2021
- Jan
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January
Navigating the “new normal”
Dr Belinda Cash comments in an article about COVID-19 and its impact on older people mentally and socially that ran in The Senior Victoria, and The Senior South Australia, January 3.
Lizard covers
A story co-authored by members of the Murrumbidgee MER team on tree covers for lizards has been published on the Flow-Mer website at https://flow-mer.org.au/life-on-a-tree-monitoring-arboreal-lizards-in-floodplain-environments/
Your expert guide
Dr Melanie Massaro has been promoted as an “expert guide” in Australian Geographic, Jan 5.
This week in politics
Professor Dominic O’Sullivan discussed the politics of the day which included political viewpoints on the government’s choice of vaccines for COVID-19; the intersection of politics and science; the situation playing out in America particularly the active encouragement of Trump and those close to him to incite a riot in Capital Hill, the upcoming impeachment trial, and the fragility of democracy on ABC Central West, January 13.
Impeachment trial
Professor Dominic O’Sullivan discussed the outgoing US President Donald Trump’s upcoming impeachment trial on ABC Western Plains, January 15.
Change to national anthem
The changing of Australia's national anthem to denote the many years of Indigenous Australian inhabitation of the land does not go far enough to promote a unified national identity, according to Professor Dominic O’Sullivan in an article in The Daily Advertiser, in an article in the Daily Advertiser which also refers to his new book Sharing the Sovereign, on line January 15 and in print January 18.
Research on snakes
There was an interview with new ILWS post-doc Dr Chris Jolly, a snake catcher, on a paper he has published in Austral Ecology based on his seven years of snake catching and human and snake interactions, on ABC Darwin, and ABC Alice Springs, January 16.
Impact of bushfires on wildlife
One year on since the fires of last summer, Associate Professor Dale Nimmo spoke about their impact on Australian’s wildlife on ABC Goulburn Murray, ABC Gippsland, January 19.
How the phases of the moon affect Australian Wildlife
An article co-authored by PhD student Grant Linley on how the moon affects Australian wildlife was republished by Gizmodo, Jan 22.https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2021/01/how-phases-of-the-moon-affect-native-australian-wildlife/
Sloane’s froglet
Dr Alex Knight was interviewed re her research into the Sloane’s froglet and her work with work with schools in the Corowa district on ABC Goulburn Murray, ABC Gippsland, ABC Shepparton, January 22.
The Science of Stuff
In his regular segment on ABC Goulburn Murray and ABC Shepparton Dr John Rafferty spoke about supermarkets taking on insect-based products as a source of protein, cicadas, the Australian Museum’s website and insects as food in general, January 28.
February
The benefits of the four-day working week
ILWS Honours scholarship recipient Simone-Maree Hyde, as part of her research project looking into the four-day week, is surveying employers who offer their workers a four-day week. Story in the Border Mail, February 1 and the North West Star, February 2 and radio interviews on ABC Riverina, February 3, ABC Ballarat, ABC Mildura, ABC Goulburn Murray, ABC West Victoria AM, February 4 and ABC South East SA, February 8.
Book on Murray cod
Associate Professor Paul Humphries was interviewed on ABC Shepparton about a new book he is writing about Murray cod, February 2.
Colonisation in Australia
Professor Dominic O’Sullivan spoke about the colonisation of Australia and the history of massacre of Indigenous people on SBS Radio, February 3.
Mouse plague
Professor David Watson discussed the current mouse plague and the research that’s been happening (or hasn’t been happening) and how the rain will help to control numbers, on 2BS, February 4 and again February 5. He then spoke further about this on ABC Shepparton, February 16.
OzFish Deniliquin Lagoons Restoration project
Dr John Conallin tells the story of the OzFish Deniliquin Lagoons Restoration project in a video published February 4 on Facebook https://fb.watch/3su2vLEQiQ/
Self-determination
Professor Dominic O’Sullivan’s piece in the Conversation Guaranteed Māori representation in local government is about self-determination — and it’s good for democracy was picked up by Hashtag Australia, the Australian Daily Bulletin.com.au, February 5.
Protecting wetlands
A story featuring the views of Institute adjunct professor Max Finlayson and Dr John Conallin re the importance of protecting wetlands and 50 years since the Ramsar Convention’s inception, was published in the Border Mail, February 5.
What Australia could learn from New Zealand
Professor Dominic O’Sullivan was featured in a story on SBS News about what Australia could learn from New Zealand about signing a treaty with its Indigenous peoples, https://www.sbs.com.au/news/what-australia-can-learn-from-new-zealand-about-signing-a-treaty-with-its-indigenous-peoples, February 5.
Learning with locals in monitoring and research
A lovely story about the Edward/Kolety-Wakool MER project collaboration with Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre was featured in a booklet, Rivers, the Veins of our Country, put out by the MDBA. The booklet features 10 case studies of First Nation Peoples’ participation in environmental watering. https://www.mdba.gov.au/sites/default/files/pubs/rivers-the-veins-of-our-country-2019-20.pdf The media release went out February 5.
Southern Bell frogs
Associate Professor Skye Wassens spoke about the health of southern bell frog populations along the Murrumbidgee in a radio interview that was aired on ABC North Coast NSW, ABC South East NSW, ABC Mid North Coast NSW, ABC Riverina, February 8. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-02-08/endangered-frog-recorded-in-the-murrumbidgee-in-large-numbers/13126976
Image Ecologies
There was a story about a photographic exhibition, “Image Ecologies” focussing on the post-industrial condition of broken Hill, with works by James Farley in the Border Mail, February 11.
Agriculture can lead the way
Professor Kevin Parton says there is massive overseas revenue streams on offer for Australian farms offering up carbon sequestration in an article in Queensland Country Life, February 11. https://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/story/7121192/ag-can-lead-the-way-to-a-low-carbon-economy-scientists-say/
Movement of platypus on regulated rivers
An article co-authored by Institute Adjunct Dr Gilad Bino entitled “Long-term movements and activity patterns of platypus on regulated rivers” appeared as a scientific report in Nature, February 11. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-81142-6
Understanding Ageing
A free-one line course “Understanding Ageing” developed by ILWS researcher Dr Belinda Cash and others from CSU was promoted by HelloCare, February 13.
Aged care
Associate Professor Maree Bernoth spoke about the aged care industry, the problems from commercialising the industry, and the need for community care packages so the elderly can stay at home, on ABC New England North West, ABC Riverina, ABC South East NSW and ABC Central West NSW, February 15.
Flooding driver of fishery in Cambodia
There was an article in Nature’s scientific reports, Flooding is a key driver of the Tonle Sap dai fishery in Cambodia, co-authored by Institute Adjunct Kent Hortle, published February 15.
Support for caregivers
Dr Emma Colvin spoke about her research into the support given for caregivers transitioning into higher education on 2BS, February 16.
Discovery of shrimp
Institute Adjunct Dr Gavin Rees from CSIRO’s Aquatic Ecology team spoke about the discovery of a two-centimetre-long colourless shrimp — parisia unguis —in the NT’s Beetaloo Basin which could have significant ramifications for plans to frack the area on ABC West Victoria, ABC South East NSW, ABC Northern Tasmania, ABC NewsRadio, ABC Darwin, ABC North Queensland, ABC Goulburn Murray, ABC Central Victoria, and ABC Coffs Coast, February 17. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-02-17/betaloo-micro-organism-new-species-fracking/13159678
Decision to take away citizenship
Professor Dominic O’Sullivan gave his views on the legal and ethical implications of the Australian government's decision to take away the citizenship of a woman who has been found in Turkey and is said to have been working as a terrorist on ABC Riverina, February 17.
Disrespectful behaviour
Professor Dominic O’Sullivan was mentioned briefly in a news story about council staff and councillors being afraid for their safety on ABC Riverina, February 18.
Fishing for a new direction
There was a story in the Border Mail about the new Graduate Certificate in Fish Conservation and Management course developed by ILWS researchers, February 22. and in Fishing World, February 25.
Need for registered nurses in aged care
Associate Professor Maree Bernoth spoke about the need to have more registered nurses in the aged care sector on 2GB, February 23.
Lord Howe Island research
Ecologist Dr Melanie Massaro spoke about her research on Lord Howe Island and the rat eradication program with the aim of preserving the threatened Lord Howe currawong on ABC Goulburn Murray, February 23.
This week in politics
Professor Dominic O’Sullivan in his regular segment on ABC Central West discussed the resignation of MP Craig Kelly, the deal the Government has struck with Facebook and other political matters of the day, February 24.
Science of stuff
Dr John Rafferty spoke about the cost of space exploration and its value as part of his regular series the Science of Stuff on ABC Goulburn Murray, ABC Shepparton, February 25.
Aged Care Report
Associate Professor Maree Bernoth spoke about the Aged Care Report being tabled in Parliament today, the issues of staffing levels, the lack of transparency in accounting for the money provided by the Federal Government to private companies running Aged Care on ABC Central West, February 26.
Indigenous Recognition
Professor Dominic O’Sullivan’s February 26 The Conversation article Indigenous Recognition is more than a voice to Government was picked up by Hashtag Australia, February 27, Australian Daily Bulletin.com.au March 2.
Aged Care Royal Commission Report
Associate Professor Maree Bernoth spoke on ABC 1 weekend breakfast TV Perth about the report and good news that the government has said it is going to support a program to further educate registered nurses in their initial years in the sector. She was interviewed on ABC NewsRadio February 27, then again on ABC Newcastle, ABC Upper Hunter March 1. She responded to comments by the regional chair of the aged and Community Services Association Mark Sewell, and shared her support where the report acknowledges different needs at different facilities in regional and remote areas on ABC Riverina, March 2.
Life – but not as we know it
Dr Belinda Cash was featured in a story offering insights into the impact of COVID- lockdowns on seniors and support options for getting back out into society in Sunday Mail Adelaide, February 28.
March
Forum focus on water licence
Institute Adjunct Professor David Goldney says the Winburndale Rivulet’s environmental management and the environmental assessment is “seriously flawed” in an article in the Western Advocate, March 2 & 3.
Trust the Science
Recent ILWS PhD graduate Dr Daniel Lander, and Dr Angela Ragusa say their research suggests a conceptual shits in approaches to vaccination communication holds potential to improve public health in an Opinion Piece in Charles Sturt University News, March 2.
This week in politics
Professor Dominic O’Sullivan in his regular segment spoke about the allegations of a cabinet minister and rape, the challenges for the Prime Minister and difficulties of moral and political resolution of a case that cannot be resolved through criminal investigation because the woman died by suicide last year on ABC Central West and ABC Western Plains, March 3.
Former MP and ICAC hearings
Political experts, including Professor Dominic O’Sullivan, have said former NSW Riverina MP Daryl Maguire could face another round of public hearings as part of a corruption inquiry in The Daily Advertiser, March 3, The North West Star, March 4.
2.5 million reasons to rethink our connection to wildlife
Wildlife expert Associate Professor Andrew Peters said World Wildlife Day is an opportunity for us to reconnect to the environment before it is too late in an Opinion Piece in Charles Sturt University News, March 2, Ecovoice.com.au, March 3.
World Wildlife Day
Associate Professor Andrew Peters was interviewed about the human connection with wildlife in the natural world around us and how in recent decades that seems to be diminishing on 2BS 95.1FM, March 3.
Roadside reserves and travelling stock routes
Associate Peter Spooner spoke about the history of road reserves and the conservation value of these bush blocks, but says they are disappearing as the government policies create death by a thousand cuts On ABC Western Plains, ABC Central West, March 3.
Call to MDBA to investigate Hume solutions
Professor Lee Baumgartner and Dr Katie Doyle say it’s beyond time for modern engineering solutions at Hume Dam to solve the water quality issues as they nurse 37 Murray crayfish back to life in the aquatic research facility in Thurgoona, The Border Mail, March 4. He also spoke on ABC Shepparton, March 5.
Ecological monitoring in fire affected areas
Biodiversity expert Associate Professor Dale Nimmo praised a new state government focus on ecological monitoring in fire affected areas, saying it is long overdue on ABC Shepparton, March 4.
Snake Central revealed
Dr Chris Jolly is mentioned as a co-author of research in a story on snakes in Darwin, which harbours more species than any other capital city in Australia, in Jimboomba Times, March 4.
Sharing a vision
Dr John Conallin was mentioned as one of the experts facilitating participants attending the Krondrook-Perricoota (KP) Visioning Workshop in The Koondrook-Barham Bridge, March 4.
Winburndale Dam forum
ILWS Adjunct Professor David Goldney voiced concerns over the riverulet’s platypus population going extinct due to the water management at the Winburndale Dam Environmental Assessment Stakeholder Consultation Forum with the Bathurst Regional Council. The story appeared in The Western Advocate, March 5.
Mothballs in ‘new’ aged care findings
An opinion piece by Associate Professor Maree Bernoth on the findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care quality and Safety, and her concerns that they are useless unless politicians are held accountable, was published online on SeniorAu.com.au Senior Australian news and research on March 8.
Hot possums
Dr James Turner spoke on how ringtail possums cope with heatwaves with ABC Goulburn Murray, ABC Shepparton, March 9.
Mismanagement caused platypus extinction
Institute Adjunct Professor David Goldney says Bathurst Regional Council's management of the Winburndale Rivulet between 2017 and 2019 caused the extinction of the water body's platypus population at a forum convened by the Council, in the Western Advocate, March 9 online, March 10 print, The North West Star, March 10
Shark Mitigation Strategy
After five years of testing and trialling shark mitigation measures NSW DPI is running a survey to collect views. The survey is being conducted by the University of Wollongong and Charles Sturt University on behalf of NSW DPI. (ILWS researchers have conducted a number of shark research projects with NSW DPI). The story appeared in Tweed Daily News, March 11,MirageNews.com, March 11, Gatton Star, March 12, Radio 100.9 Triple Z FM, March 12, Newcastle Herald, March 27.
Waterbirds in Gayini Wetlands
Tens of thousands of breeding waterbirds are thriving in the Gayini wetlands in south west NSW. The event is the result of a collaborative effort involving UNSW Centre for Ecosystem Science and Charles Sturt researchers, state and federal environmental water managers, and traditional owners. On Ecovoice.com.au , March 10, ABC Central Victoria FM, ABC West Victoria AM, ABC Ballarat FM, ABC Goulburn Murray, March 11, Riverine Grazier, April 28.
This week in Politics
Associate Professor Dominic O’Sullivan spoke about the federal government position regarding the Christian Porter rape allegations, that it cannot afford to lose any more members or it would lose its majority in the House of Representatives. He also spoke on the Truth and Justice Commission being established in Victoria, and treaty negotiations and understanding colonisation impacts on ABC Western Plains, ABC Central West, March 10.
Rethinking housing design
Because of the new reality that COVID-19 will not be the last coronavirus pandemic Associate Professor Dirk Spennemann argues the need for future proofing new residential buildings in Charles Sturt University News Opinion, March 11, Ecovoice.com.au, March 11.
Science Chat
Dr Maggie Watson discussed the beneficial role parasites play in priming the immune system in humans and in bird populations of Crested Terns, ABC Shepparton FM, ABC Goulburn Murray, March 16.
Victorian Liberal Party
Professor Dominic O’Sullivan unpacked the failed challenge to the Victorian state Liberal party leader Michael O’Brien on ABC Shepparton FM, ABC Goulburn Murray, ABC Gippsland, March 16.
This week in Politics
Professor Dominic O’Sullivan discussed the issues surrounding the Covid vaccine roll out and the outbreak in Papua New Guinea, the women’s march on Monday and the Government’s mishandling of the Brittany Higgins issue on ABC Central West, March 17.
Senate Sports Grant Inquiry
Professor Dominic O’Sullivan says the timing of the Covid-19 pandemic diverted the public’s attention from the sports grant rorts and it is now politically important for the opposition to get this back on the political agenda on ABC Goulburn Murray, ABC Gippsland, March 18.
Mouse plague risk in tank water supply
Mice carcasses, urine or faeces can carry common bacteria like Leptospirosis, salmonella, campylobacter and other viruses that can persist in water tanks for some time. Associate Professor Peter Andrews spoke of the health risks posed by using contaminated water that comes into close contact with people, not just consumption but even hosing down yards or sprinklers on ABC Coffs Coast FM, ABC New England North West, ABC Illawarra, ABC Mid North Coast, March 18
Courtship rituals off tune
A new study has found Regent Honeyeaters have failed to learn the songs they need for courtship and other evolutionary business. Professor David Watson said this is what the extinction of a species sounds like, “it doesn’t happen with a bang but with a slow drawn out whimper.” AustralianNewsReview.com March 18, DRNext.In March 19, Grantshala.com, March 20, Lovebylife.com, March 20.
Eucalypt of the Year
Richard McLellan spoke about National Eucalypt day and the voting for the eucalypt of the year, having favourite trees from your local area, the Darwin Woolly Butt and his choice this year, the Gimmlet, (Eucalyptus salubris) on ABC Darwin, March 20.
5 Year Plan for Recovery
The NSW state government has released a new five year plan to help guide environmental recovery from the 2019 20 bushfires. Associate Professor Dale Nimmo says a lack of monitoring has left big gaps in knowledge, it has been seen as something that has been optional, on ABC New England North West, March 23.
Greek Migration to Australia in the 1950s
Associate Professor Bruce Pennay shared the Greek migrants experience at Bonegilla on ABC Ballarat, ABC Mildura, ABC West Victoria, March 25.
Isolation may be the key to growing declining animal populations
ILWS PhD Student Harry Moore has made a discovery that could help save the lives of threatened northern quolls. His findings can be used to help inform the establishment of mining sites in the Pilbara during the environmental impact assessment process and manage existing preserved areas. The story appeared in EcoVoice March 25. Harry was interviewed on ABC Kimberly, ABC North West WA, March 25.
Bringing fish back to the Barwon-Darling River
Research by Institute Adjunct Dr Martin Mallen-Cooper and Dr Brenton Zampatti from CSIRO was featured in an article on Finterest.com.au, March 25. https://finterest.com.au/bringing-fish-back-to-the-barwon-darling-river/
Wagga MP meets Premier
Professor Dominic O’Sullivan’s views on Joe McGirr and the position of the minority NSW government were mentioned in The Daily Advertiser, March 26, The Weekend Advertiser, March 27.
Migrants create a booming district
A new report released by the University of South Australia praises entrepreneurial Hazara refugees from Afghanistan for revitalising the Port Adelaide Enfield LGA into a vibrant thriving hub. ILWS researcher Professor Branka Krivokrapic-Skoko contributed to the research, The Advertiser, March 29.
Wildlife recovery after the fires
Associate Professor Dale Nimmo spoke about his research into animals affected by the 2019-20 bushfires says it is too early to tell how well the recovery is going on animal populations, with impacts understood to last for over 100 years from a fire, on ABC Gippsland, ABC Shepparton, March 30.
Lumholtz’s tree kangaroos
Associate Professor Andrew Peters was mentioned in an article on Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroos going blind, za.opera.news, March 31.
Crayfish nursed back to health
A story on returning the Murray crayfish to the river below the Hume dam featured the Charles Sturt aquatic facilities and Professor Lee Baumgartner and Dr Katie Doyle on Ecovoice.com.au., March 31.
NSW politics
Professor Dominic O’Sullivan spoke on the resignation of NSW MP Michael Johnsen and the complexities of the situation with Andrew Laming in Federal Parliament on ABC Central West, March 31.
April
The Science of stuff
Dr John Rafferty spoke about The Dish in Parkes NSW and its role in the Apollo 11 moon landing on ABC Goulburn Murray, ABC Shepparton, April 1.
Aged care providers and funding
Associate Professor Maree Bernoth responded to the Aged Care Inquiry about the claim that some rural and regional aged care facilities will go out of business if they are required to have a registered nurse on site 24/7. The Lamp, The Magazine of The NSW Nurses and Midwives; Association Volume 78, No 2, April/May, April 7.
The week in federal politics
Professor Dominic O’Sullivan discussed government priorities , budgets, over promises, and big spending projects on ABC Western Plains, ABC Central West, April 7.
Upper Hunter NSW byelection
Professor Dominic O’Sullivan commented on the upcoming byelections in the Upper Hunter and Wagga Wagga in The Daily Advertiser, April 8.
Australia feels heat on climate challenge
Professor Kevin Parton commented Australia’s delays in moving to a proper climate change policy on ChinaDaily.com.au, April 12, China Daily Hong Kong, April 19.
Island quolls lose fear of predators
Post Doctoral researcher Dr Chris Jolley shared the recent findings that northern quolls living on a island free of dingos and cane toads have lost their capacity to recognise predators in 13 generations and while they can be trained to avoid cane toads, teaching them to recognise all the risks of dingos is much more complex on ABC Shepparton FM, ABC Goulburn Murray, April 13.
From fires to floods
Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie in partnership with the International River Foundation and Port Macquarie Hastings Council hosted the Rivers on Fire Conference – The Journey to Resilience April 20-21. ILWS members presenting included Associate Professor Andrew Hall delivering the welcome address, Dr Jessica Tout-Lyon and Dr Alexandra Knight, Adjuncts Dr Luis Silva and Luke Pearce. The story appeared in MacquariePortNews.com.au, April 20
Rewilding predators back into ecosystems
Dr Maggie Watson spoke on the approach of reintroducing carnivores and top predators to bring back the entire functioning ecosystem, the Grampians proposal to reintroduce dingos and the challenges of interactions between wildlife and people on ABC Ballarat, ABC Mildura FM, ABC Goulburn Murray, ABC West Victoria, April 20.
Impact of fires and floods
Dr Alexandra Knight was interviewed about her personal first-hand experience of the impacts of both floods and fires and the purpose of the Rivers on Floods and Fires conference being held at the Charles Sturt campus of Port Macquarie, ABC Mid North Coast NSW Radio, April 20.
The week in Politics
Professor Dominic O’Sullivan spoke on the impacts of the end of tax offsets for low to middle earners on the economy and its potential political problem for the government and the current debate on the superannuation guarantee on ABC Central West NSW, April 20.
Cane toad research
Ecologist post-doctoral researcher Dr Chris Jolley spoke on the issues of trapping cane toad tadpoles and the larger challenge finding ways to help our native wildlife impacted by cane toads on ABC Darwin, April 21.
Māori health
Professor Dominic O’Sullivan’s article “New authority could transform Māori health, but only if it is a leader, not a partner” appeared in The Conversation, Australian News Daily Bulletin.com.au, April 22.
Citizen Science programs
Dr John Rafferty spoke on the blood moon eclipse, drones, the Mars rover and helicopter, citizen science programs, apps like Australian Bird count, the Australian Citizen Science Association on ABC Shepparton FM, ABC Goulburn Murray, April 22.
The health of our river systems
Dr Alexandra Knight spoke her background as an amphibian ecologist and looking at the impacts of different pressures and land uses have on our rivers and streams, the Rivers on Fire and Flood conference and fish kills on 2BS 95.1 FM, April 26.
Plight Sandalwood trees in WA
PhD student Richard McLellan spoke of his findings half way through his research transect of 10 sites over 7 weeks across Western Australia, the high proportion of dead week, few signs of any regeneration of the sandalwood trees and the support of the traditional owners for this research on ABC Shepparton Fm, ABC Goulburn Murray, April 27.
Scientific integrity and public policy in the post-truth world of Australian water reform
Professor John Williams with co-authors Matt Colloff, Quentin Grafton an article examining the impediments to scientific integrity with an analysis of the water science-policy interface for the Murray-Darling Basin (MDB), Australia. They highlight the dangers to the public interest of ‘administrative capture’ of science and discuss how scientific integrity can be better protected. Globalwaterforum.org, April 27. https://globalwaterforum.org/2021/04/27/scientific-integrity-and-public-policy-in-the-post-truth-world-of-australian-water-reform/
Bid to ban shark nets
Research by Department Primary Industries, Charles Sturt University (Associate Professor Peter Simmons) and University Wollongong on shark control techniques was mentioned in a segment on KOFM, The Newcastle Herald, April 28. An article about Northern Beaches Council supporting the ban on shark nets was in Manly Observer, April 28.
Mouse plague a health risk to those in Dubbo and wider region
Associate Professor Andrew Peters warns that disease from wild mice can spread to humans and domestic animals in the Daily Liberal, April 30, Jimboombatimes.com.au, May 3, ABC Western Plains, ABC South East NSW, May 3, TripleM Riverina 1152, May 4, Queensland Country Life, Jimboomba Times, May 5, The Land, May 6.
May
Bonegilla records being digitised
Associate Professor Bruce Pennay is working on a project to digitise more than 300,000 ID cards and records from the Bonegilla Migrant Centre on ABC Shepparton FM, ABC Goulburn Murray, ABC News.net.au, PressFrom.info, May 1.
You probably don’t need to worry about ‘drinking more water’
Professor Frank Marino says the reason we drink water to regulate salt content in a story on drinking more water in The Sydney Morning Herald, May 4.
Wildlife health and the public
Associate Professor Andrew Peters was interviewed about his research and new project, the establishment of the wildlife disease surveillance system in the Riverina, where people can report on wildlife health in their area on ABC Shepparton FM, ABC Goulburn Murray, May 4.
Talking Politics
Discussing the Indian Travel Ban and the breadth of opposition to the ban by those on both sides of politics, questioning why the Federal Government has not developed an adequate quarantine regime, Professor Dominic O’Sullivan spoke on ABC Central West NSW, May 5.
Stem Ambassadors to foster parliament’s links to science
Professor Lee Baumgartner has been selected as one of 17 new STEM Ambassadors. He will be the STEM Ambassador to New South Wales Senator Perin Davey with the intent to work on NSW’s water policy. Science and Technology Australia, May 7, News Central Site, EcoVoice, The Border Mail, May 11, print version May 12. Story then picked up by the Narrandera Argus, May 27.
How the coronavirus pandemic is shifting global attitudes
Professor Manohar Pawar was quoted in a story on a survey of more than 22,000 people from 19 countries on changing attitudes and habits of consumers as they adapt to a new reality following COVID-19 in The Sydney Morning Herald, May 10.
Women key to solving shortages in skilled trades in regional areas
Associate Professor Larissa Bamberry spoke of the barriers for women entering trades and options and support for employers to hire and retain women in the skilled trades workforce to help fill shortages on ABC Coffs Coast FM, ABC Mid North Coast, ABC Central West, May 10, ABC Shepparton FM, ABC Goulburn Murray, May 11.Follow up story with Dr Donna Bridges in NBN News, May 24
The Lower Murray and Ramsar
Adjunct Professor Max Finlayson spoke about the lower Lakes in South Australia and the need for a wider community process to decide how to maintain the values of the site, the socio-economic issues and the Ramsar obligations under climate change on ABC Shepparton, ABC Goulburn Murray, May 10, ABC Broken Hill, ABC South East SA, ABC Riverland, May 11. His comments from this interview were then repeated in an article in focussed on community group Speak Up 4 Water, in the Southern Riverina News, June 2, The McIvor Times , Narrandera Argus, June 3 and then in the Deniliquin Pastoral Times, June 4 and Country News, June 8.
Research Society Research Awards
Dr Clifford Lewis and former ILWS member Dr Michael Mehmet and now at the University of Wollongong were the recipients of the Most Inspiring Award for “Towards better practices in research the LGBTQI communities” at the Research Society Research Awards 2021-21 Awards night, announced during the society’s Human Insights Conference, May 6. Story May 12 http://www.researchnewslive.com.au/2021/05/12/human-insights-conference-presenters-awarded/
Happy International Nursing Day
Associate Professor Maree Bernoth, for Happy International Nursing Day, spoke about the big applications to study nursing at CSU as well as the importance of implementing changes to the aged care sector on ABC Central West, May 12.
2021 mouse plague and the inadvertent poisoning of rodent predators
Dr Maggie Watson says the over-reliance on second-generation rodenticides that kill vermin almost instantly, could be affecting rodent-feeding birds of prey as well. The Daily Advertiser, May 12, The Border Mail, May 17. Story was then picked up by Ecovoice, MSN-Australia, May 18. She did radio interviews on the subject on ABC NSW Country Hour aired throughout the state including ABC Western Plains, ABXC Coffs Coast, ABC Western Plains, ABC South East NSW, May 17 as well as another interview for ABC Goulburn Murray, May 18, and ABC Shepparton, ABC Central Wert NSW, ABC Western Plains, May 24. Maggie was also one of the co-authors of an article in The Conversation Mouse plague: bromadiolone will obliterate mice, but it’ll poison eagles, snakes and owls, too published May 21 which was picked up by Mirage News, May 21, The Latch, May 24 and the Molong Express, May 27The Land, June 2, and the Jimboomba Times, June 3. That article was also referred to in a story “Australia’s mouse plague highlights low-tech response in high-tech era” in Nikkei Asia, June 17. She was also quoted in a story in the Daily Advertiser “NSW Mouse plague: Boom in snakes and predator birds a natural outcome” May 24 and a story in Science Alert A Literal Mouse Plague Is Terrorizing Towns in Eastern Australia Right Now, which was picked up by international media, PressFrom and Jioforme, May 27 and Nature World News, May 28. Maggie was then interviewed on ABC Radio National for Late Night Live, May 31. https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/latenightlive/mice-plague/13366476
This was followed by radio interview on 2BS, June 3, where she detailed the long term effects of poisons used to kill mice. Then in response to dead galahs being “collateral damage” in the fight against the mouse plague she did a radio interview with ABC Goulburn Murray, June 4 - story on ABC News https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-06-04/bird-victims-of-suspected-mice-baiting/100187904 with quotes repeated in follow-up stories on ABC Central West NSW, ABC Central West NSW, ABC North Coast NSW, ABC Riverina June 5. Story was picked up by online news services PressFrom, and The New Daily, June 4 , and Ash London LIVE, June 7. She was also quoted in an article in The Daily Advertiser “2021 mouse plague: Anglers increasingly finding fish filled with mice” , June 4; another story in About Regional “Poisonous debate rages as mice hunker down for winter”, June 12. https://aboutregional.com.au/poisonous-debate-rages-as-mice-hunker-down-for-winter/ and in Yahoo News Canada “Powerful owl deaths fuel concern mouse poisoning is spreading through food chain” June 12. https://ca.news.yahoo.com/powerful-owl-deaths-fuel-concerns-200011488.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cDovL3RyYW5zaXRpb24ubWVsdHdhdGVyLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAG01tz5JVLwReLtYr8UFdpgRe_HamQfJz6o1h4ZlXLbRFalEOCrsPYSJiEJMYj0zF5n_dYUhX_1j5finKyz68pRyAGWXAn6wLj3PeFuiRE3kvJeTju1HJ0v_VQr5qml1aBDflbsQO7tLOXOCBGwfH-pMZjHvVXOLLWWqXocyPE7H
Transparency a must
Associate Professor Maree Bernoth warns the public to remain sceptical of the aged care budget allocation in stories that ran in the Bendigo Weekly, May 15, The Wimmera Mail-Times, May 17; the Grenfell Record and Bland Advertiser, May 19; the Eden Magnet, May 20; the Irrigator, May 21, the Mandurah Mail, May 27 and the Senior South Australia and the Senior NSW/ACT June 6.
This week in politics
Professor Dominic O’Sullivan spoke about the politics at play with Australia’s vaccine rollout on ABC Central West, May 26.
Care in handling mice
Associate Professor Peter Andrews warns that wild mice can be harmful to the health of humans and domestic animals in an article in about regional, May 27, the Central Western Daily, May 29 and The RiotACT, May 30. https://aboutregional.com.au/expert-urges-people-to-take-care-when-handling-wild-mice/.He was then interviewed on 2CC Talking Canberra, June 5.
Science of stuff
Dr John Rafferty talks about how the latest COVID outbreak might be the push that people need to get vaccinated, the red moon, yellow crazy ants, and sea urchins on ABC Goulburn Murray, May 27.
June
Feral horse issue
Professor David Watson gave his views on the continuing problem of feral horses in the High Country on ABC Shepparton and ABC Goulburn Murray, June 1.
This week in politics
Professor Dominic O’Sullivan, in his regular slot on ABC Central West and ABC Western Plains discussed the Government’s COVID-19 vaccination program, imp acts of the Melbourne outbreak on the New Zealand travel bubble, the aged care debacle and the impact on the Morrison Government among other things, June 2.
MEANFN profile
Institute Adjunct Dr Paul McInerney is profiled in the Middle East North Africa Financial Network, June 2. https://menafn.com/1102196090/Paul-McInerney&source=24
What’s living under that rock?
The Daily Liberal published a story about Damian Michael’s research into the farming practice of removing surface rocks and the threat to certain species June 3, with radio interviews on ABC Goulburn Murray June 4 and 2BS, June 5. Story in Country News, June 8 with further radio interviews on 2PK, 2DU, 2VM, 2MO, 4GY.
New Soil CRC project
There was a story in Get Farming on the Soil CRC’s funding of 12 new research projects including Professor Mark Morrison’s project to examine soil stewardship certification potential, http://getfarming.com.au/2021/06/03/new-soil-research-aims-to-increase-agricultural-productivity/ June 3.
Dead galahs from mouse poison
Associate Professor Andrew Peters spoke about the death of galahs from mouse poisoning on 2BS, June 8.
Macquarie Perch story
Dr Katie Doyle spoke about her resent research project on Macquarie perch impacted by the bushfires on ABC Goulburn Murray, June 8.
This Week in Politics
On the 200th time that political scientist Professor Dominic O’Sullivan did his radio char on ABC Central West NSW, he spoke about polls a bout how the political parties are doing and the hotel quarantine system, June 9.
Government response to Aged Care Royal Commission
Associate Professor Maree Bernoth has written an Opinion Piece “let’s scratch the surface of the government response to the Royal Commission before celebrating” that appeared in Aged Care In siter, June 9. https://www.agedcareinsite.com.au/2021/06/lets-scratch-the-surface-of-the-government-response-to-the-royal-commission-before-celebrating/
There was also an article “Why can’t the NSW Government lead the way with aged care reform” (CSU Media release) written by Maree, published in SeniorAu, June 12. http://www.seniorau.com.au/9771-why-can-t-the-nsw-government-lead-the-way-with-aged-care-reform
Also another article calling on the NSW Government to act now, in the Australian Ageing Agenda, June 18. https://www.australianageingagenda.com.au/executive/call-for-nsw-govt-to-act-on-aged-care-recommendations/
2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours
Former ILWS member Associate Professor Faye McMillan, and the Institute’s inaugural director Professor Allan Curtis were each awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours. Story on Faye whose citation was “for significant service to Indigenous mental health, and to tertiary education” in the Daily Advertiser, June 14 and Allan’s whose citation was “for significant service to environmental management education and research” in the Border Mail, June 14. There was a follow up story on Allan and his work and views in a follow-up story in the Myrtleford Times entitled “Environmental Warrior” June 17,and in the Wangaratta Chronicle, June 18.
Kiska research
An in-depth article based on Associate Professor Dirk Spennemann’s research on and photographs of the military relics from the World War 2 on the remote Kiska Island at the far end of Alaska Aleutian chain has been published in the Archaeological Institute of America’s magazine “Archaeology”, July/August 2021 issue. https://www.archaeology.org/issues/433-2107/letter-from/9780-alaska-wwii-battle
This week in politics
In his regular segment talking about the politics of the day Professor Dominic O’Sullivan discussed the differences between US Presidents Trump and Biden’s approaches at the G7 meeting; treasury modelling and tax cuts; QAnon and the Prime Minister, among other things on ABC Central West, June 16.
Stormwater plan
Institute Adjunct Professor David Goldney is urging the Bathurst Regional Council to reconsider its stormwater plan in an article in the Western Advocate, June 20.
Something small, something good
A book review on a new book International Treaties in Nature Conservation: a UK Perspective which was co-authored by Institute adjuncts Professor Max Finlayson and Dr Dave Pritchard has been described as a “small book on a big subject” in a book review by UK writer, blogger and environmental campaigner Dr Mark Avery in his Sunday book review https://markavery.info/2021/05/30/sunday-book-review-international-treaties-in-nature-conservation-by-stroud-d-a-et-al/ June 20.
“Brumby bill’ catastrophe for the high country
Institute adjunct Professor Max Finlayson was mentioned in an opinion piece by Clive Hamilton re Barilaro’s “brumby bill” being a catastrophe for the high country in the Sydney Morning Herald and the Brisbane Times, June 21.’
The great Sandalwood transect
Story in the Bush Heritage magazine’s BushTracks, Winter Edition, on PhD student Richard McLellan’s research on sandalwood and a recent 1500km trek from WA’s Gibson Desert to Shark Bay with his supervisor Professor Dave Watson and Honours student Murray Cheers. https://www.bushheritage.org.au/getmedia/815d973c-2b72-4d35-a0e9-bbd6e8849db1/BushTracks-Winter-21
Mention in Hansard
In a commonwealth parliamentary debate on the Water Act and the Murray Darling Basin Plan, Institute adjunct Professor Max Finlayson was quoted by Senator Bridget McKenzie “Wetland ecologist and associate professor at Charles Sturt University Max Finlayson is arguing for change— another scientist. I heard firsthand from him at our Senate hearing in Shepparton, along with local communities, about the devastation on our communities from the plan. The hard truth that science is telling is us that salty water entered the Lower Lakes over the top of the barrages….” June 23. https://www.aph.gov.au/api/hansard/link/?id=chamber/hansards/67f031e9-ecac-4d49-a907-c221da95e4c6/toc&linktype=pdf&fulltranscript=True
Response to rejection of mouse poison
Following the announcement than the Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority won’t give approval to use bromadiolone to crush the devastating NSW mouse plague, Dr Maggie Watson was interviewed on ABC’s AM and said that the poison poses an un acceptable risk to wildlife and livestock as it lasts in the environment between 130 and 180 days with a big risk of secondary poisoning. However she agreed that the poison currently being used, zinc phosphide, was a very effective poison and that she wasn’t opposed to its use right now. ABC Radio National, ABC Central West NSW, ABC Gippsland, June 24.
This week in politics
Professor Dominic O’Sullivan discussed the National’s leadership spill with Barnaby Joyce now leader of the party and Deputy prime Minister and how this may affect Australia’s stance on committing to zero carbon emissions internationally, on ABC Central West NSW, June 23.