Science Symposium Hidden messages from the Shoalhaven ecologies

Bundanon’s Science Symposium returns as part of National Science Week with a day of fascinating talks and displays.

Hidden Messages from the Shoalhaven’s Ecologies will feature leading scientists, landscape managers and cultural practitioners. From bees and bristlebirds to moss, wombats, and water, this symposium explores the deep connections between species, ecosystems and cultural knowledge.

The symposium includes a Welcome and Smoking Ceremony, morning tea and lunch.

Participants can also select two optional add-on experiences that top and tail the day, offering a deeper connection to nature and Country.

8am – 9.30am | Birdwatching with BirdLife Shoalhaven

Join BirdLife Shoalhaven for a guided birdwatching walk and nature immersion, discovering the rich birdlife and delicate ecosystems of the region.

3.10pm – 4.40pm | Cultural Walk

Join local First Nations Custodians for Burrawong dhunna gam waglpa, a guided Buddawang Track bush walk and introduction to reading Country.

Clarence Slockee

Founding Director of Jiwah (Goanna), Clarence Slockee is a Salt-Water Cudgenburra/Bundjalung Aboriginal man, environmentalist, educator and cultural design collaborator. Collaborating with a range of design partners and Country-centred design specialists, Clarence embeds traditional knowledge and cultural learning into his ongoing work.

Program

8.00-9.30am | Birdwatching with BirdLife Shoalhaven

10-10.30am | Welcome and Smoking Ceremony

10.30-10.50am | Messages from Bundanon
Michael Andrews, Natural Resources Manager, Bundanon

10.50-11.10am | The Wombats of Bundanon
Katarina Mikac, Threatened Species Ecologist

11.10-11.30am | Playing Hide and Seek with Koalas: Methods Used for Koala Surveys for a State-Wide Survey
Ben Hope, Koala Ecologist

11.30am-12pm | Morning Tea

12-12.05pm | Discovering Eastern Bristlebird Dialects
Emily Bradstock, PhD Candidate & Ornithologist

12.05-12.25pm | The Buzz Effect – Native Bees and Citizen Science in the Illawarra/Shoalhaven
Alison Mellor & Christie Peters, Native Bee Advocates

12.25-12.45pm | The Secret Language of Moss
Alison Haynes, Plant Scientist & Urban Ecologist

12.45-1.05pm | Restoring Landscapes with Community-Led Water Stewardship
Erin Healy, Water Stewardship Practitioner

1.05-1.30pm | Country As Teacher
Crystal Arnold & Anthony McKnight, Indigenous Scholars

1.30-2.10pm | Lunch Break

2.10-2.30pm | Let’s Wander through the Wonder that is Restorative Refugia
Gerard Proust, Ecological Restoration Practitioner

2.30-2.35pm | The Budawang Track’s Secrets unveiled – a scientific journey
Carl Glaister, Bush Regenerator & Native Plant Grower

2.35-3pm | Layers of Knowledge and Care
Bill Gammage & Clarence Slockee, Final Reflections

3.10-4.40pm | Guided Cultural Walk

Cost

General Admission: $50
Concession: $25
Members & Friends: $25
Mob Tix: $25
Student: $25
Children (under 12): $25
Companion Card: $25
Student: $25
Ticket includes morning tea and a light lunch