Presentations from the Innovation In Conservation Symposium

At the Innovation in Conservation Symposium, co-hosted by AABR and TAFE NSW, speakers highlighted how innovation is reshaping restoration practice and governance. Opening the day, AABR President Peter Dixon emphasised that true innovation lies not only in field techniques but in governance, funding, and decision-making systems that support long-term ecological resilience. Den Barber shared his cultural fire journey, showing how Aboriginal fire knowledge, when partnered with bush regeneration, restores balance and resilience to Country in line with SERA principles. Mark Walters demonstrated the overlooked power of topsoil translocation in achieving self-sustaining recovery, while Dr. Michelle Ryan showed how eDNA is transforming platypus conservation and riparian management. Chelsea Castello presented Ku-ring-gai Council’s Eastern Pygmy Possum program, highlighting how nest boxes and community science safeguard vulnerable species, and Matt Stevens introduced the HoloHog, a tool accelerating hollow creation for hollow-dependent fauna. Together, these talks reflected resilience-based restoration in action—combining traditional knowledge, science, and practical innovation to advance ecosystem recovery.

Governance Innovation: The Missing Link in Urban Ecological Restoration

Peter Dixon, president of AABR, opened the symposium by reflecting on his decades-long journey in bush regeneration and the lessons urban ecosystems have taught him. He argued that while practitioners constantly innovate on the ground, the greatest challenge lies in governance—ensuring funding, policy, and decision-making structures truly support ecological resilience and long-term restoration success. His keynote set the tone for the day, highlighting that innovation must extend beyond methods to the systems that underpin restoration.

Topsoil Translocation: A Hidden Restoration Tool

Mark Walters (TAFE NSW) highlighted the often-overlooked potential of topsoil translocation—salvaging seed-rich soil from development sites and relocating it to degraded landscapes. Drawing on 25 years of case studies, he showed how this method can achieve high species diversity, natural regeneration, and even resilience to fire. His talk reflected SERA Standards Principle 4 (measuring recovery and ecosystem function) and demonstrated how governance and better policy could make this powerful tool a mainstream restoration practice.

eDNA Reveals Platypus Across Sydney Creeks

Dr. Michelle Ryan (Western Sydney University) shared her work with the Cattai Hills Environment Network using innovative eDNA sampling to detect platypus in Sydney’s rapidly changing waterways. The project expanded known records from just two sites to more than 60, revealing platypus across the Hawkesbury–Nepean catchment. By combining cutting-edge science, community volunteers, and habitat management, this work reflects SERA Standards principles—using monitoring and adaptive strategies to protect threatened species and restore resilience in riparian ecosystems.

Why Cultural Burning Belongs in Restoration

In this moving talk, Den Barber shares his journey from firefighter to cultural fire practitioner and landcare leader. He explains why cultural burning is more than hazard reduction—it’s restoration grounded in Country, community and cultural law. His story highlights the importance of Traditional Custodian leadership and the SERA Standard’s call for restoration practices that build resilience over the long term.

New Tool Helps Hollow-Dependent Species

Ecologist Matt Stephens has developed the Hollowhog, a tool that carves durable hollows into trees—offering wildlife habitat that would otherwise take centuries to form. Used by councils, landcare groups and conservation agencies, the technology is restoring vital nesting and shelter sites for species from gliders to powerful owls. A practical example of SERA-aligned restoration where intervention is essential for resilience.

Tiny Possums, Big Insights from Monitoring

Ku-ring-gai Council’s Eastern Pygmy Possum program is improving knowledge of this vulnerable species in Sydney bushland. By installing nest boxes and monitoring with volunteers, the project is providing critical supplementary habitat where hollows are scarce, while also identifying key food plants that sustain possums during breeding. A clear example of resilience-based restoration and SERA-aligned practice in an urban setting.

Resilience-Based Restoration for an Uncertain Future

This panel discussion explores the challenges of bush regeneration under climate change—heatwaves, flooding, funding limits and the need for adaptive practice. Speakers emphasise resilience-based approaches, smarter site management, and the critical role of long-term monitoring in proving success. Their insights echo SERA Standards principles of adaptive management and evidence-based restoration.