November 2025

As we edge toward the end of 2025, the energy across AABR is unmistakable. Our 40th year is just around the corner and the anniversary sparks are already flying, working groups forming, events rolling out, new resources landing and branches gearing up for a big year of restoration, learning and connection. This issue is packed with ways to get involved: help shape our 40-year celebrations, have your say in next year’s program, host a Walk, Talk & Gawk, join end-of-year field trips, catch up on AABR Vic news and dive into a suite of fresh guides, webinars and regenTV releases. Plenty to read, plenty to do and plenty to look forward to as we step into AABR’s milestone year together, and launch fundraising appeal to help make it happen.

Glyphosate and Chemical Bans: What Practitioners and Councils Need to Know (PDF)

This evidence-based fact sheet unpacks the science, practicalities and policy considerations around glyphosate and other herbicide bans. Based on council case studies and current research, it explores the impact of outright bans, safety findings, costs, alternative methods, and AABR’s recommended integrated approach. Essential reading for bushland managers and local government officers tasked with balancing public concerns, environmental outcomes and operational needs.

Safe Chemical Use in Bush Regeneration (PDF)

This AABR guide shares practical information for bush regenerators and land managers on how to use herbicides safely and effectively. Drawing from expert sources and field experience, it offers clear,hands-on guidance on personal protective equipment (PPE), storage, signage, record keeping and environmentally sensitive application techniques. Whether you’re a volunteer or a contractor, it’s a must-read for safe on-ground work in line with ecological restoration best practice.

Ancient hilltops, deep resilience: Professor Stephen Hopper on OCBILs and climate change

In this special AABR webinar recap, Professor Stephen Hopper takes us into the world of OCBILs the old, climatically buffered, infertile landscapes that sit at the heart of half the planet’s biodiversity hotspots. From the raised granites of WA to Table Mountain and eastern Australia, Steve shows why these ancient hilltops shelter rare flora and demand a very different management approach from fertile lowlands.

He also shares powerful lessons from decades working alongside Noongar Elders including why caring for hilltops (Kaat) and freshwater (Beeliar) is the cultural foundation for looking after country. A sharp, engaging session full of insight for anyone working in bush regen, restoration or fire.

Fire, sandstone and “green treasures”: Mark Schuster on Ku-ring-gai’s deep time country

Walk the sandstone ridges of Ku-ring-gai without leaving your inbox. Fire ecologist Mark Schuster shares how he juggles the very real risks to 140,000 residents with the need to protect some of Sydney’s most biodiverse sandstone bushland.

From Proteaceae-rich ridgetop woodlands to rockwarblers, pygmy possums and peacock spiders, Mark gives a grounded look at what it means to manage fire in “deep time” country at the urban–bush interface, and why soil moisture, weeds and community conversations all matter.

Curious about how fire fits into urban bushland management?
Join Club BUSHY and AABR for a guided walk-and-talk through Sydney’s North Shore as we unpack the real-world complexities of ecological burning and asset protection. With insights from fire officer Myles Holloway and the team at Bushy Landscapes, we’ll explore recent burns in Westleigh Bush Park and compare them with approaches in nearby Berowra National Park. Expect honest chats, thoughtful insights, snacks, drinks by @drink_bobby and a little gift from @zorali.

Sun 6 Dec | 9am-12 | Westleigh Park | Register now

Celebrate the year’s end with a slow morning in the bush.
Join AABR for a relaxed field gathering north of Sydney, a chance to reflect, reconnect and wrap up the year with fellow bush regenerators. We’ll begin at Cowan’s local bushcare site, wander through two native gardens cared for by AABR members, then make our way to Brooklyn for a short stroll through the mangroves and a picnic in the park.
This lightly active, highly social day is all about shared stories, practical insights and a moment to pause before the year ends.

Sat 13 Dec | 10:30am start | Cowan & Brooklyn | Register now

Momentum Builds: AABR Vic AGM Update

The AABR Vic AGM wrapped up with plenty of momentum. The achievements report outlines the progress over the past year. A new committee is now in place, two fresh information sheets were launched, and a working group has been formed to deliver a grassland-focused forum on 8 May 2026. A strong start to a big anniversary year.

In 2026, AABR Vic is committing to grow its membership and its impact. The team will be rolling out a new knowledge-exchange service, a local Walks, Talks & Gawks program, and the long-awaited launch of accreditation in Victoria. Keen to help shape the branch as it grows? We’re always looking for active members. Reach out at vicbranch@aabr.org.au.

Got a Great Site? Let’s Walk, Talk & Gawk It

AABR’s enduring Walk, Talk & Gawk program will be front and centre throughout 2026 as we celebrate 40 years of learning together in the bush. These events have been the backbone of AABR’s networking and knowledge sharing since the early days, bringing our mission to life through real conversations in real ecosystems. We’re inviting members to help shape this anniversary year by hosting a walk on a site you know well. It could be a patch you’ve worked on, a project that shows natural-assisted regeneration in action, or simply a place with a good story to tell.

If you’re keen to host a Walk, Talk & Gawk, we’d love to hear from you. Either complete the Expression of Interest form if you know the details or email Peta with an idea whatson@aabr.org.au and we can shape the event with you.  The Walks and Talks Working Group will support you with planning, promotion and on-the-day guidance. It’s a simple, enjoyable way to share your knowledge, connect with other regenerators, and help strengthen our community of practice as AABR turns 40.

ERIK PROJECT FORMING EXPERT PANELS

The Environmental Restoration Integrated Knowledge (ERIK) Project is excited to announce that a diversity of practitioners have recently met to discuss how to assess the quality of ecological restoration guidance currently available for three threatened ecological communities in NSW: Grassy Box Woodland, Cumberland Plain Woodland, and Lowland Subtropical Rainforest. Experts involved in these meetings included Bush Regenerators, practitioners from Landcare, NGOs, local and State government, Ecologists, and Research Scientists. A key outcome of these meetings is the recommendation to form expert panels to:

• Review existing restoration guidance and educational materials
• Assess whether materials meet best practice criteria
• Describe any caveats needed on resources before they are uploaded to the ERIK Platform
• Suggest improvements needed to existing resources
• Identify new materials needed to fill gaps in knowledge

Findings of the expert panels will guide future research, particularly to assist the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water determine research priorities. Involvement in an expert panel is an inspiring way to contribute to important, evidenced based, improvements to restoration practice on the ground. If you have expressed interest in contributing to the project we’ll be in touch soon. If you’ve yet to express and would like to be involved, please contact Sandy Eager, ERIK Coordinator, at projects@aabr.org.au. For more information, visit AABR ERIK Project Webpage.

Four new videos from AABRfest 2024 – Return of the Regenerators

See What We’ve Achieved Together

The National AGM saw the Board reinstated and a Queensland member welcomed, the revised Constitution ratified, Jane Gye farewelled, the financial statements adopted and two extremely interesting presentations on Vegetation shifts delivered.

If you’ve been wondering what AABR has been doing for the past year, the Achievements Report tells the story. From the momentum of our branches to progress on ERIK and a lively calendar of Walks & Talks, it’s a clear picture of steady, resilience-based restoration work guided by the National Restoration Standards.

It’s also a quick way to see the impact of your contribution — whether you’re regenerating on-ground, volunteering, studying or supporting from an office. Strong governance, active working groups and uplifting collaborations come through on every page.

Take a moment to browse. Let it spark ideas, connection and pride in the shared effort you’re part of. These achievements belong to all of us.

Got some skills to share and looking for somewhere to share them? Our Working Groups are the places that need faces. We even have a group dedicated to coordinating the 40th Anniversary year . Email Sally secretary@aabr.org.au or Suzanne admin@aabr.org.au to discuss.

Update on Recent Renewal & Donation Issue

We recently discovered a glitch affecting some membership renewals. The renewal page included an embedded donation form, and if a member clicked into the donation field, even by accident, the system treated it as mandatory. This meant you couldn’t complete your renewal without entering a donation. Our backend investigation confirmed that donations shouldn’t be required, but adding that donation block unintentionally made the field compulsory. There was no way for us to know this when the form was set up.

If this issue stopped you from renewing, we’re sorry for the frustration and impost, and we hope you’ll consider renewing now. The donation form has been removed from the membership sign-up process, and everything is working smoothly again. If you made an unintended donation and would like it returned, please email accounts@aabr.org.au and we’ll arrange a refund promptly.

If you have not yet renewed, and would like to or your circumstances have changed the links above will allow us to update our records.

AABR at 40: Shape Our Year of Celebration Survey

Next year AABR hits the big 4–0 and we’re planning a year worth remembering. We’ve got loads of ideas… maybe too many. Help us choose the activities that matter most to you and the wider bush regen community.

Only four quick questions, and a couple of minutes of neural processing.

Help Bring AABR’s 40-Year Celebrations to Life

AABR turns 40 in 2026 and we’re planning a big year of celebration, learning and connection, including a national forum, field days, webinars, storytelling and community events. To help bring it all to life we’re forming a 40th Anniversary Working Group and would love some extra hands. If you’re enthusiastic, reliable and keen to get involved — whether through events, comms, partnerships, legacy projects or behind-the-scenes support — we’d be thrilled to have you on board. The commitment is flexible and a great way to connect with others while shaping AABR’s milestone year. Register your interest via the short Expression of Interest form and help us celebrate 40 years of bush regeneration.

40th Anniversary Fundraising Appeal

As we gear up for AABR’s 40th year, we’re running a special 40th Anniversary Appeal to help bring the full program to life. Every contribution goes straight toward the events and activities planned for 2026, the national forum, regional field days, Walks, Talks & Gawks, webinars, storytelling projects and community celebrations.

If AABR has supported your learning, shaped your practice or simply given you a sense of belonging in the bush regen community, please consider contributing. Even a small amount  helps us create a milestone year that celebrates our shared history and strengthens the future of ecological restoration.

Your contribution whilst greatly appreciated  is not tax-deducible as AABR does not have DGR status…yet