The upcoming Science Forum to be held at Winton Wetlands on 1-2 March will bring together leading experts in wetlands ecology and management, and feature three distinct sessions – each packed with quality content.

The second of its three sessions will take a close look at “communities of practice for restoration”, and will feature a diverse range of community-based groups outlining what they do, why and how, including how their funding works.

Speakers will highlight some aspects that really work for them and how these might in some cases work for others too.

A facilitated discussion panel and Q&A session will document the key points from the range of speakers and other participants.

The six expert speakers in this session will enable attendees to benefit from a wide range of organisational perspectives.

• Dr Dennis O’Brien, Chair of the Winton Wetlands Committee of Management, will talk about the operations of that group, responsible for the largest wetland conservation and restoration project in the southern hemisphere
• Dr Sophie Bickford will speak on the work and role of the Biolinks Alliance, a partnership and capacity-building organisation working in central Victoria to help drive vital conservation work on public and private land
• Dylan McWhinney of the Albury Conservation Company will speak on the work of this not-for-profit community organisation that works to protect biodiversity in Albury Wodonga
• Mark Bachmann, CEO of the Nature Glenelg Trust, will speak on the work and issues facing this not-for-profit environment organisation that has a particular focus on wetland conservation and restoration, but with further activities including operation of a native plant nursery, education programs, and research into threatened species.
• Sophie Enders of Swamps, Rivers and Ranges, a community driven land restoration project operating across north-eastern Victoria, will speak on cooperative work underway that brings together landcare groups and land managers across a large area
• Prof Peter Gell, of the Bunanyung Landscape Alliance, will speak about the operations of this community-based body which works to ensure the preservation of natural heritage, sustainable agriculture and communities in an area stretching from Geelong to Ballarat and beyond.

Participants in this second session of the Winton Wetlands Science Forum will have the opportunity to contribute to discussion and documentation of best practice approaches to the operation of environmental restoration groups.

It’s a session not to be missed by anyone concerned about the importance of how restoration work is managed, organised and structured to achieve the results needed.

This session will be the second of three that make up the Science Forum. We’ll provide more information on the third and final session very soon – but don’t wait to book your place at the Forum!