About The Training

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

Join AUSMAP Program Director Dr Michelle Blewitt 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 Queensland and how we can manage these issues

* Gain hands-on experience by undertaking a scientific microplastic sample along the shoreline of Mackay (also contributes to authentic data collection)

* Field sampling will take place - a practical accreditation will take place in the afternoon session, an essential part of the official AUSMAP program - on completion, you will become an accredited AUSMAP Leader!

When: Friday, 24th February @ 0845 (meeting) for 0900 am start - 1600 pm finish

Expert: Dr Michelle Blewitt (Program Director)

Venue:

Meeting Point and Theory Session: The Surf Club Mackay (Mackay SLSC), LOT 67 E Point Dr, Mackay Harbour QLD 4740

Practical Session: Harbour Beach, Mackay

This is training is perfect for teachers, educators, members of council, sustainability officers, retirees, community members, and more!

Light morning tea will be provided, but please BYO lunch, coffee cup and water bottle or purchase close by on the day at the local cafes. Please, no single-use plastics!

LIMITED PLACES, PLEASE BOOK ASAP!
PLEASE RSVP 20 February @ 5PM

Events may 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 for participants. This Training day is being subsidised by ReefClean, a project funded by the Australian Government's Reef Trust and delivered by the Tangaroa Blue Foundation.

Additionally, 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 (or go barefoot)
* Sun protection, including hat and sunscreen
* Outdoor Wear (and be prepared to get your feet wet!)
* Notebook and pen
* Reusable water bottle and coffee cup
* Face mask if you would feel more comfortable

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, assist in 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) The materials and training provided are restricted to FREE education and data collection. The program can not be taught or used without prior agreement with AUSMAP.

4) Promote the AUSMAP program with your local community.

5) AUSMAP methodology, sampling, data and name cannot be used for profit.

For more information, please contact events@ausmap.org