Key outcomes
- Co-hosted a 3-day national conference with NRM Regions Australia
- 300 delegates, 126 speakers, 4 field trips, 6 workshops, 12 concurrent sessions, 23 posters, 26 videos and 6 exhibitors
- Showcased the innovative work being undertaken in the South West region to a national and international audience
South West NRM was thrilled to be invited to co-host the 8th National NRM Knowledge Conference in 2022, alongside NRM Regions Australia in the beautiful Margaret River region.
The conference took place over three days from 31st October to 2 November amongst the jarrah and karri forests of the South West. Held at Margaret River HEART, the region’s premier entertainment, arts and tourism hub, the conference was expertly MC’d by environmental scientist, urban design professional and ABC TV presenter, Dr Josh Byrne.
The conference was an opportunity to showcase the sector’s innovative work, share knowledge, develop networks and build cross-sectoral links. The 2022 conference theme, ‘Resilience through Transformation’, recognised recent progress towards building a more resilient environment and sector, and looked to the future at how to drive further momentum. It was highly interactive, with tours of local sites of interest, panel sessions, debates, displays and ample opportunity for networking. Over 100 speakers from NRM and community organisations, industry, Government and Aboriginal enterprises provided a local, national and international context.
Some highlights included:
- Wadandi Elder, Dr Wayne Webb, and Stuart Hicks AM provided a wonderful reflection on the last 3,000 generations living on Wadandi boodja and the human response to changes in country.
- Barry Irvin AO, Chair of Bega Cheese, outlined the organisation’s ambitious circular economy strategy in the Bega Valley.
- Federal Environment Minister, the Honourable Tanya Plibersek MP, laid out the government’s vision for NRM in Australia.
- Professor Stephen Van Leeuwen spoke on the importance of healing country.
- Dr Toby Kiers of the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks gave a fascinating insight into the importance of fungal networks.
- Former Treasury Secretary Dr Ken Henry joined the Burnett Mary Regional Group in launching Australia’s first ever regional environmental account.
- Concurrent presentation sessions focusing on transforming how we work together, transforming our relationship with country and transforming through climate change.
- A wonderful conference dinner under the stars at the Tanah Marah lakeside estate