AABR Vic was delighted to host the National Forum at the stunning Fitzroy Town Hall in March this year. The event’s theme, ‘The R’s of Restoration – Restoring biodiversity through resilience, regeneration, reintroduction, and reconnecting to Country’, was well received by bushland regenerators, as evidenced by the event selling out days in advance.

The forum’s main goals were to host a successful event for Victorian members to network, promote AABR, emphasise the importance of regeneration, and acknowledge the wisdom and deep connection to country of First Nations people. This acknowledgment is key to increasing understanding and respect.

We want to express our deepest gratitude to all of our exceptional presenters who did an outstanding job during the event. Their efforts to share their wide-ranging knowledge, vast experience, and expertise with us all have not gone unnoticed. These individuals ensured that we were privy to their insights and understanding, contributing significantly to the success of the event. In the very near future, we will be releasing the recordings of these insightful presentations on Regen TV. This will provide an opportunity for everyone who missed the live sessions to catch up and for those who attended to revisit the wealth of information shared. Notes of the talks are also available in this Newsletter and on the AABR web site.

Table of attendees by %

From the feedback we received we saw a great representation of the industry from around the state and some came from even further afield. We had 23 local councils and agencies represented. Attendees worked across the sector, and 80% of attendees rated the event excellent or very good.

 

Socialising and networking opportunities during and after the event were embraced, with the Napier Hotel being inundated by bushland regenerators after the event. We saw the value of these interactions in creating bonds that could lead to future collaborations, sharing of insights, and collective growth within the bushland regeneration sector. It was a testament to the vibrant and dynamic community that we have, all driven by the same purpose.

AABR Vic perceives this forum as just the beginning. We envision it as the inaugural event of a series of many more to come to Victoria. Our goal is to create a platform where knowledge, experiences and ideas are not just shared, but also celebrated.

We invite anyone with a site or project they would like to showcase to come forward. If you know of an excellent presenter whose knowledge could enlighten us, we would love to hear from you. We also welcome anyone who would like to contribute to the planning and execution of more such events.

Our vision is to provide diverse events, workshops, field days, and networking or social opportunities related to bushland regeneration. This goes beyond just organizing events – it’s about creating a thriving ecosystem that fosters learning, exchange and growth. We’re excited about what the future holds and we invite you to be a part of this exciting journey.

Kylie Robertson,
on behalf of the organising group from AABR Vic

 

Forum Outcomes & AABR Vic

The AABR Vic organising committee learnt a lot from delivering the Forum and talking with the attendees during and afterwards. There was a genuine interest for the Forum to be an annual event, and for more deep-dive social events and well as practical examples of resilience based restoration and implementation of The Standards.

So AABR Vic would like to be organising

  • Friday’s in the Field – last Friday of the month where a practical Walk, Talk & Gawk (WTG) will be followed by a social discussion at a socially orientated venue. Yarra Willem is the first destination on 24th
  • A half-day workshop to allow for an expansion and discussion around Craig McGrath’s talk on implementation of the Standards with a field trip at Hall Reserve to show the practical implementation and a social
  • Online Lunch & Learn webinars co-hosted with ECA Vic.
  • A weekend event of camping, connecting and cogitating regeneration
  • A 1-day Standards showcase workshop covering
    1. Each of the principle
    2. Using the recovery wheel
    3. Adapting/using the standards
    4. The Standards Checklist
  • Another forum

These activities are all dependent upon having an enthusiastic working group to progress the ideas and share the load.

If you’re interested in lending a hand the Vic Events Working Group meet 7:30am 3rd  Wednesday of the month.

Email vicbranch@aabr.org.au if you liked to help grow AABR Vic.

 

 Walk, Talk & Gawk

A great way to meet AABR members and share your thoughts and approaches to bushland management. If you have an idea and an interest in hosting a Walk, Talk & Gawk (WTG) get in touch with Sharon Mason, the WTG coordinator for AABR Vic, vicbranch@aabr.org.au