SWIFFT seminars
SWIFFT have been running quarterly seminars for 19 years with increasing popularity. These interactive sessions help connect researchers, land managers, government agencies and community groups and allow a platform for us to share our stories. The seminars are free and anyone with an interest is welcome to join in.
Due to the phasing out of support from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), the 2024 seminar program will be reliant on gaining alternative support or partner organisations taking a lead role in organising and hosting a particular seminar theme. Please contact SWIFFT if your organisation is interested in taking the lead role for the delivery of any one of the seminar themes.
2024 seminar program (subject to resourcing)
Bat conservation
Bats are a unique part of our native fauna because they are the only mammals capable of flight and also play an important ecological role. This seminar will explore the ecology and conservation of the fruit bat and insectivorous bats. Learn about how bats are part of our lives in urban and rural areas and how to care for them.
- Threatened insectivorous bats in Victoria – habitat and conservation overview
- Sothern Bent-wing Bat conservation
- Grey-headed Flying Fox conservation and management
- Flying fox safety and how to care for bats in our environment
21 March
Unfolding trends in Conservation
This seminar explores new and emerging strategies across Government, NGOs and Indigenous education.
- Indigenous Environmental education
- Threatened species Action Plan 2022-2032
- Australian Land Conservation Alliance (ALCA)
-
Use of onsets in developments for a nature positive outcome
23 May
New discoveries and conservation methodologies
With the challenges of Climate Change combined with an ever-increasing population and an expanded footprint of humans on the landscape the conservation outlook can seem bleak. However, this seminar will look at some of the important gains through re-discovery of threatened flora and fauna and the development of new methodologies in conservation efforts.
- Applying wildlife detection dogs to fungal conservation
- Recent plant discoveries and re-discoveries in Victoria
- Conservation of Victoria's fern diversity through cryopreservation of spores: introducing the RBGV Victorian Cryopreservation Bank
- A second chance for the Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon
31 October
Traditional owners Caring for Country
Traditional Owners applying traditional land management practices is an integral part of Native Title and connection to Country. This seminar will share knowledge about firestick burning practices, restoration of Country projects and Traditional Owners role in land management partnerships.
- Applying Native Title to increase connection to Country
- First Nations firestick burning practices
- Traditional Owners restoration of Country projects
- Traditional Owners role in land management partnerships
To be held in 2025