Graham Moore, Gurrungutti-Munji-Yuin, Djiringanj Country, Far South Coast, Yuin Elder and Senior Scientist Cultural Science, Science and Insights Division, NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Graham shares kinship connection with the Yiun people from the South Coast of NSW. He is employed by NSW DCCEEW as full-time cultural scientist. Graham walks in two worlds (cultural and western). Prior to his current research role as a cultural scientist Graham has over 35 years of experience working in government roles for Natural Resource and Environmental Management as well as various roles and responsibility as Heritage officers across multiple agencies. He is particularly passionate about ensuring Cultural Knowledge is respected and valued in decision making equally to Western Science knowledges.

Zoe is a botanist specialising in fire ecology, with additional expertise in seed ecology and restoration science. She is currently a PhD Candidate with the ARC Centre for Healing Country, a centre that focuses on empowering and supporting Indigenous businesses and organisations within the restoration economy. Her research centres around the socio-ecological impacts of various burning practices in the south-west of Western Australia (SWWA). In particular, facilitating and supporting First Nations' cultural burning practices. Just over a year into her thesis, she is undertaking a dual-lens approach to her research and assessing the biocultural and ecological impacts of cultural burning practices on Noongar Boodja (SWWA).

Kirstin manages the Fire Science and Mapping Team for the South Australian Department for Environment and Water. The team she leads develops processes and tools, based on the best available science, to support the Department’s prescribed burning program and the South Australian Country Fire Service’s bushfire response capability. Kirstin is an ecologist by training with a background in threatened species and pest species management as well as fire ecology. She has a passion for the protection of the natural environment and in understanding how to best utilise prescribed burning to maintain ecological process and to support the recovery of threatened species. Kirstin is Chair of the AFAC National Fire Ecology Community of Practice and a member of the Country Fire Service’s Level 3 Incident Management Teams.

Shabnam Varzeshi is a PhD candidate at RMIT University, where she studies how emerging technologies can enhance climate adaptation and risk mitigation within urban resilience frameworks. Drawing on her background in architecture and urban design, she employs both qualitative and systems-thinking approaches to devise strategies for disaster preparedness and responsive urban planning. In 2024, Shabnam completed a research internship with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), concentrating on the effective integration of bushfire-related science into operational practices. Through extensive interviews, focus groups, and literature reviews, she pinpointed significant barriers and opportunities for incorporating scientific insights into everyday fire management. Her findings highlight the crucial importance of clear communication channels and co-created governance structures for improving the practical application of research evidence. Shabnam demonstrates a deep commitment to linking academic research with practical decision-making. Her primary focus is on knowledge sharing and organisational learning processes that foster sustainable solutions in land management and disaster response. By integrating her architectural insights with an interdisciplinary approach, she seeks to help create a future where collaboration, evidence-based policies, and proactive planning lead to more resilient communities and ecosystems.

Meena is a plant ecologist in the Conservation and Restoration Science team at NSW DCCEEW, working on Ngunnawal country. Her current interests lie in research and conservation efforts concerning threatened flora and fire ecology on Country

Luke Smith is a fire ecologist in the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action in Victoria. Since completing a bachelor's degree in natural resource management with honours in 2011, he has worked on a variety of projects relating to fire and land management, emergency response and landscape monitoring and research projects. Luke’s focus over the last decade has centred around implementing landscape monitoring projects and incorporating research and knowledge into best practice. Luke is also an experienced Operations Officer, with 15 years of experience in fire and emergency management, and as part of his role is responsible for designing and leading the implementation of planned burns. He is also a member of the National Pookila Recovery Team and chairs the Pookila Habitat and Fire Management subgroup of the recovery team.

Jemma is a professional ecologist with three years of industry experience across Queensland, working in sectors including mining, renewable energy and infrastructure. Jemma’s experience spans vegetation assessments, fauna surveys, and navigating Commonwealth, State, and Local Government legislation. Currently based at E2M, she works primarily on a project focused on the southern Black-throated Finch. The project has produced a substantial body of research into the species’ ecology—including movement, diet, and habitat requirements—while also monitoring population dynamics and evaluating the influence of land management practices to inform optimal conservation outcomes for the population. With a strong foundation in ecological consulting and an interest in sustainable land management, Jemma is passionate about applying scientific insights to real-world conservation challenges.