PM - 5:20 PM
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM Open Forum: Plant Ecology 1.3.2
5:20 PM - 5:45 PM
Book launch with CSIRO publishing: Ecology Matters - conversation with Australian Ecologists (TBC)
5:45 PM - 7:45 PM Poster Session Presenters

Track 3
7:00 AM - 8:45 AM
Registrations Day 1
8:44 AM - 10:30 AM
Opening Plenary Day 1
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM Welcome to Country
9:00 AM - 9:10 AM Conference Opening - Dan Rogers, ESA25 Organising Committee Chair
9:10 AM - 9:15 AM Conference Welcome - Hon Susan Close MP, Deputy Premier of South Australia
9:15 AM - 9:55 AM Keynote Presentation - Tiahni Adamson, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Manager, Bush Heritage Australia
9:55 AM - 10:30 AM Keynote Presentation - Dr Phillippa McCormack, Future Making Fellow and DECRA Fellow, Environment Institute, University of Adelaide
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Morning Tea Day 1
11:00 AM - 1:05 PM Conservation in the dark: how to protect poorly documented dark-taxa 1.1.3
1:05 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch Day 1
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Conservation in the dark: how to protect poorly documented dark-taxa 1.2.3
2:55 PM - 3:30 PM
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Afternon Tea Day 1
4:00 PM - 5:20 PM Open Forum: Threatened Species 1.3.3
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
5:20 PM - 5:45 PM
Book launch with CSIRO publishing: Ecology Matters - conversation with Australian Ecologists (TBC)
5:45 PM - 7:45 PM Poster Session Presenters

Track 4
7:00 AM - 8:45 AM
Registrations Day 1
8:44 AM - 10:30 AM
Opening Plenary Day 1
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM Welcome to Country
9:00 AM - 9:10 AM Conference Opening - Dan Rogers, ESA25 Organising Committee Chair
9:10 AM - 9:15 AM Conference Welcome - Hon Susan Close MP, Deputy Premier of South Australia
9:15 AM - 9:55 AM Keynote Presentation - Tiahni Adamson, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Manager, Bush Heritage Australia
9:55 AM - 10:30 AM Keynote Presentation - Dr Phillippa McCormack, Future Making Fellow and DECRA Fellow, Environment Institute, University of Adelaide
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Morning Tea Day 1
11:00 AM - 1:05 PM Restoration provenancing in a changing climate 1.1.4
1:05 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch Day 1
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Restoration provenancing in a changing climate 1.2.4
2:55 PM - 3:30 PM
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Afternon Tea Day 1
4:00 PM - 5:20 PM Open Forum: Climate Change 1.3.4
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
5:20 PM - 5:45 PM
Book launch with CSIRO publishing: Ecology Matters - conversation with Australian Ecologists (TBC)
5:45 PM - 7:45 PM Poster Session Presenters

Track 5
7:00 AM - 8:45 AM
Registrations Day 1
8:44 AM - 10:30 AM
Opening Plenary Day 1
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM Welcome to Country
9:00 AM - 9:10 AM Conference Opening - Dan Rogers, ESA25 Organising Committee Chair
9:10 AM - 9:15 AM Conference Welcome - Hon Susan Close MP, Deputy Premier of South Australia
9:15 AM - 9:55 AM Keynote Presentation - Tiahni Adamson, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Manager, Bush Heritage Australia
9:55 AM - 10:30 AM Keynote Presentation - Dr Phillippa McCormack, Future Making Fellow and DECRA Fellow, Environment Institute, University of Adelaide
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Morning Tea Day 1
11:00 AM - 1:05 PM Citizen science is key to ecological research 1.1.5
1:05 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch Day 1
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Open Forum: aquatic and marine ecology 1.2.5
2:55 PM - 3:30 PM
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Afternon Tea Day 1
4:00 PM - 5:20 PM Open Forum: Behavioural Ecology 1.3.5
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
5:20 PM - 5:45 PM
Book launch with CSIRO publishing: Ecology Matters - conversation with Australian Ecologists (TBC)
5:45 PM - 7:45 PM Poster Session Presenters

Track 6
7:00 AM - 8:45 AM
Registrations Day 1
8:44 AM - 10:30 AM
Opening Plenary Day 1
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM Welcome to Country
9:00 AM - 9:10 AM Conference Opening - Dan Rogers, ESA25 Organising Committee Chair
9:10 AM - 9:15 AM Conference Welcome - Hon Susan Close MP, Deputy Premier of South Australia
9:15 AM - 9:55 AM Keynote Presentation - Tiahni Adamson, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Manager, Bush Heritage Australia
9:55 AM - 10:30 AM Keynote Presentation - Dr Phillippa McCormack, Future Making Fellow and DECRA Fellow, Environment Institute, University of Adelaide
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Morning Tea Day 1
11:00 AM - 1:05 PM Movement ecology for conservation action 1.1.6
1:05 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch Day 1
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Movement ecology for conservation action 1.2.6
2:55 PM - 3:30 PM
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Afternon Tea Day 1
4:00 PM - 5:20 PM Movement ecology for conservation action 1.3.6
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
5:20 PM - 5:45 PM
Book launch with CSIRO publishing: Ecology Matters - conversation with Australian Ecologists (TBC)
5:45 PM - 7:45 PM Poster Session Presenters

Track 7
7:00 AM - 8:45 AM
Registrations Day 1
8:44 AM - 10:30 AM
Opening Plenary Day 1
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM Welcome to Country
9:00 AM - 9:10 AM Conference Opening - Dan Rogers, ESA25 Organising Committee Chair
9:10 AM - 9:15 AM Conference Welcome - Hon Susan Close MP, Deputy Premier of South Australia
9:15 AM - 9:55 AM Keynote Presentation - Tiahni Adamson, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Manager, Bush Heritage Australia
9:55 AM - 10:30 AM Keynote Presentation - Dr Phillippa McCormack, Future Making Fellow and DECRA Fellow, Environment Institute, University of Adelaide
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Morning Tea Day 1
11:00 AM - 1:05 PM Nature-based climate adaptation and resilience 1.1.7
1:05 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch Day 1
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Open Forum: climate adaptation and resilience 1.2.7
2:55 PM - 3:30 PM
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Afternon Tea Day 1
4:00 PM - 5:20 PM More than water - exploring relational values of water bodies 1.3.7
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
5:20 PM - 5:45 PM
Book launch with CSIRO publishing: Ecology Matters - conversation with Australian Ecologists (TBC)
5:45 PM - 7:45 PM Poster Session Presenters

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Track 1
Track 2
Track 3
Track 4
Track 5
Track 6
Track 7
6:30 AM - 8:30 AM Early morning bird watching
Step outside the bustle of the Adelaide Convention Centre and into nature’s own concert hall. Just a short walk from the city, participants will enjoy a serene early morning birdwatching experience in one of Adelaide’s nearby reserves. Guided by a local naturalist, you’ll wander through tranquil bushland and wetlands as the sun rises, spotting native species such as rainbow lorikeets, kookaburras, rosellas, and, if lucky, the elusive tawny frogmouth. This gentle outing offers a refreshing start to the day, blending relaxation with discovery, and showcasing the rich birdlife that thrives so close to the heart of Adelaide. Walk from the conference venue.
7:30 AM - 8:20 AM
Registrations Day 2
8:19 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 2
8:20 AM - 8:30 AM Day 2 Welcome
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM Presentation - David Watson, ESA/UNSW Inspiring Ecology Teaching award winner
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Presentation - ESA Ecological Impact Award winner
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Keynote Presentation - Mark Ooi, Scientia Assoc Prof, University of NSW
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 2
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Celebrating the work of Distinguish Professor Jamie Kirkpatrick 2.1.1 Enhancing collaborative fire management 2.1.2 Soil matters: effective restoration via improved harnessing of soil biodiversity 2.1.3 Learning the wild: transformative experiences for educating aspiring ecologists 2.1.4 Transformative and transdisciplinary: methods and techniques for monitoring environmental change 2.1.5 Revolutionising vegetation data 2.1.6 Open Forum: Invasive Species 2.1.7
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 2
12:45 PM - 1:15 PM
Practitioner Engagment Working Group Information Session
1:29 PM - 2:30 PM
Afternoon Plenary Day 2
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM Presentation - Jill Landsberg Applied Ecology Scholarship winner
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM Presentation - ESA 2025 Applied Forest Ecology Scholarship winner
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM Presentation - ESA2025 Fundamental Ecology Award winner
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM Presentation - ESA ARDC Award winner
3:00 PM - 3:35 PM Revolutionising vegetation data 2.2.6
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Learning the wild: transformative experiences for educating aspiring ecologists 2.2.4
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Urban wetland creation in the ‘People’s Park’
Join a local waterway ecologist to explore challenges and opportunities provided by urban wetland construction. Discuss integrated water management and land-use conflicts, as well as how novel ecosystems can support species conservation. Transport provided.
3:00 PM - 5:30 PM Hyperabundant native fauna 2.2.1 Enhancing collaborative fire management 2.2.2 Open Forum: Threatened Species 2 2.3 Transformative and transdisciplinary: methods and techniques for monitoring environmental change 2.2.5 Open Forum: Fire 2.2.7
3:45 PM - 5:30 PM Open Forum: Threatened Species 2 2.6
4:45 PM - 5:30 PM Open Forum: Role of NGO's 2.2.4
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM Holsworth Scholarship Alumni Drinks
Dr Bill Holsworth is a renowned ecologist, mammalogist, wildlife biologist and philanthropist. In 1989 Bill and his wife Carol established the Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment to fund grants to universities for postgraduate students in fauna and flora.
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM ESA2025 Queer Mixer
Join us for an inclusive and vibrant Queer Mixer—a welcoming space for LGBTQI+ attendees and allies to connect, share stories, and build meaningful networks. Whether you’re here to meet new friends, find collaborators, or simply celebrate queer joy, this social event is for you. Expect a relaxed, affirming atmosphere with conversation that honours diversity, intersectionality, and the power of community. Allies are warmly invited—this is a chance to strengthen bonds, broaden perspectives, and champion inclusivity in our professional and personal lives.
5:30 PM - 6:15 PM Movie Night
The Cultural Incident Management Exercise (CIMX) is an Australian-first initiative led by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), in collaboration with seven Local Aboriginal Land Councils across Southeastern NSW. Developed in partnership with the NSW Rural Fire Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and Crown Lands, CIMX explores how critically important Aboriginal cultural knowledge can be respectfully and effectively communicated to government agencies during emergency events such as bushfires. This cross-agency, action-research project has been recognised with a NSW Resilient Australia Award, a prestigious honour managed by the NSW Reconstruction Authority in partnership with Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience (AIDR) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), celebrating innovation and collaboration in disaster resilience. A key output of the project is the CIMX documentary, which captures the voices, experiences, and shared commitment of all involved. The film serves as both a record and a catalyst; raising awareness, fostering shared responsibility, and promoting systemic change in how Aboriginal cultural heritage can be protected during emergencies. Following the award ceremony at NSW Parliament, CIMX will now represent New South Wales at the national Resilient Australia Awards in Canberra later this year, further amplifying its impact and potential to shape policy and practice across Australia.
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
ESA AGM
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Conservation and management of Grey-headed Flying Foxes and other species in the heart of Adelaide
Spend an afternoon/evening at with urban wildlife management specialists at Adelaide’s nationally significant Grey-headed Flying Fox colony situated in Botanic Park. You’ll hear about the conservation and management challenges observed with flying foxes at the site and how similar wildlife management complexities have been experienced with other species in the centre of Adelaide. Walk from conference venue.
Track 1
Track 2
6:30 AM - 8:30 AM Early morning bird watching
Step outside the bustle of the Adelaide Convention Centre and into nature’s own concert hall. Just a short walk from the city, participants will enjoy a serene early morning birdwatching experience in one of Adelaide’s nearby reserves. Guided by a local naturalist, you’ll wander through tranquil bushland and wetlands as the sun rises, spotting native species such as rainbow lorikeets, kookaburras, rosellas, and, if lucky, the elusive tawny frogmouth. This gentle outing offers a refreshing start to the day, blending relaxation with discovery, and showcasing the rich birdlife that thrives so close to the heart of Adelaide. Walk from the conference venue.
7:30 AM - 8:20 AM
Registrations Day 2
8:19 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 2
8:20 AM - 8:30 AM Day 2 Welcome
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM Presentation - David Watson, ESA/UNSW Inspiring Ecology Teaching award winner
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Presentation - ESA Ecological Impact Award winner
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Keynote Presentation - Mark Ooi, Scientia Assoc Prof, University of NSW
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 2
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Celebrating the work of Distinguish Professor Jamie Kirkpatrick 2.1.1 Enhancing collaborative fire management 2.1.2
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 2
12:45 PM - 1:15 PM
Practitioner Engagment Working Group Information Session
1:29 PM - 2:30 PM
Afternoon Plenary Day 2
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM Presentation - Jill Landsberg Applied Ecology Scholarship winner
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM Presentation - ESA 2025 Applied Forest Ecology Scholarship winner
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM Presentation - ESA2025 Fundamental Ecology Award winner
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM Presentation - ESA ARDC Award winner
3:00 PM - 3:35 PM
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Urban wetland creation in the ‘People’s Park’
Join a local waterway ecologist to explore challenges and opportunities provided by urban wetland construction. Discuss integrated water management and land-use conflicts, as well as how novel ecosystems can support species conservation. Transport provided.
3:00 PM - 5:30 PM Hyperabundant native fauna 2.2.1 Enhancing collaborative fire management 2.2.2
3:45 PM - 5:30 PM
4:45 PM - 5:30 PM
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM Holsworth Scholarship Alumni Drinks
Dr Bill Holsworth is a renowned ecologist, mammalogist, wildlife biologist and philanthropist. In 1989 Bill and his wife Carol established the Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment to fund grants to universities for postgraduate students in fauna and flora.
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM ESA2025 Queer Mixer
Join us for an inclusive and vibrant Queer Mixer—a welcoming space for LGBTQI+ attendees and allies to connect, share stories, and build meaningful networks. Whether you’re here to meet new friends, find collaborators, or simply celebrate queer joy, this social event is for you. Expect a relaxed, affirming atmosphere with conversation that honours diversity, intersectionality, and the power of community. Allies are warmly invited—this is a chance to strengthen bonds, broaden perspectives, and champion inclusivity in our professional and personal lives.
5:30 PM - 6:15 PM Movie Night
The Cultural Incident Management Exercise (CIMX) is an Australian-first initiative led by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), in collaboration with seven Local Aboriginal Land Councils across Southeastern NSW. Developed in partnership with the NSW Rural Fire Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and Crown Lands, CIMX explores how critically important Aboriginal cultural knowledge can be respectfully and effectively communicated to government agencies during emergency events such as bushfires. This cross-agency, action-research project has been recognised with a NSW Resilient Australia Award, a prestigious honour managed by the NSW Reconstruction Authority in partnership with Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience (AIDR) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), celebrating innovation and collaboration in disaster resilience. A key output of the project is the CIMX documentary, which captures the voices, experiences, and shared commitment of all involved. The film serves as both a record and a catalyst; raising awareness, fostering shared responsibility, and promoting systemic change in how Aboriginal cultural heritage can be protected during emergencies. Following the award ceremony at NSW Parliament, CIMX will now represent New South Wales at the national Resilient Australia Awards in Canberra later this year, further amplifying its impact and potential to shape policy and practice across Australia.
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
ESA AGM
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Conservation and management of Grey-headed Flying Foxes and other species in the heart of Adelaide
Spend an afternoon/evening at with urban wildlife management specialists at Adelaide’s nationally significant Grey-headed Flying Fox colony situated in Botanic Park. You’ll hear about the conservation and management challenges observed with flying foxes at the site and how similar wildlife management complexities have been experienced with other species in the centre of Adelaide. Walk from conference venue.

Track 3
Track 4
6:30 AM - 8:30 AM Early morning bird watching
Step outside the bustle of the Adelaide Convention Centre and into nature’s own concert hall. Just a short walk from the city, participants will enjoy a serene early morning birdwatching experience in one of Adelaide’s nearby reserves. Guided by a local naturalist, you’ll wander through tranquil bushland and wetlands as the sun rises, spotting native species such as rainbow lorikeets, kookaburras, rosellas, and, if lucky, the elusive tawny frogmouth. This gentle outing offers a refreshing start to the day, blending relaxation with discovery, and showcasing the rich birdlife that thrives so close to the heart of Adelaide. Walk from the conference venue.
7:30 AM - 8:20 AM
Registrations Day 2
8:19 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 2
8:20 AM - 8:30 AM Day 2 Welcome
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM Presentation - David Watson, ESA/UNSW Inspiring Ecology Teaching award winner
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Presentation - ESA Ecological Impact Award winner
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Keynote Presentation - Mark Ooi, Scientia Assoc Prof, University of NSW
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 2
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Soil matters: effective restoration via improved harnessing of soil biodiversity 2.1.3 Learning the wild: transformative experiences for educating aspiring ecologists 2.1.4
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 2
12:45 PM - 1:15 PM
1:29 PM - 2:30 PM
Afternoon Plenary Day 2
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM Presentation - Jill Landsberg Applied Ecology Scholarship winner
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM Presentation - ESA 2025 Applied Forest Ecology Scholarship winner
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM Presentation - ESA2025 Fundamental Ecology Award winner
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM Presentation - ESA ARDC Award winner
3:00 PM - 3:35 PM
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Learning the wild: transformative experiences for educating aspiring ecologists 2.2.4
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Urban wetland creation in the ‘People’s Park’
Join a local waterway ecologist to explore challenges and opportunities provided by urban wetland construction. Discuss integrated water management and land-use conflicts, as well as how novel ecosystems can support species conservation. Transport provided.
3:00 PM - 5:30 PM Open Forum: Threatened Species 2 2.3
3:45 PM - 5:30 PM
4:45 PM - 5:30 PM Open Forum: Role of NGO's 2.2.4
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM Holsworth Scholarship Alumni Drinks
Dr Bill Holsworth is a renowned ecologist, mammalogist, wildlife biologist and philanthropist. In 1989 Bill and his wife Carol established the Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment to fund grants to universities for postgraduate students in fauna and flora.
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM ESA2025 Queer Mixer
Join us for an inclusive and vibrant Queer Mixer—a welcoming space for LGBTQI+ attendees and allies to connect, share stories, and build meaningful networks. Whether you’re here to meet new friends, find collaborators, or simply celebrate queer joy, this social event is for you. Expect a relaxed, affirming atmosphere with conversation that honours diversity, intersectionality, and the power of community. Allies are warmly invited—this is a chance to strengthen bonds, broaden perspectives, and champion inclusivity in our professional and personal lives.
5:30 PM - 6:15 PM Movie Night
The Cultural Incident Management Exercise (CIMX) is an Australian-first initiative led by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), in collaboration with seven Local Aboriginal Land Councils across Southeastern NSW. Developed in partnership with the NSW Rural Fire Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and Crown Lands, CIMX explores how critically important Aboriginal cultural knowledge can be respectfully and effectively communicated to government agencies during emergency events such as bushfires. This cross-agency, action-research project has been recognised with a NSW Resilient Australia Award, a prestigious honour managed by the NSW Reconstruction Authority in partnership with Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience (AIDR) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), celebrating innovation and collaboration in disaster resilience. A key output of the project is the CIMX documentary, which captures the voices, experiences, and shared commitment of all involved. The film serves as both a record and a catalyst; raising awareness, fostering shared responsibility, and promoting systemic change in how Aboriginal cultural heritage can be protected during emergencies. Following the award ceremony at NSW Parliament, CIMX will now represent New South Wales at the national Resilient Australia Awards in Canberra later this year, further amplifying its impact and potential to shape policy and practice across Australia.
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
ESA AGM
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Conservation and management of Grey-headed Flying Foxes and other species in the heart of Adelaide
Spend an afternoon/evening at with urban wildlife management specialists at Adelaide’s nationally significant Grey-headed Flying Fox colony situated in Botanic Park. You’ll hear about the conservation and management challenges observed with flying foxes at the site and how similar wildlife management complexities have been experienced with other species in the centre of Adelaide. Walk from conference venue.

Track 5
Track 6
6:30 AM - 8:30 AM Early morning bird watching
Step outside the bustle of the Adelaide Convention Centre and into nature’s own concert hall. Just a short walk from the city, participants will enjoy a serene early morning birdwatching experience in one of Adelaide’s nearby reserves. Guided by a local naturalist, you’ll wander through tranquil bushland and wetlands as the sun rises, spotting native species such as rainbow lorikeets, kookaburras, rosellas, and, if lucky, the elusive tawny frogmouth. This gentle outing offers a refreshing start to the day, blending relaxation with discovery, and showcasing the rich birdlife that thrives so close to the heart of Adelaide. Walk from the conference venue.
7:30 AM - 8:20 AM
Registrations Day 2
8:19 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 2
8:20 AM - 8:30 AM Day 2 Welcome
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM Presentation - David Watson, ESA/UNSW Inspiring Ecology Teaching award winner
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Presentation - ESA Ecological Impact Award winner
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Keynote Presentation - Mark Ooi, Scientia Assoc Prof, University of NSW
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 2
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Transformative and transdisciplinary: methods and techniques for monitoring environmental change 2.1.5 Revolutionising vegetation data 2.1.6
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 2
12:45 PM - 1:15 PM
1:29 PM - 2:30 PM
Afternoon Plenary Day 2
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM Presentation - Jill Landsberg Applied Ecology Scholarship winner
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM Presentation - ESA 2025 Applied Forest Ecology Scholarship winner
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM Presentation - ESA2025 Fundamental Ecology Award winner
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM Presentation - ESA ARDC Award winner
3:00 PM - 3:35 PM Revolutionising vegetation data 2.2.6
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Urban wetland creation in the ‘People’s Park’
Join a local waterway ecologist to explore challenges and opportunities provided by urban wetland construction. Discuss integrated water management and land-use conflicts, as well as how novel ecosystems can support species conservation. Transport provided.
3:00 PM - 5:30 PM Transformative and transdisciplinary: methods and techniques for monitoring environmental change 2.2.5
3:45 PM - 5:30 PM Open Forum: Threatened Species 2 2.6
4:45 PM - 5:30 PM
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM Holsworth Scholarship Alumni Drinks
Dr Bill Holsworth is a renowned ecologist, mammalogist, wildlife biologist and philanthropist. In 1989 Bill and his wife Carol established the Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment to fund grants to universities for postgraduate students in fauna and flora.
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM ESA2025 Queer Mixer
Join us for an inclusive and vibrant Queer Mixer—a welcoming space for LGBTQI+ attendees and allies to connect, share stories, and build meaningful networks. Whether you’re here to meet new friends, find collaborators, or simply celebrate queer joy, this social event is for you. Expect a relaxed, affirming atmosphere with conversation that honours diversity, intersectionality, and the power of community. Allies are warmly invited—this is a chance to strengthen bonds, broaden perspectives, and champion inclusivity in our professional and personal lives.
5:30 PM - 6:15 PM Movie Night
The Cultural Incident Management Exercise (CIMX) is an Australian-first initiative led by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), in collaboration with seven Local Aboriginal Land Councils across Southeastern NSW. Developed in partnership with the NSW Rural Fire Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and Crown Lands, CIMX explores how critically important Aboriginal cultural knowledge can be respectfully and effectively communicated to government agencies during emergency events such as bushfires. This cross-agency, action-research project has been recognised with a NSW Resilient Australia Award, a prestigious honour managed by the NSW Reconstruction Authority in partnership with Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience (AIDR) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), celebrating innovation and collaboration in disaster resilience. A key output of the project is the CIMX documentary, which captures the voices, experiences, and shared commitment of all involved. The film serves as both a record and a catalyst; raising awareness, fostering shared responsibility, and promoting systemic change in how Aboriginal cultural heritage can be protected during emergencies. Following the award ceremony at NSW Parliament, CIMX will now represent New South Wales at the national Resilient Australia Awards in Canberra later this year, further amplifying its impact and potential to shape policy and practice across Australia.
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
ESA AGM
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Conservation and management of Grey-headed Flying Foxes and other species in the heart of Adelaide
Spend an afternoon/evening at with urban wildlife management specialists at Adelaide’s nationally significant Grey-headed Flying Fox colony situated in Botanic Park. You’ll hear about the conservation and management challenges observed with flying foxes at the site and how similar wildlife management complexities have been experienced with other species in the centre of Adelaide. Walk from conference venue.

Track 7
6:30 AM - 8:30 AM Early morning bird watching
Step outside the bustle of the Adelaide Convention Centre and into nature’s own concert hall. Just a short walk from the city, participants will enjoy a serene early morning birdwatching experience in one of Adelaide’s nearby reserves. Guided by a local naturalist, you’ll wander through tranquil bushland and wetlands as the sun rises, spotting native species such as rainbow lorikeets, kookaburras, rosellas, and, if lucky, the elusive tawny frogmouth. This gentle outing offers a refreshing start to the day, blending relaxation with discovery, and showcasing the rich birdlife that thrives so close to the heart of Adelaide. Walk from the conference venue.
7:30 AM - 8:20 AM
Registrations Day 2
8:19 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 2
8:20 AM - 8:30 AM Day 2 Welcome
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM Presentation - David Watson, ESA/UNSW Inspiring Ecology Teaching award winner
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Presentation - ESA Ecological Impact Award winner
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Keynote Presentation - Mark Ooi, Scientia Assoc Prof, University of NSW
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 2
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Open Forum: Invasive Species 2.1.7
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 2
12:45 PM - 1:15 PM
1:29 PM - 2:30 PM
Afternoon Plenary Day 2
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM Presentation - Jill Landsberg Applied Ecology Scholarship winner
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM Presentation - ESA 2025 Applied Forest Ecology Scholarship winner
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM Presentation - ESA2025 Fundamental Ecology Award winner
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM Presentation - ESA ARDC Award winner
3:00 PM - 3:35 PM
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Urban wetland creation in the ‘People’s Park’
Join a local waterway ecologist to explore challenges and opportunities provided by urban wetland construction. Discuss integrated water management and land-use conflicts, as well as how novel ecosystems can support species conservation. Transport provided.
3:00 PM - 5:30 PM Open Forum: Fire 2.2.7
3:45 PM - 5:30 PM
4:45 PM - 5:30 PM
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM Holsworth Scholarship Alumni Drinks
Dr Bill Holsworth is a renowned ecologist, mammalogist, wildlife biologist and philanthropist. In 1989 Bill and his wife Carol established the Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment to fund grants to universities for postgraduate students in fauna and flora.
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM ESA2025 Queer Mixer
Join us for an inclusive and vibrant Queer Mixer—a welcoming space for LGBTQI+ attendees and allies to connect, share stories, and build meaningful networks. Whether you’re here to meet new friends, find collaborators, or simply celebrate queer joy, this social event is for you. Expect a relaxed, affirming atmosphere with conversation that honours diversity, intersectionality, and the power of community. Allies are warmly invited—this is a chance to strengthen bonds, broaden perspectives, and champion inclusivity in our professional and personal lives.
5:30 PM - 6:15 PM Movie Night
The Cultural Incident Management Exercise (CIMX) is an Australian-first initiative led by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), in collaboration with seven Local Aboriginal Land Councils across Southeastern NSW. Developed in partnership with the NSW Rural Fire Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and Crown Lands, CIMX explores how critically important Aboriginal cultural knowledge can be respectfully and effectively communicated to government agencies during emergency events such as bushfires. This cross-agency, action-research project has been recognised with a NSW Resilient Australia Award, a prestigious honour managed by the NSW Reconstruction Authority in partnership with Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience (AIDR) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), celebrating innovation and collaboration in disaster resilience. A key output of the project is the CIMX documentary, which captures the voices, experiences, and shared commitment of all involved. The film serves as both a record and a catalyst; raising awareness, fostering shared responsibility, and promoting systemic change in how Aboriginal cultural heritage can be protected during emergencies. Following the award ceremony at NSW Parliament, CIMX will now represent New South Wales at the national Resilient Australia Awards in Canberra later this year, further amplifying its impact and potential to shape policy and practice across Australia.
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
ESA AGM
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Conservation and management of Grey-headed Flying Foxes and other species in the heart of Adelaide
Spend an afternoon/evening at with urban wildlife management specialists at Adelaide’s nationally significant Grey-headed Flying Fox colony situated in Botanic Park. You’ll hear about the conservation and management challenges observed with flying foxes at the site and how similar wildlife management complexities have been experienced with other species in the centre of Adelaide. Walk from conference venue.

Track 1
6:30 AM - 8:30 AM Early morning bird watching
Step outside the bustle of the Adelaide Convention Centre and into nature’s own concert hall. Just a short walk from the city, participants will enjoy a serene early morning birdwatching experience in one of Adelaide’s nearby reserves. Guided by a local naturalist, you’ll wander through tranquil bushland and wetlands as the sun rises, spotting native species such as rainbow lorikeets, kookaburras, rosellas, and, if lucky, the elusive tawny frogmouth. This gentle outing offers a refreshing start to the day, blending relaxation with discovery, and showcasing the rich birdlife that thrives so close to the heart of Adelaide. Walk from the conference venue.
7:30 AM - 8:20 AM
Registrations Day 2
8:19 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 2
8:20 AM - 8:30 AM Day 2 Welcome
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM Presentation - David Watson, ESA/UNSW Inspiring Ecology Teaching award winner
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Presentation - ESA Ecological Impact Award winner
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Keynote Presentation - Mark Ooi, Scientia Assoc Prof, University of NSW
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 2
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Celebrating the work of Distinguish Professor Jamie Kirkpatrick 2.1.1
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 2
12:45 PM - 1:15 PM
1:29 PM - 2:30 PM
Afternoon Plenary Day 2
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM Presentation - Jill Landsberg Applied Ecology Scholarship winner
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM Presentation - ESA 2025 Applied Forest Ecology Scholarship winner
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM Presentation - ESA2025 Fundamental Ecology Award winner
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM Presentation - ESA ARDC Award winner
3:00 PM - 3:35 PM
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Urban wetland creation in the ‘People’s Park’
Join a local waterway ecologist to explore challenges and opportunities provided by urban wetland construction. Discuss integrated water management and land-use conflicts, as well as how novel ecosystems can support species conservation. Transport provided.
3:00 PM - 5:30 PM Hyperabundant native fauna 2.2.1
3:45 PM - 5:30 PM
4:45 PM - 5:30 PM
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM Holsworth Scholarship Alumni Drinks
Dr Bill Holsworth is a renowned ecologist, mammalogist, wildlife biologist and philanthropist. In 1989 Bill and his wife Carol established the Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment to fund grants to universities for postgraduate students in fauna and flora.
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM ESA2025 Queer Mixer
Join us for an inclusive and vibrant Queer Mixer—a welcoming space for LGBTQI+ attendees and allies to connect, share stories, and build meaningful networks. Whether you’re here to meet new friends, find collaborators, or simply celebrate queer joy, this social event is for you. Expect a relaxed, affirming atmosphere with conversation that honours diversity, intersectionality, and the power of community. Allies are warmly invited—this is a chance to strengthen bonds, broaden perspectives, and champion inclusivity in our professional and personal lives.
5:30 PM - 6:15 PM Movie Night
The Cultural Incident Management Exercise (CIMX) is an Australian-first initiative led by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), in collaboration with seven Local Aboriginal Land Councils across Southeastern NSW. Developed in partnership with the NSW Rural Fire Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and Crown Lands, CIMX explores how critically important Aboriginal cultural knowledge can be respectfully and effectively communicated to government agencies during emergency events such as bushfires. This cross-agency, action-research project has been recognised with a NSW Resilient Australia Award, a prestigious honour managed by the NSW Reconstruction Authority in partnership with Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience (AIDR) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), celebrating innovation and collaboration in disaster resilience. A key output of the project is the CIMX documentary, which captures the voices, experiences, and shared commitment of all involved. The film serves as both a record and a catalyst; raising awareness, fostering shared responsibility, and promoting systemic change in how Aboriginal cultural heritage can be protected during emergencies. Following the award ceremony at NSW Parliament, CIMX will now represent New South Wales at the national Resilient Australia Awards in Canberra later this year, further amplifying its impact and potential to shape policy and practice across Australia.
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
ESA AGM
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Conservation and management of Grey-headed Flying Foxes and other species in the heart of Adelaide
Spend an afternoon/evening at with urban wildlife management specialists at Adelaide’s nationally significant Grey-headed Flying Fox colony situated in Botanic Park. You’ll hear about the conservation and management challenges observed with flying foxes at the site and how similar wildlife management complexities have been experienced with other species in the centre of Adelaide. Walk from conference venue.

Track 2
6:30 AM - 8:30 AM Early morning bird watching
Step outside the bustle of the Adelaide Convention Centre and into nature’s own concert hall. Just a short walk from the city, participants will enjoy a serene early morning birdwatching experience in one of Adelaide’s nearby reserves. Guided by a local naturalist, you’ll wander through tranquil bushland and wetlands as the sun rises, spotting native species such as rainbow lorikeets, kookaburras, rosellas, and, if lucky, the elusive tawny frogmouth. This gentle outing offers a refreshing start to the day, blending relaxation with discovery, and showcasing the rich birdlife that thrives so close to the heart of Adelaide. Walk from the conference venue.
7:30 AM - 8:20 AM
Registrations Day 2
8:19 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 2
8:20 AM - 8:30 AM Day 2 Welcome
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM Presentation - David Watson, ESA/UNSW Inspiring Ecology Teaching award winner
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Presentation - ESA Ecological Impact Award winner
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Keynote Presentation - Mark Ooi, Scientia Assoc Prof, University of NSW
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 2
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Enhancing collaborative fire management 2.1.2
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 2
12:45 PM - 1:15 PM
Practitioner Engagment Working Group Information Session
1:29 PM - 2:30 PM
Afternoon Plenary Day 2
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM Presentation - Jill Landsberg Applied Ecology Scholarship winner
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM Presentation - ESA 2025 Applied Forest Ecology Scholarship winner
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM Presentation - ESA2025 Fundamental Ecology Award winner
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM Presentation - ESA ARDC Award winner
3:00 PM - 3:35 PM
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Urban wetland creation in the ‘People’s Park’
Join a local waterway ecologist to explore challenges and opportunities provided by urban wetland construction. Discuss integrated water management and land-use conflicts, as well as how novel ecosystems can support species conservation. Transport provided.
3:00 PM - 5:30 PM Enhancing collaborative fire management 2.2.2
3:45 PM - 5:30 PM
4:45 PM - 5:30 PM
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM Holsworth Scholarship Alumni Drinks
Dr Bill Holsworth is a renowned ecologist, mammalogist, wildlife biologist and philanthropist. In 1989 Bill and his wife Carol established the Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment to fund grants to universities for postgraduate students in fauna and flora.
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM ESA2025 Queer Mixer
Join us for an inclusive and vibrant Queer Mixer—a welcoming space for LGBTQI+ attendees and allies to connect, share stories, and build meaningful networks. Whether you’re here to meet new friends, find collaborators, or simply celebrate queer joy, this social event is for you. Expect a relaxed, affirming atmosphere with conversation that honours diversity, intersectionality, and the power of community. Allies are warmly invited—this is a chance to strengthen bonds, broaden perspectives, and champion inclusivity in our professional and personal lives.
5:30 PM - 6:15 PM Movie Night
The Cultural Incident Management Exercise (CIMX) is an Australian-first initiative led by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), in collaboration with seven Local Aboriginal Land Councils across Southeastern NSW. Developed in partnership with the NSW Rural Fire Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and Crown Lands, CIMX explores how critically important Aboriginal cultural knowledge can be respectfully and effectively communicated to government agencies during emergency events such as bushfires. This cross-agency, action-research project has been recognised with a NSW Resilient Australia Award, a prestigious honour managed by the NSW Reconstruction Authority in partnership with Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience (AIDR) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), celebrating innovation and collaboration in disaster resilience. A key output of the project is the CIMX documentary, which captures the voices, experiences, and shared commitment of all involved. The film serves as both a record and a catalyst; raising awareness, fostering shared responsibility, and promoting systemic change in how Aboriginal cultural heritage can be protected during emergencies. Following the award ceremony at NSW Parliament, CIMX will now represent New South Wales at the national Resilient Australia Awards in Canberra later this year, further amplifying its impact and potential to shape policy and practice across Australia.
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
ESA AGM
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Conservation and management of Grey-headed Flying Foxes and other species in the heart of Adelaide
Spend an afternoon/evening at with urban wildlife management specialists at Adelaide’s nationally significant Grey-headed Flying Fox colony situated in Botanic Park. You’ll hear about the conservation and management challenges observed with flying foxes at the site and how similar wildlife management complexities have been experienced with other species in the centre of Adelaide. Walk from conference venue.

Track 3
6:30 AM - 8:30 AM Early morning bird watching
Step outside the bustle of the Adelaide Convention Centre and into nature’s own concert hall. Just a short walk from the city, participants will enjoy a serene early morning birdwatching experience in one of Adelaide’s nearby reserves. Guided by a local naturalist, you’ll wander through tranquil bushland and wetlands as the sun rises, spotting native species such as rainbow lorikeets, kookaburras, rosellas, and, if lucky, the elusive tawny frogmouth. This gentle outing offers a refreshing start to the day, blending relaxation with discovery, and showcasing the rich birdlife that thrives so close to the heart of Adelaide. Walk from the conference venue.
7:30 AM - 8:20 AM
Registrations Day 2
8:19 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 2
8:20 AM - 8:30 AM Day 2 Welcome
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM Presentation - David Watson, ESA/UNSW Inspiring Ecology Teaching award winner
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Presentation - ESA Ecological Impact Award winner
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Keynote Presentation - Mark Ooi, Scientia Assoc Prof, University of NSW
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 2
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Soil matters: effective restoration via improved harnessing of soil biodiversity 2.1.3
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 2
12:45 PM - 1:15 PM
1:29 PM - 2:30 PM
Afternoon Plenary Day 2
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM Presentation - Jill Landsberg Applied Ecology Scholarship winner
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM Presentation - ESA 2025 Applied Forest Ecology Scholarship winner
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM Presentation - ESA2025 Fundamental Ecology Award winner
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM Presentation - ESA ARDC Award winner
3:00 PM - 3:35 PM
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Urban wetland creation in the ‘People’s Park’
Join a local waterway ecologist to explore challenges and opportunities provided by urban wetland construction. Discuss integrated water management and land-use conflicts, as well as how novel ecosystems can support species conservation. Transport provided.
3:00 PM - 5:30 PM Open Forum: Threatened Species 2 2.3
3:45 PM - 5:30 PM
4:45 PM - 5:30 PM
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM Holsworth Scholarship Alumni Drinks
Dr Bill Holsworth is a renowned ecologist, mammalogist, wildlife biologist and philanthropist. In 1989 Bill and his wife Carol established the Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment to fund grants to universities for postgraduate students in fauna and flora.
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM ESA2025 Queer Mixer
Join us for an inclusive and vibrant Queer Mixer—a welcoming space for LGBTQI+ attendees and allies to connect, share stories, and build meaningful networks. Whether you’re here to meet new friends, find collaborators, or simply celebrate queer joy, this social event is for you. Expect a relaxed, affirming atmosphere with conversation that honours diversity, intersectionality, and the power of community. Allies are warmly invited—this is a chance to strengthen bonds, broaden perspectives, and champion inclusivity in our professional and personal lives.
5:30 PM - 6:15 PM Movie Night
The Cultural Incident Management Exercise (CIMX) is an Australian-first initiative led by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), in collaboration with seven Local Aboriginal Land Councils across Southeastern NSW. Developed in partnership with the NSW Rural Fire Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and Crown Lands, CIMX explores how critically important Aboriginal cultural knowledge can be respectfully and effectively communicated to government agencies during emergency events such as bushfires. This cross-agency, action-research project has been recognised with a NSW Resilient Australia Award, a prestigious honour managed by the NSW Reconstruction Authority in partnership with Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience (AIDR) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), celebrating innovation and collaboration in disaster resilience. A key output of the project is the CIMX documentary, which captures the voices, experiences, and shared commitment of all involved. The film serves as both a record and a catalyst; raising awareness, fostering shared responsibility, and promoting systemic change in how Aboriginal cultural heritage can be protected during emergencies. Following the award ceremony at NSW Parliament, CIMX will now represent New South Wales at the national Resilient Australia Awards in Canberra later this year, further amplifying its impact and potential to shape policy and practice across Australia.
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
ESA AGM
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Conservation and management of Grey-headed Flying Foxes and other species in the heart of Adelaide
Spend an afternoon/evening at with urban wildlife management specialists at Adelaide’s nationally significant Grey-headed Flying Fox colony situated in Botanic Park. You’ll hear about the conservation and management challenges observed with flying foxes at the site and how similar wildlife management complexities have been experienced with other species in the centre of Adelaide. Walk from conference venue.

Track 4
6:30 AM - 8:30 AM Early morning bird watching
Step outside the bustle of the Adelaide Convention Centre and into nature’s own concert hall. Just a short walk from the city, participants will enjoy a serene early morning birdwatching experience in one of Adelaide’s nearby reserves. Guided by a local naturalist, you’ll wander through tranquil bushland and wetlands as the sun rises, spotting native species such as rainbow lorikeets, kookaburras, rosellas, and, if lucky, the elusive tawny frogmouth. This gentle outing offers a refreshing start to the day, blending relaxation with discovery, and showcasing the rich birdlife that thrives so close to the heart of Adelaide. Walk from the conference venue.
7:30 AM - 8:20 AM
Registrations Day 2
8:19 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 2
8:20 AM - 8:30 AM Day 2 Welcome
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM Presentation - David Watson, ESA/UNSW Inspiring Ecology Teaching award winner
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Presentation - ESA Ecological Impact Award winner
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Keynote Presentation - Mark Ooi, Scientia Assoc Prof, University of NSW
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 2
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Learning the wild: transformative experiences for educating aspiring ecologists 2.1.4
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 2
12:45 PM - 1:15 PM
1:29 PM - 2:30 PM
Afternoon Plenary Day 2
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM Presentation - Jill Landsberg Applied Ecology Scholarship winner
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM Presentation - ESA 2025 Applied Forest Ecology Scholarship winner
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM Presentation - ESA2025 Fundamental Ecology Award winner
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM Presentation - ESA ARDC Award winner
3:00 PM - 3:35 PM
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Learning the wild: transformative experiences for educating aspiring ecologists 2.2.4
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Urban wetland creation in the ‘People’s Park’
Join a local waterway ecologist to explore challenges and opportunities provided by urban wetland construction. Discuss integrated water management and land-use conflicts, as well as how novel ecosystems can support species conservation. Transport provided.
3:00 PM - 5:30 PM
3:45 PM - 5:30 PM
4:45 PM - 5:30 PM Open Forum: Role of NGO's 2.2.4
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM Holsworth Scholarship Alumni Drinks
Dr Bill Holsworth is a renowned ecologist, mammalogist, wildlife biologist and philanthropist. In 1989 Bill and his wife Carol established the Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment to fund grants to universities for postgraduate students in fauna and flora.
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM ESA2025 Queer Mixer
Join us for an inclusive and vibrant Queer Mixer—a welcoming space for LGBTQI+ attendees and allies to connect, share stories, and build meaningful networks. Whether you’re here to meet new friends, find collaborators, or simply celebrate queer joy, this social event is for you. Expect a relaxed, affirming atmosphere with conversation that honours diversity, intersectionality, and the power of community. Allies are warmly invited—this is a chance to strengthen bonds, broaden perspectives, and champion inclusivity in our professional and personal lives.
5:30 PM - 6:15 PM Movie Night
The Cultural Incident Management Exercise (CIMX) is an Australian-first initiative led by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), in collaboration with seven Local Aboriginal Land Councils across Southeastern NSW. Developed in partnership with the NSW Rural Fire Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and Crown Lands, CIMX explores how critically important Aboriginal cultural knowledge can be respectfully and effectively communicated to government agencies during emergency events such as bushfires. This cross-agency, action-research project has been recognised with a NSW Resilient Australia Award, a prestigious honour managed by the NSW Reconstruction Authority in partnership with Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience (AIDR) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), celebrating innovation and collaboration in disaster resilience. A key output of the project is the CIMX documentary, which captures the voices, experiences, and shared commitment of all involved. The film serves as both a record and a catalyst; raising awareness, fostering shared responsibility, and promoting systemic change in how Aboriginal cultural heritage can be protected during emergencies. Following the award ceremony at NSW Parliament, CIMX will now represent New South Wales at the national Resilient Australia Awards in Canberra later this year, further amplifying its impact and potential to shape policy and practice across Australia.
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
ESA AGM
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Conservation and management of Grey-headed Flying Foxes and other species in the heart of Adelaide
Spend an afternoon/evening at with urban wildlife management specialists at Adelaide’s nationally significant Grey-headed Flying Fox colony situated in Botanic Park. You’ll hear about the conservation and management challenges observed with flying foxes at the site and how similar wildlife management complexities have been experienced with other species in the centre of Adelaide. Walk from conference venue.

Track 5
6:30 AM - 8:30 AM Early morning bird watching
Step outside the bustle of the Adelaide Convention Centre and into nature’s own concert hall. Just a short walk from the city, participants will enjoy a serene early morning birdwatching experience in one of Adelaide’s nearby reserves. Guided by a local naturalist, you’ll wander through tranquil bushland and wetlands as the sun rises, spotting native species such as rainbow lorikeets, kookaburras, rosellas, and, if lucky, the elusive tawny frogmouth. This gentle outing offers a refreshing start to the day, blending relaxation with discovery, and showcasing the rich birdlife that thrives so close to the heart of Adelaide. Walk from the conference venue.
7:30 AM - 8:20 AM
Registrations Day 2
8:19 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 2
8:20 AM - 8:30 AM Day 2 Welcome
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM Presentation - David Watson, ESA/UNSW Inspiring Ecology Teaching award winner
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Presentation - ESA Ecological Impact Award winner
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Keynote Presentation - Mark Ooi, Scientia Assoc Prof, University of NSW
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 2
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Transformative and transdisciplinary: methods and techniques for monitoring environmental change 2.1.5
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 2
12:45 PM - 1:15 PM
1:29 PM - 2:30 PM
Afternoon Plenary Day 2
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM Presentation - Jill Landsberg Applied Ecology Scholarship winner
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM Presentation - ESA 2025 Applied Forest Ecology Scholarship winner
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM Presentation - ESA2025 Fundamental Ecology Award winner
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM Presentation - ESA ARDC Award winner
3:00 PM - 3:35 PM
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Urban wetland creation in the ‘People’s Park’
Join a local waterway ecologist to explore challenges and opportunities provided by urban wetland construction. Discuss integrated water management and land-use conflicts, as well as how novel ecosystems can support species conservation. Transport provided.
3:00 PM - 5:30 PM Transformative and transdisciplinary: methods and techniques for monitoring environmental change 2.2.5
3:45 PM - 5:30 PM
4:45 PM - 5:30 PM
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM Holsworth Scholarship Alumni Drinks
Dr Bill Holsworth is a renowned ecologist, mammalogist, wildlife biologist and philanthropist. In 1989 Bill and his wife Carol established the Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment to fund grants to universities for postgraduate students in fauna and flora.
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM ESA2025 Queer Mixer
Join us for an inclusive and vibrant Queer Mixer—a welcoming space for LGBTQI+ attendees and allies to connect, share stories, and build meaningful networks. Whether you’re here to meet new friends, find collaborators, or simply celebrate queer joy, this social event is for you. Expect a relaxed, affirming atmosphere with conversation that honours diversity, intersectionality, and the power of community. Allies are warmly invited—this is a chance to strengthen bonds, broaden perspectives, and champion inclusivity in our professional and personal lives.
5:30 PM - 6:15 PM Movie Night
The Cultural Incident Management Exercise (CIMX) is an Australian-first initiative led by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), in collaboration with seven Local Aboriginal Land Councils across Southeastern NSW. Developed in partnership with the NSW Rural Fire Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and Crown Lands, CIMX explores how critically important Aboriginal cultural knowledge can be respectfully and effectively communicated to government agencies during emergency events such as bushfires. This cross-agency, action-research project has been recognised with a NSW Resilient Australia Award, a prestigious honour managed by the NSW Reconstruction Authority in partnership with Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience (AIDR) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), celebrating innovation and collaboration in disaster resilience. A key output of the project is the CIMX documentary, which captures the voices, experiences, and shared commitment of all involved. The film serves as both a record and a catalyst; raising awareness, fostering shared responsibility, and promoting systemic change in how Aboriginal cultural heritage can be protected during emergencies. Following the award ceremony at NSW Parliament, CIMX will now represent New South Wales at the national Resilient Australia Awards in Canberra later this year, further amplifying its impact and potential to shape policy and practice across Australia.
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
ESA AGM
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Conservation and management of Grey-headed Flying Foxes and other species in the heart of Adelaide
Spend an afternoon/evening at with urban wildlife management specialists at Adelaide’s nationally significant Grey-headed Flying Fox colony situated in Botanic Park. You’ll hear about the conservation and management challenges observed with flying foxes at the site and how similar wildlife management complexities have been experienced with other species in the centre of Adelaide. Walk from conference venue.

Track 6
6:30 AM - 8:30 AM Early morning bird watching
Step outside the bustle of the Adelaide Convention Centre and into nature’s own concert hall. Just a short walk from the city, participants will enjoy a serene early morning birdwatching experience in one of Adelaide’s nearby reserves. Guided by a local naturalist, you’ll wander through tranquil bushland and wetlands as the sun rises, spotting native species such as rainbow lorikeets, kookaburras, rosellas, and, if lucky, the elusive tawny frogmouth. This gentle outing offers a refreshing start to the day, blending relaxation with discovery, and showcasing the rich birdlife that thrives so close to the heart of Adelaide. Walk from the conference venue.
7:30 AM - 8:20 AM
Registrations Day 2
8:19 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 2
8:20 AM - 8:30 AM Day 2 Welcome
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM Presentation - David Watson, ESA/UNSW Inspiring Ecology Teaching award winner
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Presentation - ESA Ecological Impact Award winner
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Keynote Presentation - Mark Ooi, Scientia Assoc Prof, University of NSW
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 2
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Revolutionising vegetation data 2.1.6
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 2
12:45 PM - 1:15 PM
1:29 PM - 2:30 PM
Afternoon Plenary Day 2
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM Presentation - Jill Landsberg Applied Ecology Scholarship winner
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM Presentation - ESA 2025 Applied Forest Ecology Scholarship winner
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM Presentation - ESA2025 Fundamental Ecology Award winner
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM Presentation - ESA ARDC Award winner
3:00 PM - 3:35 PM Revolutionising vegetation data 2.2.6
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Urban wetland creation in the ‘People’s Park’
Join a local waterway ecologist to explore challenges and opportunities provided by urban wetland construction. Discuss integrated water management and land-use conflicts, as well as how novel ecosystems can support species conservation. Transport provided.
3:00 PM - 5:30 PM
3:45 PM - 5:30 PM Open Forum: Threatened Species 2 2.6
4:45 PM - 5:30 PM
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM Holsworth Scholarship Alumni Drinks
Dr Bill Holsworth is a renowned ecologist, mammalogist, wildlife biologist and philanthropist. In 1989 Bill and his wife Carol established the Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment to fund grants to universities for postgraduate students in fauna and flora.
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM ESA2025 Queer Mixer
Join us for an inclusive and vibrant Queer Mixer—a welcoming space for LGBTQI+ attendees and allies to connect, share stories, and build meaningful networks. Whether you’re here to meet new friends, find collaborators, or simply celebrate queer joy, this social event is for you. Expect a relaxed, affirming atmosphere with conversation that honours diversity, intersectionality, and the power of community. Allies are warmly invited—this is a chance to strengthen bonds, broaden perspectives, and champion inclusivity in our professional and personal lives.
5:30 PM - 6:15 PM Movie Night
The Cultural Incident Management Exercise (CIMX) is an Australian-first initiative led by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), in collaboration with seven Local Aboriginal Land Councils across Southeastern NSW. Developed in partnership with the NSW Rural Fire Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and Crown Lands, CIMX explores how critically important Aboriginal cultural knowledge can be respectfully and effectively communicated to government agencies during emergency events such as bushfires. This cross-agency, action-research project has been recognised with a NSW Resilient Australia Award, a prestigious honour managed by the NSW Reconstruction Authority in partnership with Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience (AIDR) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), celebrating innovation and collaboration in disaster resilience. A key output of the project is the CIMX documentary, which captures the voices, experiences, and shared commitment of all involved. The film serves as both a record and a catalyst; raising awareness, fostering shared responsibility, and promoting systemic change in how Aboriginal cultural heritage can be protected during emergencies. Following the award ceremony at NSW Parliament, CIMX will now represent New South Wales at the national Resilient Australia Awards in Canberra later this year, further amplifying its impact and potential to shape policy and practice across Australia.
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
ESA AGM
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Conservation and management of Grey-headed Flying Foxes and other species in the heart of Adelaide
Spend an afternoon/evening at with urban wildlife management specialists at Adelaide’s nationally significant Grey-headed Flying Fox colony situated in Botanic Park. You’ll hear about the conservation and management challenges observed with flying foxes at the site and how similar wildlife management complexities have been experienced with other species in the centre of Adelaide. Walk from conference venue.

Track 7
6:30 AM - 8:30 AM Early morning bird watching
Step outside the bustle of the Adelaide Convention Centre and into nature’s own concert hall. Just a short walk from the city, participants will enjoy a serene early morning birdwatching experience in one of Adelaide’s nearby reserves. Guided by a local naturalist, you’ll wander through tranquil bushland and wetlands as the sun rises, spotting native species such as rainbow lorikeets, kookaburras, rosellas, and, if lucky, the elusive tawny frogmouth. This gentle outing offers a refreshing start to the day, blending relaxation with discovery, and showcasing the rich birdlife that thrives so close to the heart of Adelaide. Walk from the conference venue.
7:30 AM - 8:20 AM
Registrations Day 2
8:19 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 2
8:20 AM - 8:30 AM Day 2 Welcome
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM Presentation - David Watson, ESA/UNSW Inspiring Ecology Teaching award winner
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Presentation - ESA Ecological Impact Award winner
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Keynote Presentation - Mark Ooi, Scientia Assoc Prof, University of NSW
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 2
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Open Forum: Invasive Species 2.1.7
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 2
12:45 PM - 1:15 PM
1:29 PM - 2:30 PM
Afternoon Plenary Day 2
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM Presentation - Jill Landsberg Applied Ecology Scholarship winner
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM Presentation - ESA 2025 Applied Forest Ecology Scholarship winner
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM Presentation - ESA2025 Fundamental Ecology Award winner
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM Presentation - ESA ARDC Award winner
3:00 PM - 3:35 PM
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Urban wetland creation in the ‘People’s Park’
Join a local waterway ecologist to explore challenges and opportunities provided by urban wetland construction. Discuss integrated water management and land-use conflicts, as well as how novel ecosystems can support species conservation. Transport provided.
3:00 PM - 5:30 PM Open Forum: Fire 2.2.7
3:45 PM - 5:30 PM
4:45 PM - 5:30 PM
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM Holsworth Scholarship Alumni Drinks
Dr Bill Holsworth is a renowned ecologist, mammalogist, wildlife biologist and philanthropist. In 1989 Bill and his wife Carol established the Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment to fund grants to universities for postgraduate students in fauna and flora.
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM ESA2025 Queer Mixer
Join us for an inclusive and vibrant Queer Mixer—a welcoming space for LGBTQI+ attendees and allies to connect, share stories, and build meaningful networks. Whether you’re here to meet new friends, find collaborators, or simply celebrate queer joy, this social event is for you. Expect a relaxed, affirming atmosphere with conversation that honours diversity, intersectionality, and the power of community. Allies are warmly invited—this is a chance to strengthen bonds, broaden perspectives, and champion inclusivity in our professional and personal lives.
5:30 PM - 6:15 PM Movie Night
The Cultural Incident Management Exercise (CIMX) is an Australian-first initiative led by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), in collaboration with seven Local Aboriginal Land Councils across Southeastern NSW. Developed in partnership with the NSW Rural Fire Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and Crown Lands, CIMX explores how critically important Aboriginal cultural knowledge can be respectfully and effectively communicated to government agencies during emergency events such as bushfires. This cross-agency, action-research project has been recognised with a NSW Resilient Australia Award, a prestigious honour managed by the NSW Reconstruction Authority in partnership with Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience (AIDR) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), celebrating innovation and collaboration in disaster resilience. A key output of the project is the CIMX documentary, which captures the voices, experiences, and shared commitment of all involved. The film serves as both a record and a catalyst; raising awareness, fostering shared responsibility, and promoting systemic change in how Aboriginal cultural heritage can be protected during emergencies. Following the award ceremony at NSW Parliament, CIMX will now represent New South Wales at the national Resilient Australia Awards in Canberra later this year, further amplifying its impact and potential to shape policy and practice across Australia.
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
ESA AGM
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Conservation and management of Grey-headed Flying Foxes and other species in the heart of Adelaide
Spend an afternoon/evening at with urban wildlife management specialists at Adelaide’s nationally significant Grey-headed Flying Fox colony situated in Botanic Park. You’ll hear about the conservation and management challenges observed with flying foxes at the site and how similar wildlife management complexities have been experienced with other species in the centre of Adelaide. Walk from conference venue.

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Track 1
Track 2
Track 3
Track 4
Track 5
Track 6
Track 7
7:30 AM - 8:35 AM
Registrations Day 3
8:34 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 3
8:35 AM - 8:45 AM Day 3 Welcome - Session Chair
8:45 AM - 9:05 AM Fireside chat - Clare Peddie & Jaana Dielenberg
9:05 AM - 9:45 AM Moderated panel - Dr Jennie Fluin, Lily van Eeden, Megan Evans
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM Presentation - ESA Next Generation Award winner
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 3
10:30 AM - 12:35 PM What's hot in ecology? 3.1.1 Nature Positive Cities 3.1.2 Emerging Voices: showcasing ESAs early career ecologists 3.1.3 Open Forum: Ecological Management and Restoration 3.1.4 To scale or not to scale: landscape ecology in Australia 3.1.5 Technological innovation and bridging the gap to real world application 3.1.6 Systemic conservation planning at a crossroads 3.1.7
12:35 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 3
1:30 PM - 3:05 PM Functional biodiversity and bold insights from plant-soil ecology 3.2 1 Nature Positive Cities 3.2.2 Emerging Voices: showcasing ESAs early career ecologists 3.2.3 Fire ecology fundamentals 3.2.4 To scale or not to scale: landscape ecology in Australia 3.2.5 Technological innovation and bridging the gap to real world application 3.2.6 Systemic conservation planning at a crossroads 3.2.7
3:05 PM - 3:30 PM Afternoon Tea Day 3
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM Functional biodiversity and bold insights from plant-soil ecology 3.3.1 Nature Positive Cities 3.3.2 Emerging Voices: showcasing ESAs early career ecologists 3.3.3 Fire ecology fundamentals 3.3.4 To scale or not to scale: landscape ecology in Australia 3.3.5 Technological innovation and bridging the gap to real world application 3.3.6 Systemic conservation planning at a crossroads 3.3.7
6:30 PM - 10:00 PM Conference Dinner
Celebrate the ESA conference in style at our Conference Dinner, held at the picturesque Regattas Lawn at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Nestled along the banks of the River Torrens and framed by city lights and lush parklands, Regattas Lawn offers a stunning open-air setting that blends natural beauty with the elegance of a riverside venue. Enjoy a relaxed evening of fine food, local wine, and great company under the stars. The evening will feature a seasonal menu showcasing South Australia's outstanding produce, with vegetarian and sustainably sourced options in keeping with the conference’s commitment to ethical dining. Whether you're reconnecting with old friends or meeting new colleagues, the Conference Dinner promises a warm, festive atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to celebrate the collective spirit of the ecological community. Join us for a night of laughter, connection, and celebration in one of Adelaide’s most iconic outdoor spaces.
Track 1
Track 2
7:30 AM - 8:35 AM
Registrations Day 3
8:34 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 3
8:35 AM - 8:45 AM Day 3 Welcome - Session Chair
8:45 AM - 9:05 AM Fireside chat - Clare Peddie & Jaana Dielenberg
9:05 AM - 9:45 AM Moderated panel - Dr Jennie Fluin, Lily van Eeden, Megan Evans
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM Presentation - ESA Next Generation Award winner
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 3
10:30 AM - 12:35 PM What's hot in ecology? 3.1.1 Nature Positive Cities 3.1.2
12:35 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 3
1:30 PM - 3:05 PM Functional biodiversity and bold insights from plant-soil ecology 3.2 1 Nature Positive Cities 3.2.2
3:05 PM - 3:30 PM Afternoon Tea Day 3
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM Functional biodiversity and bold insights from plant-soil ecology 3.3.1 Nature Positive Cities 3.3.2
6:30 PM - 10:00 PM Conference Dinner
Celebrate the ESA conference in style at our Conference Dinner, held at the picturesque Regattas Lawn at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Nestled along the banks of the River Torrens and framed by city lights and lush parklands, Regattas Lawn offers a stunning open-air setting that blends natural beauty with the elegance of a riverside venue. Enjoy a relaxed evening of fine food, local wine, and great company under the stars. The evening will feature a seasonal menu showcasing South Australia's outstanding produce, with vegetarian and sustainably sourced options in keeping with the conference’s commitment to ethical dining. Whether you're reconnecting with old friends or meeting new colleagues, the Conference Dinner promises a warm, festive atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to celebrate the collective spirit of the ecological community. Join us for a night of laughter, connection, and celebration in one of Adelaide’s most iconic outdoor spaces.

Track 3
Track 4
7:30 AM - 8:35 AM
Registrations Day 3
8:34 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 3
8:35 AM - 8:45 AM Day 3 Welcome - Session Chair
8:45 AM - 9:05 AM Fireside chat - Clare Peddie & Jaana Dielenberg
9:05 AM - 9:45 AM Moderated panel - Dr Jennie Fluin, Lily van Eeden, Megan Evans
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM Presentation - ESA Next Generation Award winner
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 3
10:30 AM - 12:35 PM Emerging Voices: showcasing ESAs early career ecologists 3.1.3 Open Forum: Ecological Management and Restoration 3.1.4
12:35 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 3
1:30 PM - 3:05 PM Emerging Voices: showcasing ESAs early career ecologists 3.2.3 Fire ecology fundamentals 3.2.4
3:05 PM - 3:30 PM Afternoon Tea Day 3
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM Emerging Voices: showcasing ESAs early career ecologists 3.3.3 Fire ecology fundamentals 3.3.4
6:30 PM - 10:00 PM Conference Dinner
Celebrate the ESA conference in style at our Conference Dinner, held at the picturesque Regattas Lawn at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Nestled along the banks of the River Torrens and framed by city lights and lush parklands, Regattas Lawn offers a stunning open-air setting that blends natural beauty with the elegance of a riverside venue. Enjoy a relaxed evening of fine food, local wine, and great company under the stars. The evening will feature a seasonal menu showcasing South Australia's outstanding produce, with vegetarian and sustainably sourced options in keeping with the conference’s commitment to ethical dining. Whether you're reconnecting with old friends or meeting new colleagues, the Conference Dinner promises a warm, festive atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to celebrate the collective spirit of the ecological community. Join us for a night of laughter, connection, and celebration in one of Adelaide’s most iconic outdoor spaces.

Track 5
Track 6
7:30 AM - 8:35 AM
Registrations Day 3
8:34 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 3
8:35 AM - 8:45 AM Day 3 Welcome - Session Chair
8:45 AM - 9:05 AM Fireside chat - Clare Peddie & Jaana Dielenberg
9:05 AM - 9:45 AM Moderated panel - Dr Jennie Fluin, Lily van Eeden, Megan Evans
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM Presentation - ESA Next Generation Award winner
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 3
10:30 AM - 12:35 PM To scale or not to scale: landscape ecology in Australia 3.1.5 Technological innovation and bridging the gap to real world application 3.1.6
12:35 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 3
1:30 PM - 3:05 PM To scale or not to scale: landscape ecology in Australia 3.2.5 Technological innovation and bridging the gap to real world application 3.2.6
3:05 PM - 3:30 PM Afternoon Tea Day 3
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM To scale or not to scale: landscape ecology in Australia 3.3.5 Technological innovation and bridging the gap to real world application 3.3.6
6:30 PM - 10:00 PM Conference Dinner
Celebrate the ESA conference in style at our Conference Dinner, held at the picturesque Regattas Lawn at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Nestled along the banks of the River Torrens and framed by city lights and lush parklands, Regattas Lawn offers a stunning open-air setting that blends natural beauty with the elegance of a riverside venue. Enjoy a relaxed evening of fine food, local wine, and great company under the stars. The evening will feature a seasonal menu showcasing South Australia's outstanding produce, with vegetarian and sustainably sourced options in keeping with the conference’s commitment to ethical dining. Whether you're reconnecting with old friends or meeting new colleagues, the Conference Dinner promises a warm, festive atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to celebrate the collective spirit of the ecological community. Join us for a night of laughter, connection, and celebration in one of Adelaide’s most iconic outdoor spaces.

Track 7
7:30 AM - 8:35 AM
Registrations Day 3
8:34 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 3
8:35 AM - 8:45 AM Day 3 Welcome - Session Chair
8:45 AM - 9:05 AM Fireside chat - Clare Peddie & Jaana Dielenberg
9:05 AM - 9:45 AM Moderated panel - Dr Jennie Fluin, Lily van Eeden, Megan Evans
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM Presentation - ESA Next Generation Award winner
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 3
10:30 AM - 12:35 PM Systemic conservation planning at a crossroads 3.1.7
12:35 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 3
1:30 PM - 3:05 PM Systemic conservation planning at a crossroads 3.2.7
3:05 PM - 3:30 PM Afternoon Tea Day 3
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM Systemic conservation planning at a crossroads 3.3.7
6:30 PM - 10:00 PM Conference Dinner
Celebrate the ESA conference in style at our Conference Dinner, held at the picturesque Regattas Lawn at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Nestled along the banks of the River Torrens and framed by city lights and lush parklands, Regattas Lawn offers a stunning open-air setting that blends natural beauty with the elegance of a riverside venue. Enjoy a relaxed evening of fine food, local wine, and great company under the stars. The evening will feature a seasonal menu showcasing South Australia's outstanding produce, with vegetarian and sustainably sourced options in keeping with the conference’s commitment to ethical dining. Whether you're reconnecting with old friends or meeting new colleagues, the Conference Dinner promises a warm, festive atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to celebrate the collective spirit of the ecological community. Join us for a night of laughter, connection, and celebration in one of Adelaide’s most iconic outdoor spaces.

Track 1
7:30 AM - 8:35 AM
Registrations Day 3
8:34 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 3
8:35 AM - 8:45 AM Day 3 Welcome - Session Chair
8:45 AM - 9:05 AM Fireside chat - Clare Peddie & Jaana Dielenberg
9:05 AM - 9:45 AM Moderated panel - Dr Jennie Fluin, Lily van Eeden, Megan Evans
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM Presentation - ESA Next Generation Award winner
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 3
10:30 AM - 12:35 PM What's hot in ecology? 3.1.1
12:35 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 3
1:30 PM - 3:05 PM Functional biodiversity and bold insights from plant-soil ecology 3.2 1
3:05 PM - 3:30 PM Afternoon Tea Day 3
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM Functional biodiversity and bold insights from plant-soil ecology 3.3.1
6:30 PM - 10:00 PM Conference Dinner
Celebrate the ESA conference in style at our Conference Dinner, held at the picturesque Regattas Lawn at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Nestled along the banks of the River Torrens and framed by city lights and lush parklands, Regattas Lawn offers a stunning open-air setting that blends natural beauty with the elegance of a riverside venue. Enjoy a relaxed evening of fine food, local wine, and great company under the stars. The evening will feature a seasonal menu showcasing South Australia's outstanding produce, with vegetarian and sustainably sourced options in keeping with the conference’s commitment to ethical dining. Whether you're reconnecting with old friends or meeting new colleagues, the Conference Dinner promises a warm, festive atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to celebrate the collective spirit of the ecological community. Join us for a night of laughter, connection, and celebration in one of Adelaide’s most iconic outdoor spaces.

Track 2
7:30 AM - 8:35 AM
Registrations Day 3
8:34 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 3
8:35 AM - 8:45 AM Day 3 Welcome - Session Chair
8:45 AM - 9:05 AM Fireside chat - Clare Peddie & Jaana Dielenberg
9:05 AM - 9:45 AM Moderated panel - Dr Jennie Fluin, Lily van Eeden, Megan Evans
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM Presentation - ESA Next Generation Award winner
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 3
10:30 AM - 12:35 PM Nature Positive Cities 3.1.2
12:35 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 3
1:30 PM - 3:05 PM Nature Positive Cities 3.2.2
3:05 PM - 3:30 PM Afternoon Tea Day 3
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM Nature Positive Cities 3.3.2
6:30 PM - 10:00 PM Conference Dinner
Celebrate the ESA conference in style at our Conference Dinner, held at the picturesque Regattas Lawn at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Nestled along the banks of the River Torrens and framed by city lights and lush parklands, Regattas Lawn offers a stunning open-air setting that blends natural beauty with the elegance of a riverside venue. Enjoy a relaxed evening of fine food, local wine, and great company under the stars. The evening will feature a seasonal menu showcasing South Australia's outstanding produce, with vegetarian and sustainably sourced options in keeping with the conference’s commitment to ethical dining. Whether you're reconnecting with old friends or meeting new colleagues, the Conference Dinner promises a warm, festive atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to celebrate the collective spirit of the ecological community. Join us for a night of laughter, connection, and celebration in one of Adelaide’s most iconic outdoor spaces.

Track 3
7:30 AM - 8:35 AM
Registrations Day 3
8:34 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 3
8:35 AM - 8:45 AM Day 3 Welcome - Session Chair
8:45 AM - 9:05 AM Fireside chat - Clare Peddie & Jaana Dielenberg
9:05 AM - 9:45 AM Moderated panel - Dr Jennie Fluin, Lily van Eeden, Megan Evans
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM Presentation - ESA Next Generation Award winner
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 3
10:30 AM - 12:35 PM Emerging Voices: showcasing ESAs early career ecologists 3.1.3
12:35 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 3
1:30 PM - 3:05 PM Emerging Voices: showcasing ESAs early career ecologists 3.2.3
3:05 PM - 3:30 PM Afternoon Tea Day 3
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM Emerging Voices: showcasing ESAs early career ecologists 3.3.3
6:30 PM - 10:00 PM Conference Dinner
Celebrate the ESA conference in style at our Conference Dinner, held at the picturesque Regattas Lawn at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Nestled along the banks of the River Torrens and framed by city lights and lush parklands, Regattas Lawn offers a stunning open-air setting that blends natural beauty with the elegance of a riverside venue. Enjoy a relaxed evening of fine food, local wine, and great company under the stars. The evening will feature a seasonal menu showcasing South Australia's outstanding produce, with vegetarian and sustainably sourced options in keeping with the conference’s commitment to ethical dining. Whether you're reconnecting with old friends or meeting new colleagues, the Conference Dinner promises a warm, festive atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to celebrate the collective spirit of the ecological community. Join us for a night of laughter, connection, and celebration in one of Adelaide’s most iconic outdoor spaces.

Track 4
7:30 AM - 8:35 AM
Registrations Day 3
8:34 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 3
8:35 AM - 8:45 AM Day 3 Welcome - Session Chair
8:45 AM - 9:05 AM Fireside chat - Clare Peddie & Jaana Dielenberg
9:05 AM - 9:45 AM Moderated panel - Dr Jennie Fluin, Lily van Eeden, Megan Evans
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM Presentation - ESA Next Generation Award winner
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 3
10:30 AM - 12:35 PM Open Forum: Ecological Management and Restoration 3.1.4
12:35 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 3
1:30 PM - 3:05 PM Fire ecology fundamentals 3.2.4
3:05 PM - 3:30 PM Afternoon Tea Day 3
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM Fire ecology fundamentals 3.3.4
6:30 PM - 10:00 PM Conference Dinner
Celebrate the ESA conference in style at our Conference Dinner, held at the picturesque Regattas Lawn at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Nestled along the banks of the River Torrens and framed by city lights and lush parklands, Regattas Lawn offers a stunning open-air setting that blends natural beauty with the elegance of a riverside venue. Enjoy a relaxed evening of fine food, local wine, and great company under the stars. The evening will feature a seasonal menu showcasing South Australia's outstanding produce, with vegetarian and sustainably sourced options in keeping with the conference’s commitment to ethical dining. Whether you're reconnecting with old friends or meeting new colleagues, the Conference Dinner promises a warm, festive atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to celebrate the collective spirit of the ecological community. Join us for a night of laughter, connection, and celebration in one of Adelaide’s most iconic outdoor spaces.

Track 5
7:30 AM - 8:35 AM
Registrations Day 3
8:34 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 3
8:35 AM - 8:45 AM Day 3 Welcome - Session Chair
8:45 AM - 9:05 AM Fireside chat - Clare Peddie & Jaana Dielenberg
9:05 AM - 9:45 AM Moderated panel - Dr Jennie Fluin, Lily van Eeden, Megan Evans
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM Presentation - ESA Next Generation Award winner
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 3
10:30 AM - 12:35 PM To scale or not to scale: landscape ecology in Australia 3.1.5
12:35 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 3
1:30 PM - 3:05 PM To scale or not to scale: landscape ecology in Australia 3.2.5
3:05 PM - 3:30 PM Afternoon Tea Day 3
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM To scale or not to scale: landscape ecology in Australia 3.3.5
6:30 PM - 10:00 PM Conference Dinner
Celebrate the ESA conference in style at our Conference Dinner, held at the picturesque Regattas Lawn at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Nestled along the banks of the River Torrens and framed by city lights and lush parklands, Regattas Lawn offers a stunning open-air setting that blends natural beauty with the elegance of a riverside venue. Enjoy a relaxed evening of fine food, local wine, and great company under the stars. The evening will feature a seasonal menu showcasing South Australia's outstanding produce, with vegetarian and sustainably sourced options in keeping with the conference’s commitment to ethical dining. Whether you're reconnecting with old friends or meeting new colleagues, the Conference Dinner promises a warm, festive atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to celebrate the collective spirit of the ecological community. Join us for a night of laughter, connection, and celebration in one of Adelaide’s most iconic outdoor spaces.

Track 6
7:30 AM - 8:35 AM
Registrations Day 3
8:34 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 3
8:35 AM - 8:45 AM Day 3 Welcome - Session Chair
8:45 AM - 9:05 AM Fireside chat - Clare Peddie & Jaana Dielenberg
9:05 AM - 9:45 AM Moderated panel - Dr Jennie Fluin, Lily van Eeden, Megan Evans
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM Presentation - ESA Next Generation Award winner
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 3
10:30 AM - 12:35 PM Technological innovation and bridging the gap to real world application 3.1.6
12:35 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 3
1:30 PM - 3:05 PM Technological innovation and bridging the gap to real world application 3.2.6
3:05 PM - 3:30 PM Afternoon Tea Day 3
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM Technological innovation and bridging the gap to real world application 3.3.6
6:30 PM - 10:00 PM Conference Dinner
Celebrate the ESA conference in style at our Conference Dinner, held at the picturesque Regattas Lawn at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Nestled along the banks of the River Torrens and framed by city lights and lush parklands, Regattas Lawn offers a stunning open-air setting that blends natural beauty with the elegance of a riverside venue. Enjoy a relaxed evening of fine food, local wine, and great company under the stars. The evening will feature a seasonal menu showcasing South Australia's outstanding produce, with vegetarian and sustainably sourced options in keeping with the conference’s commitment to ethical dining. Whether you're reconnecting with old friends or meeting new colleagues, the Conference Dinner promises a warm, festive atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to celebrate the collective spirit of the ecological community. Join us for a night of laughter, connection, and celebration in one of Adelaide’s most iconic outdoor spaces.

Track 7
7:30 AM - 8:35 AM
Registrations Day 3
8:34 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 3
8:35 AM - 8:45 AM Day 3 Welcome - Session Chair
8:45 AM - 9:05 AM Fireside chat - Clare Peddie & Jaana Dielenberg
9:05 AM - 9:45 AM Moderated panel - Dr Jennie Fluin, Lily van Eeden, Megan Evans
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM Presentation - ESA Next Generation Award winner
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 3
10:30 AM - 12:35 PM Systemic conservation planning at a crossroads 3.1.7
12:35 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 3
1:30 PM - 3:05 PM Systemic conservation planning at a crossroads 3.2.7
3:05 PM - 3:30 PM Afternoon Tea Day 3
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM Systemic conservation planning at a crossroads 3.3.7
6:30 PM - 10:00 PM Conference Dinner
Celebrate the ESA conference in style at our Conference Dinner, held at the picturesque Regattas Lawn at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Nestled along the banks of the River Torrens and framed by city lights and lush parklands, Regattas Lawn offers a stunning open-air setting that blends natural beauty with the elegance of a riverside venue. Enjoy a relaxed evening of fine food, local wine, and great company under the stars. The evening will feature a seasonal menu showcasing South Australia's outstanding produce, with vegetarian and sustainably sourced options in keeping with the conference’s commitment to ethical dining. Whether you're reconnecting with old friends or meeting new colleagues, the Conference Dinner promises a warm, festive atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to celebrate the collective spirit of the ecological community. Join us for a night of laughter, connection, and celebration in one of Adelaide’s most iconic outdoor spaces.

Thursday, November 27, 2025

Track 1
Track 2
Track 3
Track 4
Track 5
Track 6
Track 7
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
Registrations Day 4
8:49 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 4
8:50 AM - 9:00 AM Welcome Day 4 - Session Chair
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Keynote Presentation - Jody Gunn, CEO, Australian Land Conservation Alliance
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Presentation - Sarah Legge, AERA Award Winner
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 4
10:30 AM - 12:35 PM Adaptive management for vertebrate pest control 4.1.1 Emerging Voices: showcasing ESAs early career ecologists 4.1.2 Using emergency interventions during extreme weather to save threatened species 4.1.3 Open Forum: Ecology and Society 4.1.4 Open Forum: Climate Change 4.1.5 Community centred conservation to repair large landscapes 4.1.6 Open Forum: conservation planning 4.1.7
12:35 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 4
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM Presentation - ESA Gold Medal Award Winner
1:45 PM - 2:15 PM Announcement of Prizes and Awards
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM President's address
2:30 PM - 2:35 PM
CONFERENCE CLOSE
Track 1
Track 2
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
Registrations Day 4
8:49 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 4
8:50 AM - 9:00 AM Welcome Day 4 - Session Chair
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Keynote Presentation - Jody Gunn, CEO, Australian Land Conservation Alliance
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Presentation - Sarah Legge, AERA Award Winner
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 4
10:30 AM - 12:35 PM Adaptive management for vertebrate pest control 4.1.1 Emerging Voices: showcasing ESAs early career ecologists 4.1.2
12:35 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 4
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM Presentation - ESA Gold Medal Award Winner
1:45 PM - 2:15 PM Announcement of Prizes and Awards
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM President's address
2:30 PM - 2:35 PM
CONFERENCE CLOSE

Track 3
Track 4
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
Registrations Day 4
8:49 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 4
8:50 AM - 9:00 AM Welcome Day 4 - Session Chair
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Keynote Presentation - Jody Gunn, CEO, Australian Land Conservation Alliance
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Presentation - Sarah Legge, AERA Award Winner
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 4
10:30 AM - 12:35 PM Using emergency interventions during extreme weather to save threatened species 4.1.3 Open Forum: Ecology and Society 4.1.4
12:35 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 4
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM Presentation - ESA Gold Medal Award Winner
1:45 PM - 2:15 PM Announcement of Prizes and Awards
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM President's address
2:30 PM - 2:35 PM
CONFERENCE CLOSE

Track 5
Track 6
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
Registrations Day 4
8:49 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 4
8:50 AM - 9:00 AM Welcome Day 4 - Session Chair
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Keynote Presentation - Jody Gunn, CEO, Australian Land Conservation Alliance
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Presentation - Sarah Legge, AERA Award Winner
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 4
10:30 AM - 12:35 PM Open Forum: Climate Change 4.1.5 Community centred conservation to repair large landscapes 4.1.6
12:35 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 4
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM Presentation - ESA Gold Medal Award Winner
1:45 PM - 2:15 PM Announcement of Prizes and Awards
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM President's address
2:30 PM - 2:35 PM
CONFERENCE CLOSE

Track 7
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
Registrations Day 4
8:49 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 4
8:50 AM - 9:00 AM Welcome Day 4 - Session Chair
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Keynote Presentation - Jody Gunn, CEO, Australian Land Conservation Alliance
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Presentation - Sarah Legge, AERA Award Winner
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 4
10:30 AM - 12:35 PM Open Forum: conservation planning 4.1.7
12:35 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 4
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM Presentation - ESA Gold Medal Award Winner
1:45 PM - 2:15 PM Announcement of Prizes and Awards
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM President's address
2:30 PM - 2:35 PM
CONFERENCE CLOSE

Track 1
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
Registrations Day 4
8:49 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 4
8:50 AM - 9:00 AM Welcome Day 4 - Session Chair
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Keynote Presentation - Jody Gunn, CEO, Australian Land Conservation Alliance
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Presentation - Sarah Legge, AERA Award Winner
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 4
10:30 AM - 12:35 PM Adaptive management for vertebrate pest control 4.1.1
12:35 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 4
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM Presentation - ESA Gold Medal Award Winner
1:45 PM - 2:15 PM Announcement of Prizes and Awards
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM President's address
2:30 PM - 2:35 PM
CONFERENCE CLOSE

Track 2
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
Registrations Day 4
8:49 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 4
8:50 AM - 9:00 AM Welcome Day 4 - Session Chair
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Keynote Presentation - Jody Gunn, CEO, Australian Land Conservation Alliance
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Presentation - Sarah Legge, AERA Award Winner
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 4
10:30 AM - 12:35 PM Emerging Voices: showcasing ESAs early career ecologists 4.1.2
12:35 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 4
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM Presentation - ESA Gold Medal Award Winner
1:45 PM - 2:15 PM Announcement of Prizes and Awards
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM President's address
2:30 PM - 2:35 PM
CONFERENCE CLOSE

Track 3
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
Registrations Day 4
8:49 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 4
8:50 AM - 9:00 AM Welcome Day 4 - Session Chair
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Keynote Presentation - Jody Gunn, CEO, Australian Land Conservation Alliance
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Presentation - Sarah Legge, AERA Award Winner
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 4
10:30 AM - 12:35 PM Using emergency interventions during extreme weather to save threatened species 4.1.3
12:35 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 4
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM Presentation - ESA Gold Medal Award Winner
1:45 PM - 2:15 PM Announcement of Prizes and Awards
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM President's address
2:30 PM - 2:35 PM
CONFERENCE CLOSE

Track 4
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
Registrations Day 4
8:49 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 4
8:50 AM - 9:00 AM Welcome Day 4 - Session Chair
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Keynote Presentation - Jody Gunn, CEO, Australian Land Conservation Alliance
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Presentation - Sarah Legge, AERA Award Winner
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 4
10:30 AM - 12:35 PM Open Forum: Ecology and Society 4.1.4
12:35 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 4
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM Presentation - ESA Gold Medal Award Winner
1:45 PM - 2:15 PM Announcement of Prizes and Awards
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM President's address
2:30 PM - 2:35 PM
CONFERENCE CLOSE

Track 5
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
Registrations Day 4
8:49 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 4
8:50 AM - 9:00 AM Welcome Day 4 - Session Chair
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Keynote Presentation - Jody Gunn, CEO, Australian Land Conservation Alliance
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Presentation - Sarah Legge, AERA Award Winner
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 4
10:30 AM - 12:35 PM Open Forum: Climate Change 4.1.5
12:35 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 4
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM Presentation - ESA Gold Medal Award Winner
1:45 PM - 2:15 PM Announcement of Prizes and Awards
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM President's address
2:30 PM - 2:35 PM
CONFERENCE CLOSE

Track 6
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
Registrations Day 4
8:49 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 4
8:50 AM - 9:00 AM Welcome Day 4 - Session Chair
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Keynote Presentation - Jody Gunn, CEO, Australian Land Conservation Alliance
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Presentation - Sarah Legge, AERA Award Winner
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 4
10:30 AM - 12:35 PM Community centred conservation to repair large landscapes 4.1.6
12:35 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 4
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM Presentation - ESA Gold Medal Award Winner
1:45 PM - 2:15 PM Announcement of Prizes and Awards
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM President's address
2:30 PM - 2:35 PM
CONFERENCE CLOSE

Track 7
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
Registrations Day 4
8:49 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Plenary Day 4
8:50 AM - 9:00 AM Welcome Day 4 - Session Chair
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Keynote Presentation - Jody Gunn, CEO, Australian Land Conservation Alliance
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Presentation - Sarah Legge, AERA Award Winner
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Morning Tea Day 4
10:30 AM - 12:35 PM Open Forum: conservation planning 4.1.7
12:35 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch Day 4
1:30 PM - 1:45 PM Presentation - ESA Gold Medal Award Winner
1:45 PM - 2:15 PM Announcement of Prizes and Awards
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM President's address
2:30 PM - 2:35 PM
CONFERENCE CLOSE

Friday, November 28, 2025

Track 1
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM TERN Australia (Adelaide) Tour & Training: Unlocking Ecological Insights through Soil, Specimens, and Data
8:15 AM - 5:15 PM Yookamarra Wildlife Sanctuary Experience
Join us at Yookamurra Wildlife Sanctuary and explore one of the oldest feral predator-free fenced areas in Australia. We will spend a day amongst the incredible old-growth mallee learning about the reintroduction and conservation programs at Yookamurra and enjoying the sounds of nature. Within the 1,100ha fenced area, Yookamurra protects populations of reintroduced bilbies, numbats, burrowing bettongs, and brush-tailed bettongs, as well as brushtail possums, malleefowl, western pygmy possums, and dunnarts. Outside the fenced area we have a large population of southern hairy-nosed wombats. Although we won’t be able to see our nocturnal species, we will see their habitats, tracks, and traces, and we will be keeping our eyes out for mallee birds like the hooded robin, Gilbert’s whistler, and brown treecreeper. And of course there is always a small chance of a rare elusive numbat sighting! Transport provided.
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM Translating Ecology into Policy: Practical Tools for Engagement
Building on the successful policy workshop at ESA2024, this year’s session will explore how ecologists can better engage with policymakers, practitioners, and community leaders to influence environmental decision-making. The workshop will focus on practical strategies to improve communication, identify opportunities for collaboration, and overcome barriers to applying ecological science in policy contexts. With ESA2025 taking place in Adelaide, the workshop will feature a South Australian perspective, bringing together an exceptional and diverse panel including researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and potentially politicians—building on last year’s amazing panel, which included a video message from Senator David Pocock, Ellen Sandell MP, and environmental law expert Dr Phillipa McCormack. The session is designed for ‘first-timers’ and previous attendees alike - everyone will benefit from panel insights, practical activities, and the rich, diverse discussion among participants. The session will be highly interactive, with participants encouraged to contribute their perspectives and apply lessons from the panel to their own contexts. Emphasis will be placed on developing tangible skills and strategies that ecologists can take back to their workplaces, institutions, and communities. This workshop aligns with ESA’s goal of positioning ecology as a trusted voice in public debate and ensuring that ecological knowledge is effectively translated into policy and practice. Participants will leave with increased confidence, new networks, and practical resources for engaging in the policy process. Participants will leave with increased confidence, new networks, and practical resources for engaging in the policy process.
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Nature in Crisis: Embedding the Environment in Disaster Management Frameworks
Australia’s recent natural disasters reveal a persistent gap in disaster governance: environmental values are inconsistently integrated, and ecosystem disasters are often overlooked. The South Australian algal bloom, which caused extensive ecological and economic impacts, highlights how ecosystem disasters are typically not legally recognised as disasters, leaving response, recovery, and funding mechanisms untriggered. The NDRR Framework defines a disaster as: ‘A serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society at any scale due to hazardous events interacting with conditions of exposure, vulnerability and capacity, leading to human, material, economic or environmental losses and impacts’; leaving out the disruption to natural systems themselves. The National Climate Risk Assessment identified the current climate risk to the Natural environment system as high to very high and that impacts are significant, widespread, and cascading across all systems. The National Adaptation Plan goes on to highlight that the Natural environment system supports and provides services to all other systems, and ecosystem transformation or collapse will also result in a loss of nature’s benefits to people (i.e. ecosystem services) whilst losing its ability to stabilise the global carbon cycle. The Colvin Review (October 2024) recommended significant improvements to Australia's disaster arrangements, including increased long-term investment in resilience and betterment. Restoring and extending natural systems at a landscape-scale using nature-based solutions presents an opportunity to strengthen the resilience of our communities, businesses, and landscapes, if they are also managed appropriately to ensure they do not degrade under increased pressures. This interactive workshop will convene researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and community representatives to explore a central question: How can environmental considerations be systematically embedded in Australia’s disaster management frameworks, and aligned with national resilience and climate adaptation priorities, weaving together ‘nature for nature’ and ‘nature for people’ objectives.
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Swamp Stories: A Restoration Journey
Visit a couple of Fleurieu Peninsula Swamps alongside the ecologists who are passionate about their conservation and restoration. The trip will showcase the bold interventions that are being undertaken to restore these critically important habitats and the populations of threatened flora and fauna species that inhabit them. Hear about everything from hydrological restoration and community stewardship to ecological burning and reveg. We’ll try to ensure you keep your feet dry…but no promises! Transport and lunch provided.
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM Everything You Need To Know About Publishing
"Academic publishing can often feel like a black box, complex, and disconnected from the day-to-day work of researchers. This workshop aims to open that box and provide clarity for Early- and Mid-Career Researchers by unpacking how the publishing system works, from Open Access models to Impact Factors, editorial decisions, and beyond. Structured into three interactive sections; a presentation on the publishing landscape, a panel discussion with publishing professionals and researchers, and a session on science communication, the workshop will combine practical advice with space for critical discussion. Participants will learn how to evaluate journals for ethical and scholarly quality, navigate Open Access choices, and better understand their rights and responsibilities as authors. The session also directly supports skills development in publishing literacy, helping participants make informed decisions that enhance the visibility and integrity of their work. The session will be highly participatory, encouraging questions, debate, and discussion throughout. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how publishing decisions are made, what makes a strong manuscript, and why effective communication of their research, both within and beyond academia, matters more than ever. Importantly, the session will help researchers grasp the complexity of the publishing ecosystem, including the roles of funders, institutions, journals, and commercial and not-for-profit publishers, equipping them to navigate a rapidly evolving landscape with confidence and agency. By equipping researchers with the tools to engage more confidently and critically with the publishing process, this workshop addresses a persistent gap in researcher training. While it aligns with broader institutional goals around research quality, impact, and open science, the session ensures that the needs and interests of authors remain at the centre of the discussion, empowering them to make choices that serve both their careers and the integrity of their work."
9:30 AM - 2:00 PM DWG Green Card Training: Leading environmental hygiene and biosecurity best-practice training
DWG's Green Card qualification is accepted nationally as the Gold Standard training package for environmental hygiene and biosecurity best-practice. This course builds capacity to implement practical environmental hygiene protocols, and is targeted at practitioners with a fieldwork or planning component to their role. Phytophthora Dieback is engaged with as an example of how to combat wide-spread biosecurity threats to biodiversity, ecosystem health, numerous industries, cultural and environmental values. Phytophthora Dieback Hygiene will be presented alongside new activities on Myrtle Rust surveillance, citizen science approaches to biosecurity surveillance, and updated information on Phytophthora impacts on broad aspects of ecosystem function such as habitat value for native fauna and loss of biomass in the landscape. This workshop will be presented by a registered trainer who is a specialist in Dieback Management and highly experienced in Green Card training delivery, and will include a theory session (in a classroom), a practical session where trainees learn a practical approach to inspecting and cleaning a vehicle/field equipment. A written assessment concludes the day. Trainees must pass the assessment to complete the training, then they will be awarded their DWG Green Card and added to the Green Card database. This qualification should be in every ecologist's toolkit for responsible fieldwork, and is a legislative requirement from DBCA when operating on CALM Act-managed lands. Visit our website https://www.dwg.org.au/green-card-training/ or contact us for more information, or to arrange a bespoke course for your workplace.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Listening to Nature: An Introduction to using Bioacoustics for Wildlife Monitoring
Surveying sound is increasingly becoming a valuable tool for biologists, environmental scientists and researchers to survey and monitor wildlife populations, offering a non-invasive, cost-effective, and unbiased tool. Ecologists all over the world have made the Song Meter platform the standard for bioacoustics recording with over 150,000 recorders deployed in 90 countries. This 1.5-2 hour hands-on workshop will provide an engaging introduction to bioacoustics, equipment and sound analysis. Participants will first learn the fundamentals of bioacoustics, and how sound can be used to collect data on species presence, habitat health and animal behaviour. We’ll then showcase how the Song Meter Mini Bat recorder with acoustic stub can be used to survey bats, birds, frogs and terrestrial mammals all in one device. Through a live demonstration, participants will gain practical experience with equipment setup and how to get the most out of a recorder, empowering them to integrate sound recording into their next project. Lastly, we will touch on how to turn recordings into data in Kaleidoscope, wildlife sound analysis software. This workshop is designed to be accessible to those of all skill sets, whether you’re brand new to bioacoustics or a seasoned professional looking for a refresh. Beyond ecological research, our devices support community education, connecting people with their local areas and inhabitants.standard for bioacoustics recording with over 150,000 recorders deployed in 90 countries.
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Nature-Based Solutions for Coastal Management: Turning Ecology into Action
This workshop would showcase innovative approaches for building resilient coastlines using nature-based solutions (NbS). Participants would explore practical techniques for tackling challenges such as coastal erosion, sand drift, ecosystem collapse, and future climate and sea-level impacts. Through case studies, group mapping exercises, and scenario planning, we’ll demonstrate how to: Select and design NbS interventions Integrate ecological knowledge into on-ground solutions Evaluate and adapt approaches for long-term resilience
Track 1
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM TERN Australia (Adelaide) Tour & Training: Unlocking Ecological Insights through Soil, Specimens, and Data
8:15 AM - 5:15 PM Yookamarra Wildlife Sanctuary Experience
Join us at Yookamurra Wildlife Sanctuary and explore one of the oldest feral predator-free fenced areas in Australia. We will spend a day amongst the incredible old-growth mallee learning about the reintroduction and conservation programs at Yookamurra and enjoying the sounds of nature. Within the 1,100ha fenced area, Yookamurra protects populations of reintroduced bilbies, numbats, burrowing bettongs, and brush-tailed bettongs, as well as brushtail possums, malleefowl, western pygmy possums, and dunnarts. Outside the fenced area we have a large population of southern hairy-nosed wombats. Although we won’t be able to see our nocturnal species, we will see their habitats, tracks, and traces, and we will be keeping our eyes out for mallee birds like the hooded robin, Gilbert’s whistler, and brown treecreeper. And of course there is always a small chance of a rare elusive numbat sighting! Transport provided.
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM Translating Ecology into Policy: Practical Tools for Engagement
Building on the successful policy workshop at ESA2024, this year’s session will explore how ecologists can better engage with policymakers, practitioners, and community leaders to influence environmental decision-making. The workshop will focus on practical strategies to improve communication, identify opportunities for collaboration, and overcome barriers to applying ecological science in policy contexts. With ESA2025 taking place in Adelaide, the workshop will feature a South Australian perspective, bringing together an exceptional and diverse panel including researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and potentially politicians—building on last year’s amazing panel, which included a video message from Senator David Pocock, Ellen Sandell MP, and environmental law expert Dr Phillipa McCormack. The session is designed for ‘first-timers’ and previous attendees alike - everyone will benefit from panel insights, practical activities, and the rich, diverse discussion among participants. The session will be highly interactive, with participants encouraged to contribute their perspectives and apply lessons from the panel to their own contexts. Emphasis will be placed on developing tangible skills and strategies that ecologists can take back to their workplaces, institutions, and communities. This workshop aligns with ESA’s goal of positioning ecology as a trusted voice in public debate and ensuring that ecological knowledge is effectively translated into policy and practice. Participants will leave with increased confidence, new networks, and practical resources for engaging in the policy process. Participants will leave with increased confidence, new networks, and practical resources for engaging in the policy process.
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Nature in Crisis: Embedding the Environment in Disaster Management Frameworks
Australia’s recent natural disasters reveal a persistent gap in disaster governance: environmental values are inconsistently integrated, and ecosystem disasters are often overlooked. The South Australian algal bloom, which caused extensive ecological and economic impacts, highlights how ecosystem disasters are typically not legally recognised as disasters, leaving response, recovery, and funding mechanisms untriggered. The NDRR Framework defines a disaster as: ‘A serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society at any scale due to hazardous events interacting with conditions of exposure, vulnerability and capacity, leading to human, material, economic or environmental losses and impacts’; leaving out the disruption to natural systems themselves. The National Climate Risk Assessment identified the current climate risk to the Natural environment system as high to very high and that impacts are significant, widespread, and cascading across all systems. The National Adaptation Plan goes on to highlight that the Natural environment system supports and provides services to all other systems, and ecosystem transformation or collapse will also result in a loss of nature’s benefits to people (i.e. ecosystem services) whilst losing its ability to stabilise the global carbon cycle. The Colvin Review (October 2024) recommended significant improvements to Australia's disaster arrangements, including increased long-term investment in resilience and betterment. Restoring and extending natural systems at a landscape-scale using nature-based solutions presents an opportunity to strengthen the resilience of our communities, businesses, and landscapes, if they are also managed appropriately to ensure they do not degrade under increased pressures. This interactive workshop will convene researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and community representatives to explore a central question: How can environmental considerations be systematically embedded in Australia’s disaster management frameworks, and aligned with national resilience and climate adaptation priorities, weaving together ‘nature for nature’ and ‘nature for people’ objectives.
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Swamp Stories: A Restoration Journey
Visit a couple of Fleurieu Peninsula Swamps alongside the ecologists who are passionate about their conservation and restoration. The trip will showcase the bold interventions that are being undertaken to restore these critically important habitats and the populations of threatened flora and fauna species that inhabit them. Hear about everything from hydrological restoration and community stewardship to ecological burning and reveg. We’ll try to ensure you keep your feet dry…but no promises! Transport and lunch provided.
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM Everything You Need To Know About Publishing
"Academic publishing can often feel like a black box, complex, and disconnected from the day-to-day work of researchers. This workshop aims to open that box and provide clarity for Early- and Mid-Career Researchers by unpacking how the publishing system works, from Open Access models to Impact Factors, editorial decisions, and beyond. Structured into three interactive sections; a presentation on the publishing landscape, a panel discussion with publishing professionals and researchers, and a session on science communication, the workshop will combine practical advice with space for critical discussion. Participants will learn how to evaluate journals for ethical and scholarly quality, navigate Open Access choices, and better understand their rights and responsibilities as authors. The session also directly supports skills development in publishing literacy, helping participants make informed decisions that enhance the visibility and integrity of their work. The session will be highly participatory, encouraging questions, debate, and discussion throughout. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how publishing decisions are made, what makes a strong manuscript, and why effective communication of their research, both within and beyond academia, matters more than ever. Importantly, the session will help researchers grasp the complexity of the publishing ecosystem, including the roles of funders, institutions, journals, and commercial and not-for-profit publishers, equipping them to navigate a rapidly evolving landscape with confidence and agency. By equipping researchers with the tools to engage more confidently and critically with the publishing process, this workshop addresses a persistent gap in researcher training. While it aligns with broader institutional goals around research quality, impact, and open science, the session ensures that the needs and interests of authors remain at the centre of the discussion, empowering them to make choices that serve both their careers and the integrity of their work."
9:30 AM - 2:00 PM DWG Green Card Training: Leading environmental hygiene and biosecurity best-practice training
DWG's Green Card qualification is accepted nationally as the Gold Standard training package for environmental hygiene and biosecurity best-practice. This course builds capacity to implement practical environmental hygiene protocols, and is targeted at practitioners with a fieldwork or planning component to their role. Phytophthora Dieback is engaged with as an example of how to combat wide-spread biosecurity threats to biodiversity, ecosystem health, numerous industries, cultural and environmental values. Phytophthora Dieback Hygiene will be presented alongside new activities on Myrtle Rust surveillance, citizen science approaches to biosecurity surveillance, and updated information on Phytophthora impacts on broad aspects of ecosystem function such as habitat value for native fauna and loss of biomass in the landscape. This workshop will be presented by a registered trainer who is a specialist in Dieback Management and highly experienced in Green Card training delivery, and will include a theory session (in a classroom), a practical session where trainees learn a practical approach to inspecting and cleaning a vehicle/field equipment. A written assessment concludes the day. Trainees must pass the assessment to complete the training, then they will be awarded their DWG Green Card and added to the Green Card database. This qualification should be in every ecologist's toolkit for responsible fieldwork, and is a legislative requirement from DBCA when operating on CALM Act-managed lands. Visit our website https://www.dwg.org.au/green-card-training/ or contact us for more information, or to arrange a bespoke course for your workplace.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Listening to Nature: An Introduction to using Bioacoustics for Wildlife Monitoring
Surveying sound is increasingly becoming a valuable tool for biologists, environmental scientists and researchers to survey and monitor wildlife populations, offering a non-invasive, cost-effective, and unbiased tool. Ecologists all over the world have made the Song Meter platform the standard for bioacoustics recording with over 150,000 recorders deployed in 90 countries. This 1.5-2 hour hands-on workshop will provide an engaging introduction to bioacoustics, equipment and sound analysis. Participants will first learn the fundamentals of bioacoustics, and how sound can be used to collect data on species presence, habitat health and animal behaviour. We’ll then showcase how the Song Meter Mini Bat recorder with acoustic stub can be used to survey bats, birds, frogs and terrestrial mammals all in one device. Through a live demonstration, participants will gain practical experience with equipment setup and how to get the most out of a recorder, empowering them to integrate sound recording into their next project. Lastly, we will touch on how to turn recordings into data in Kaleidoscope, wildlife sound analysis software. This workshop is designed to be accessible to those of all skill sets, whether you’re brand new to bioacoustics or a seasoned professional looking for a refresh. Beyond ecological research, our devices support community education, connecting people with their local areas and inhabitants.standard for bioacoustics recording with over 150,000 recorders deployed in 90 countries.
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Nature-Based Solutions for Coastal Management: Turning Ecology into Action
This workshop would showcase innovative approaches for building resilient coastlines using nature-based solutions (NbS). Participants would explore practical techniques for tackling challenges such as coastal erosion, sand drift, ecosystem collapse, and future climate and sea-level impacts. Through case studies, group mapping exercises, and scenario planning, we’ll demonstrate how to: Select and design NbS interventions Integrate ecological knowledge into on-ground solutions Evaluate and adapt approaches for long-term resilience

Track 1
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM TERN Australia (Adelaide) Tour & Training: Unlocking Ecological Insights through Soil, Specimens, and Data
8:15 AM - 5:15 PM Yookamarra Wildlife Sanctuary Experience
Join us at Yookamurra Wildlife Sanctuary and explore one of the oldest feral predator-free fenced areas in Australia. We will spend a day amongst the incredible old-growth mallee learning about the reintroduction and conservation programs at Yookamurra and enjoying the sounds of nature. Within the 1,100ha fenced area, Yookamurra protects populations of reintroduced bilbies, numbats, burrowing bettongs, and brush-tailed bettongs, as well as brushtail possums, malleefowl, western pygmy possums, and dunnarts. Outside the fenced area we have a large population of southern hairy-nosed wombats. Although we won’t be able to see our nocturnal species, we will see their habitats, tracks, and traces, and we will be keeping our eyes out for mallee birds like the hooded robin, Gilbert’s whistler, and brown treecreeper. And of course there is always a small chance of a rare elusive numbat sighting! Transport provided.
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM Translating Ecology into Policy: Practical Tools for Engagement
Building on the successful policy workshop at ESA2024, this year’s session will explore how ecologists can better engage with policymakers, practitioners, and community leaders to influence environmental decision-making. The workshop will focus on practical strategies to improve communication, identify opportunities for collaboration, and overcome barriers to applying ecological science in policy contexts. With ESA2025 taking place in Adelaide, the workshop will feature a South Australian perspective, bringing together an exceptional and diverse panel including researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and potentially politicians—building on last year’s amazing panel, which included a video message from Senator David Pocock, Ellen Sandell MP, and environmental law expert Dr Phillipa McCormack. The session is designed for ‘first-timers’ and previous attendees alike - everyone will benefit from panel insights, practical activities, and the rich, diverse discussion among participants. The session will be highly interactive, with participants encouraged to contribute their perspectives and apply lessons from the panel to their own contexts. Emphasis will be placed on developing tangible skills and strategies that ecologists can take back to their workplaces, institutions, and communities. This workshop aligns with ESA’s goal of positioning ecology as a trusted voice in public debate and ensuring that ecological knowledge is effectively translated into policy and practice. Participants will leave with increased confidence, new networks, and practical resources for engaging in the policy process. Participants will leave with increased confidence, new networks, and practical resources for engaging in the policy process.
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Nature in Crisis: Embedding the Environment in Disaster Management Frameworks
Australia’s recent natural disasters reveal a persistent gap in disaster governance: environmental values are inconsistently integrated, and ecosystem disasters are often overlooked. The South Australian algal bloom, which caused extensive ecological and economic impacts, highlights how ecosystem disasters are typically not legally recognised as disasters, leaving response, recovery, and funding mechanisms untriggered. The NDRR Framework defines a disaster as: ‘A serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society at any scale due to hazardous events interacting with conditions of exposure, vulnerability and capacity, leading to human, material, economic or environmental losses and impacts’; leaving out the disruption to natural systems themselves. The National Climate Risk Assessment identified the current climate risk to the Natural environment system as high to very high and that impacts are significant, widespread, and cascading across all systems. The National Adaptation Plan goes on to highlight that the Natural environment system supports and provides services to all other systems, and ecosystem transformation or collapse will also result in a loss of nature’s benefits to people (i.e. ecosystem services) whilst losing its ability to stabilise the global carbon cycle. The Colvin Review (October 2024) recommended significant improvements to Australia's disaster arrangements, including increased long-term investment in resilience and betterment. Restoring and extending natural systems at a landscape-scale using nature-based solutions presents an opportunity to strengthen the resilience of our communities, businesses, and landscapes, if they are also managed appropriately to ensure they do not degrade under increased pressures. This interactive workshop will convene researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and community representatives to explore a central question: How can environmental considerations be systematically embedded in Australia’s disaster management frameworks, and aligned with national resilience and climate adaptation priorities, weaving together ‘nature for nature’ and ‘nature for people’ objectives.
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Swamp Stories: A Restoration Journey
Visit a couple of Fleurieu Peninsula Swamps alongside the ecologists who are passionate about their conservation and restoration. The trip will showcase the bold interventions that are being undertaken to restore these critically important habitats and the populations of threatened flora and fauna species that inhabit them. Hear about everything from hydrological restoration and community stewardship to ecological burning and reveg. We’ll try to ensure you keep your feet dry…but no promises! Transport and lunch provided.
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM Everything You Need To Know About Publishing
"Academic publishing can often feel like a black box, complex, and disconnected from the day-to-day work of researchers. This workshop aims to open that box and provide clarity for Early- and Mid-Career Researchers by unpacking how the publishing system works, from Open Access models to Impact Factors, editorial decisions, and beyond. Structured into three interactive sections; a presentation on the publishing landscape, a panel discussion with publishing professionals and researchers, and a session on science communication, the workshop will combine practical advice with space for critical discussion. Participants will learn how to evaluate journals for ethical and scholarly quality, navigate Open Access choices, and better understand their rights and responsibilities as authors. The session also directly supports skills development in publishing literacy, helping participants make informed decisions that enhance the visibility and integrity of their work. The session will be highly participatory, encouraging questions, debate, and discussion throughout. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how publishing decisions are made, what makes a strong manuscript, and why effective communication of their research, both within and beyond academia, matters more than ever. Importantly, the session will help researchers grasp the complexity of the publishing ecosystem, including the roles of funders, institutions, journals, and commercial and not-for-profit publishers, equipping them to navigate a rapidly evolving landscape with confidence and agency. By equipping researchers with the tools to engage more confidently and critically with the publishing process, this workshop addresses a persistent gap in researcher training. While it aligns with broader institutional goals around research quality, impact, and open science, the session ensures that the needs and interests of authors remain at the centre of the discussion, empowering them to make choices that serve both their careers and the integrity of their work."
9:30 AM - 2:00 PM DWG Green Card Training: Leading environmental hygiene and biosecurity best-practice training
DWG's Green Card qualification is accepted nationally as the Gold Standard training package for environmental hygiene and biosecurity best-practice. This course builds capacity to implement practical environmental hygiene protocols, and is targeted at practitioners with a fieldwork or planning component to their role. Phytophthora Dieback is engaged with as an example of how to combat wide-spread biosecurity threats to biodiversity, ecosystem health, numerous industries, cultural and environmental values. Phytophthora Dieback Hygiene will be presented alongside new activities on Myrtle Rust surveillance, citizen science approaches to biosecurity surveillance, and updated information on Phytophthora impacts on broad aspects of ecosystem function such as habitat value for native fauna and loss of biomass in the landscape. This workshop will be presented by a registered trainer who is a specialist in Dieback Management and highly experienced in Green Card training delivery, and will include a theory session (in a classroom), a practical session where trainees learn a practical approach to inspecting and cleaning a vehicle/field equipment. A written assessment concludes the day. Trainees must pass the assessment to complete the training, then they will be awarded their DWG Green Card and added to the Green Card database. This qualification should be in every ecologist's toolkit for responsible fieldwork, and is a legislative requirement from DBCA when operating on CALM Act-managed lands. Visit our website https://www.dwg.org.au/green-card-training/ or contact us for more information, or to arrange a bespoke course for your workplace.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Listening to Nature: An Introduction to using Bioacoustics for Wildlife Monitoring
Surveying sound is increasingly becoming a valuable tool for biologists, environmental scientists and researchers to survey and monitor wildlife populations, offering a non-invasive, cost-effective, and unbiased tool. Ecologists all over the world have made the Song Meter platform the standard for bioacoustics recording with over 150,000 recorders deployed in 90 countries. This 1.5-2 hour hands-on workshop will provide an engaging introduction to bioacoustics, equipment and sound analysis. Participants will first learn the fundamentals of bioacoustics, and how sound can be used to collect data on species presence, habitat health and animal behaviour. We’ll then showcase how the Song Meter Mini Bat recorder with acoustic stub can be used to survey bats, birds, frogs and terrestrial mammals all in one device. Through a live demonstration, participants will gain practical experience with equipment setup and how to get the most out of a recorder, empowering them to integrate sound recording into their next project. Lastly, we will touch on how to turn recordings into data in Kaleidoscope, wildlife sound analysis software. This workshop is designed to be accessible to those of all skill sets, whether you’re brand new to bioacoustics or a seasoned professional looking for a refresh. Beyond ecological research, our devices support community education, connecting people with their local areas and inhabitants.standard for bioacoustics recording with over 150,000 recorders deployed in 90 countries.
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Nature-Based Solutions for Coastal Management: Turning Ecology into Action
This workshop would showcase innovative approaches for building resilient coastlines using nature-based solutions (NbS). Participants would explore practical techniques for tackling challenges such as coastal erosion, sand drift, ecosystem collapse, and future climate and sea-level impacts. Through case studies, group mapping exercises, and scenario planning, we’ll demonstrate how to: Select and design NbS interventions Integrate ecological knowledge into on-ground solutions Evaluate and adapt approaches for long-term resilience

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