In this edition
April always brings a shift. The seasons turn. Growth slows, then settles. A good time to notice what is returning, what is holding, and where a bit more care is needed.
In this month’s e-news, we move across grasslands, woodlands and urban edges. From sold-out forums to small, steady on-ground work. From early AABR field notes to current conversations about standards, skills and recognition. It is a reminder that ecological restoration is both long-term and hands-on. Built on observation. Guided by practice. And always moving towards recovery of indigenous ecosystems, one site at a time
There is plenty here to learn from, join in, and carry forward.
- AABR’s proposal for the Occupation Standard Classification
- Submission on the draft NSW Nature Strategy
- ERIK is looking for experts
- Reflections on regeneration from 1987
- Membershhip renewal coming soon
- RegenTV- Understanding Mesic Shift – Part 2
- Victoria –
- NSW/ACT
- Bush Jobs
- Conservation Connections
- News call out for articles
Australia’s occupation framework is under review, and it’s a chance to get bush regeneration recognised for what it is. Skilled work. Essential work. AABR is stepping in to make sure ecological restoration roles, especially the often-overlooked skilled practitioner, are properly defined and valued. The Occupational structure AABR is proposing consists of an Entry-level Assistant or Trainee, Skilled Practitioner,Project Manager or Coordinator and Contract or Business Manager. Read more.
AABR’s President, Peter Dixon, was invited to provide feedback on the development of the draft NSW Nature Strategy, welcoming its ambition while calling for stronger foundations to support real ecological recovery. AABR’s response highlights what’s needed to move from targets to outcomes. Skilled practitioners, functional supply chains and long-term commitment to restoration practice. You can read the submission here.
We’re calling for practitioners, ecologists and knowledge-holders to help shape best practice through AABR’s ERIK project. Your insight can help ensure guidance is grounded in real-world restoration and aligned with sound ecological principles. Join an Expert Panel and contribute to building practical, credible resources that support recovery of Australia’s diverse ecosystems. Want to share your expertise?
Wind back 40 years and you’ll find AABR in its early stages. Mud on boots. Notes in hand. A community forming around a simple idea. Work with natural regeneration and let ecosystems recover.
This piece looks back at those early days (1987). The field notes, the shared learning, the first steps towards what we now recognise as best practice. Different tools. Same intent.
Membership renewals for 2026–27 are coming up, and this year we’re making the process simpler and earlier. Following last year’s transition to a new system, we’ve refined how renewals are managed to improve communication and make things easier for members. Keep an eye on your inbox from May. Here’s what to expect over the coming months.
Understanding Vegetation Shifts (Part 2): Mesic Shift & restoring fire regimes
When fire changes, everything changes. This webinar unpacks how vegetation structure, species composition and ecosystem function are shifting across Australia and what bush regenerators can do in response. Watch the video.
Grassland Resurrection: sold out, but not out of reach
The Grassland Resurrection Forum has officially sold out. 300 people. A clear sign that native grasslands are back in focus and firmly on the agenda.
Across the day, presenters will tackle the big questions. Why grasslands function the way they do. What it takes to restore them. And how we manage threats while supporting recovery. Expect insights from Steve Sinclair on grassland ecology, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung rangers restoring Biik, and practical perspectives on fire, weeds and decision-making in the field
From modelling management outcomes to on-ground lessons in places like the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Wilsons Promontory, the program spans research, practice and community connection. There is even a panel on the burning question. Fire in grasslands. Necessary. Complex. Ongoing.
Missed out on a ticket? You are still in. The forum is being recorded, with presentations available on AABR’s regenTV channel by World Environment Day.
Grasslands. Often overlooked. Never simple. This forum brings them back into view.
Grass ID for Bush regenerators
Friday 8th May – Kariong Youth Centre (The Hill) 9:30-2pm
Learn to read the grasses around you. Join Harry Rose for a practical workshop on identifying native and invasive grasses of the Sydney region. Includes classroom learning and a guided field walk—plus bring your mystery specimens for ID. Only 25 places. RSVP ASAP
Don’t Pea Afraid – Identifying Native Pea flowers with Shirley McLaren
Wednesday 27th May online- 6-7 pm-
Pea flowers are a wonderfully diverse group, with more than 1100 native species across Australia. Many feature the classic yellow and red combination, earning the nickname ‘egg-and-bacon’ flowers. Join Shirley McLaran online to learn how to recognise key pea flower features and confidently tell these lookalikes apart.
Shirley leads the Australian Plant Society’s Pea Flower Study Group and is a keen contributor to iNaturalist, sharing observations and helping others sharpen their plant ID skills.
Register to attend . Get notified when the recording is available by following our RegenTV YouTube Channel
Guided Walk at Chilworth Reserve with Sheila Woods
Saturday 30th May Chilworth Reserve Beecroft 10:30-1pm
Join us for a guided walk at Chilworth Reserve as part of SER’s Make a Difference Week—turning global momentum into local action. Walk alongside Sheila Woods and see ecological restoration in practice, where decades of community-led bush regeneration continue to support recovery of native ecosystems.
Urban Fire Management Walk & Talk with Club BUSHY
Saturday 13th June – St Ives Showground 9am-12pm
Join Club BUSHY, Mark Schuster and AABR for a guided walk through Sydney’s North Shore exploring the realities of urban fire management. Hear from experienced practitioners as we move through diverse ecological communities, each with unique fire regime needs and histories. Together, we’ll unpack how ecological burning, biodiversity conservation and asset protection can coexist on a complex urban bushland edge. 25 places, detailas are here.
Korinderi Ridge Bush Regen Week – 5-9 August, near Woodburn NSW
A long-running AABR-supported regen week near Bundjalung National Park is back. Five days or just one. Mornings in the bush, afternoons your own, and evenings with ecologists sharing their insights. No experience needed. Just bring a tent, practical gear and a willingness to get in and help restore this special place. Here’s more details.
Bush Jobs
Employers – advertise a vacant position
Job seekers – subscribe to be notified of new adverts
- Harvest Road Group Pty Ltd: Biodiversity Lead
- Experienced Bush Regenerators and Team Supervisor – Terra Australis
- Greater West Landscapes: Bush Regeneration & Revegetation
- Muru Mittigar Ltd: Bush Regenerator (Casual Crew Member)
- Muru Mittigar Ltd: Bush Regenerator & Conservation Practitioner
- Dragonfly Environmental Pty Ltd: Site Supervisor
- BARRC: Bush Regeneration Team Members Sydney / Central Coast Team & Mid Coast Team
- 15th Australasian Plant Conservation Conference (APCC15), Port Douglas – QLD, 24-28 August 2026
With the theme ‘Plant Conservation: Culture, Collaboration and Change’ APCC15 will explore these three spheres of native plant recovery through rainforest restoration partnerships, collaborations with Traditional Owner groups, impacts of climate change induced natural disasters, management of threatened species and communities, and biosecurity threats such as Myrtle Rust. The conference will bring together from across the continent, people researching, working, or volunteering in plant conservation to address the challenges facing Australasia’s spectacular and diverse plant life, through information exchange and sharing best practice approaches. There will also be numerous workshops, social events and field trip options, which you can find more info on at the conference website. Don’t miss out to be a part of the first edition of APCC to be held in the Wet Tropics, right on the doorstep of the Daintree. https://www.anpc.asn.au/conferences-apcc15/ - FriendsNET Victoria
- ARI Terrestrial Quarterly Update April 2026. Read the latest Terrestrial Quarterly Update from ARI including stories about use of AI systems to detect species calls; preserving threatened species of Grevillea in Victoria and use of eDNA to monitor wildlife.
- Frogs Victoria– Yasmin Kelsall and Julia Cirillo”Growling Grass Frogs in the Merri Catchment: protection, education and community stewardship” The Elgin Inn, Hawthorn Wednesday 6th May 2026. From 6:30 pm – Talk starts 7:30 pm
- Environment Victoria-
- Landscape South Australia – Hills and Fleurieu
- Conservation Council South Australia
- Conservation Council ACT Region –
- Friends of Grasslands (ACT)
- Nature Conservation Council of NSW
- Queensland Conservation Council
- Invasive Species Council – Meet the Invaders
- Landcare Australia
- Nature Restoration Alliance Australia (formerly Restoration Decade Alliance)
Call for ‘The Bush Regenerator’ Articles in 2026 – June, September, December
We’re inviting stories from the field. Case studies, practical techniques, lessons learned and quiet wins in bush regeneration and ecological restoration. If it improves practice, supports resilience, or strengthens care for Country, we’d love to share it. Add your voice to AABR News. AABR’s ‘long reads’ editor is Louise Brodie newsletter@aabr.org.au
Monthly Call-out – AABR Member’s News
Have a short article, event notice or resource review to share? We’re keen on concise updates that point members to useful learning, good practice and upcoming opportunities. If it’s timely, practical and relevant to bush regeneration or ecological restoration, send it in for our monthly update. The AABR News will be circulated in the 1st week of the month in 2026. Email info to Suzanne Pritchard education@aabr.org.au by 3rd week of the month.
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