Australian native bees, wasps, and flies play a vital role in pollinating not only our unique native plants but also many introduced crops. While their beauty and fascinating behaviours are gaining attention, their ecological importance often goes unrecognised.

With threats such as land clearing, pesticide use, and increasingly frequent wildfires, native pollinators face growing challenges to their survival. Understanding their role in local ecosystems—particularly here in the Illawarra—is more important than ever.

At our upcoming Talking Landcare event, we’ve invited two passionate presenters to share their latest research and insights into the native bees of the Illawarra and the complex world of pollinator ecology. Join us to learn about native pollinator networks, their behaviours, how they interact with our environment, and how you can contribute through citizen science.

We invite all Landcare members, Bushcare volunteers, local landholders, and community members to join this important discussion.

Refreshments will be provided. Please register to help us manage numbers.

Speakers

Dr Amy-Marie Gilpin is an ecologist specialising in plant-pollinator interactions in Australian ecosystems. She leads the Ecological Interactions Research Team at Western Sydney University, where current research explores the impacts of fire and invasive species on pollinator networks, as well as the behaviour of ground-nesting bees.
Website: amy-mariegilpin.com
Instagram: @eirt_wsu

Alison Mellor is an Illawarra-based native bee enthusiast and citizen science advocate with a passion for inspiring curiosity about wild native bees. She shares her bee-spotting adventures and knowledge through her online platform, @paperbark_native_bees
Website: alisonmellor.com.au
Instagram: @paperbark_native_bees
Facebook: @paperbark native bees

Please contact our coordinator on 0499 027 770 or coordinator@landcareillawarra.org.au with any questions.

Image: Native bee on Dianella flowers. Photo by Alison Mellor