Beyond Bunya Dieback Symposium 2025 – Bringing Community Together to Heal Country

Join us on Friday, 14th March 2025, on Jinibara Country in Maleny, for the second "Beyond Bunya Dieback" Symposium. This year’s theme, "Bringing Community Together to Heal Country," focuses on fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and developing an education campaign to combat the spread of pathogens threatening our iconic Bunya trees and fragile ecosystems.

Event Highlights:

Shared Knowledge: Learn from Traditional Owners, conservationists, scientists, soil pathologists, and other experts about the cultural and ecological significance of Bunya trees and practical strategies for managing the effects of pathogens.
Collaborative Networks: Build connections with a diverse group of stakeholders to strengthen our collective efforts in protecting and restoring Country.
Inspiration and Action: Gain tools, insights, and ideas to engage your community in conservation and education initiatives.

This year's program also includes a special international presentation from Tiakina Kauri, sharing valuable lessons learned from Aotearoa/New Zealand in their work to protect Kauri, as well as perspectives on cross-cultural partnerships and community-led solutions.

Why Attend?
The Beyond Bunya Dieback Symposium provides a unique opportunity to be part of a growing movement dedicated to the health of our ecosystems. Whether you're a land manager, scientist, educator, or community member, your voice and participation are vital to shaping sustainable solutions.

SPEAKERS PROGRAM

8:30 AM – Registration

9:00 AM – Welcome to Country – Aunty Zeitha Jalamala - Jinibara Elder

9:15 AM – Introduction - "Dieback Events and what they're telling us about our relationship with the land" – Spencer Shaw - Forest Ecologist, Brush Turkey Enterprises

9:45 AM – Presentation – Mia Townsend - Chief Executive Officer, Dieback Working Group (Dieback Working Group - going National, school education programs, Green Card accreditation)

10.00 AM – Presentation – Mita Harris - Operations Manager Kauri Protection, Biosecurity New Zealand & Candace Dudson - Kauri Protection Officer, Northland Regional Council (New Zealand Dieback Experience - 3 years of Kauri Protection)

11.00 AM – Morning Tea - provided

11:45 AM – Presentation – Dr Kylie Ireland - Plant Diseases Program Leader, Dept. Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions, WA- (Western Australia Dieback Experience, Dieback Working Group, education and Green Card programs)

12:30 PM – Presentation – Justin Enslin - Principal Ranger, Qld Parks and Wildlife Service (effect of pathogens Glasshouse Mountains ecosystems and current strategies in place )

1:00 PM – Lunch & Networking - visit the many cafes in the main street or BYO.

2:00 PM – Presentation – Adrian Bauwens - Bunya Peoples Indigenous Rangers (Dieback at the Bunya Mountains and indigenous biosecurity network)

2:45 PM – Presentation – Dr Susan Frankel - Forest Pathologist, US Department of Agriculture (retired), & Chris Lee - Forest Pathologist, Dept. Forestry and Fire Protection, California (California Dieback Experience - California Oak Mortality Task Force)

3:15 PM – Presentation – Pierre Loiseau & Rachael Sanderson -Myco Regen (Fungi for Restoration & improving soil health)

4:00 PM – Round Table Discussions & Summary – facilitated by Karen & Spencer Shaw

4:30 PM – Close of Symposium

Let’s come together to protect Country, share knowledge, and inspire meaningful action.

This event and the "Beyond Bunya Dieback" program are hosted and funded by Brush Turkey Enterprises, committed to protecting our natural heritage through collaboration and education.

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