About The Training

Learn about AUSMAP and participate in this full-day training and accreditation workshop on the field sampling methodology for collecting, sorting and identifying microplastics.

Join AUSMAP Director Michelle Blewitt & AUSMAP Science Officer Dr Natasha Franklin to become an accredited AUSMAP Ambassador.

* Gain a broader environmental awareness on the issue of plastics and deeper insight into the microplastic problem

* What are microplastics, where we can find them in our local community, and how AUSMAP is helping to reduce this problem, along with your help!

* Learn about the current state of affairs across Australia and how we can manage these issues

* Gain hands-on experience by undertaking a scientific microplastic sample along a local shoreline - contributing to data collection that will be added to national microplastic database and hotspot map

* Field sampling will be followed by a practical accreditation in the afternoon session, an essential part of the official AUSMAP program - on completion, you will become an accredited AUSMAP Ambassador

* Program is directly linked to the Australian curriculum so great for educators - resources available to trained ambassadors (PD available for trained teachers)

Proudly supported by the Queensland Government—Engaging Science Grants.

When: Friday 13th September @ 08:45am (meeting) for 09:00am start; finish approximately 4:00pm

Experts: Dr Michelle Blewitt (AUSMAP Director) & Dr Natasha Franklin (AUSMAP Science Officer)

Venue: Hervey Bay SLSC, 447 Charlton Esplanade, Torquay QLD

Cost: FREE, kindly supported by the Engaging Citizen Science Program 2024, Dept of Environment, Science & Innovation

This is training is suited for educators & teachers, members of council, sustainability officers, retirees, community members - anyone aged 14 years and over.

A light morning tea will be provided, but please bring your own lunch or purchase close by on the day. BYO reusable coffee cup and water bottle. Please, no single-use plastics!

LIMITED PLACES, PLEASE BOOK ASAP by 10th September

Event will be photographed for media purposes.

About the AUSMAP Program

It’s hard to solve a problem you can’t see. Until recently microplastic pollution presented scientists with a crisis that was invisible to the naked eye. Now we have AUSMAP - the Australian Microplastic Assessment Project.

AUSMAP is a global first, nationwide citizen science that engages and educates the community to collect scientifically reliable data on microplastics from shorelines across the country – from coasts to catchments – to identify litter hotspots and assist in source reduction.

AUSMAP is a powerful management tool that forms the basis to develop and implement regional litter prevention strategies for stakeholders to use, and act on.

We need to know how much is out there before we figure out what to do with it. And we need large numbers of Australians to engage with behaviour change so we can stop any more plastic from entering our waterways and design effective mitigation strategies.

That’s why we need you in our AUSMAP collaborative citizen science project!

FAQs

What is the cost of the Training Day?

The cost of this AUSMAP Training day is FREE, kindly supported by the Engaging Citizen Science Program 2024, Dept of Environment, Science & Innovation).

Donations to support the ongoing development and delivery of AUSMAP are greatly appreciated. All donations over $2 are tax-deductible.

What do I need to bring?
* You will be required to collect water as part of the field sampling, so please bring waterproof shoes
* Rain jacket and/or sun protection, including hat and sunscreen
* Notebook and pen
* Reusable water bottle and coffee cup

What obligation do I have after I complete the AUSMAP Training Program?

** As you register, you will complete the AUSMAP Collaborator Agreement questions**

As a registered AUSMAP Collaborator, you need to agree to the following:

1) Where possible, complete sampling 4 times per year in a proposed location;

2) Follow our AUSMAP methodology, using our field kit & equipment, send datasheets and microplastic samples to AUSMAP for further analysis;

3) Promote the AUSMAP program with your local community;

4) AUSMAP methodology, sampling, data and name cannot be used for profit; and

5) The materials and training provided are restricted to providing education and data collection to organisations that are not gaining financially - the program can not be taught or used without prior agreement with AUSMAP (refer to Collaborator Agreement);

For more information, please contact events@ausmap.org
Look forward to seeing you!