Renewal time is coming around again. And this year, we’re doing things a little differently.

Following last year’s transition to a new CRM system, we’ve taken the opportunity to refine how we manage memberships. While that shift has set us up well for the future, we know the 2025–26 renewal process didn’t land as smoothly as it should have for everyone. So. We’ve made some practical changes.

What’s changing this year?

For the 2026–27 financial year, AABR will:

  • Follow up with lapsed members with an exit survey. 
  • Send renewal notices earlier, across May and June
  • Follow up with clear reminders
  • Aim to have renewals finalised before 30 June 2026

A simpler timeline. Fewer surprises. Better support along the way.

Why the change?

This shift helps in a few important ways.

Stronger planning for AABR
 Earlier renewals give us a clearer picture of our membership base. That means better planning for events, advocacy and support for bush regenerators across the country.

Easier for members
 Renewing before EOFY means you can include your membership as a professional development expense in the current financial year. One less thing to chase later.

More consistent communication
 We’re improving how we follow up. Fewer missed reminders. More clarity about what’s due and when.

Learning from last year

The move to a CRM system was a big step forward for AABR. It’s helping us build stronger connections with members and improve how we deliver value.

That said, some memberships were unintentionally missed or delayed during the transition. We’ve taken that on board.

This year’s renewal process is part of a broader focus on:

  • clearer communication
  • better member support
  • more consistent engagement across the membership lifecycle

All key priorities in our current membership reinvigoration work.

Staying connected to practice

Membership isn’t just a line item. It’s part of maintaining a strong, connected community of practice.

AABR continues to support members to:

  • apply best practice ecological restoration, grounded in the National Standards
  • share knowledge and refine techniques through experience and exchange
  • strengthen outcomes for species composition, ecosystem function and resilience over time

Your membership helps keep that work going.

What to expect next

Keep an eye on your inbox from May.

You’ll receive:

  • a survey if your membership has lapsed
  • your renewal notice
  • reminders if needed
  • clear instructions on how to renew

If your details have changed, you’ll be able to update them during the renewal process, or if you’re unsure about your membership status, we’re here to help.

We’ll also be reaching out to members whose membership has lapsed. This is a quick check-in to understand whether it was an oversight or a conscious decision. If you’re choosing not to renew, we’d really value your feedback through a short survey. It helps us improve the relevance and value of AABR membership for the bush regeneration community.

Get ready to renew

Renew early. Stay connected. Keep the work moving.

Your membership supports a national community of practice grounded in ecological restoration principles and continuous improvement. It helps ensure knowledge is shared, standards are upheld, and on-ground outcomes continue to improve.

And if you’re stepping away this year, your feedback is just as valuable. It helps us better understand what’s working, what’s missing, and how AABR can better support bush regenerators at every stage of practice.

Together, we strengthen the practice. One site, one species, one season at a time.