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X-WR-CALNAME:Western Australian Naturalists Club
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.wanaturalists.org.au
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Western Australian Naturalists Club
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
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BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:Australia/Perth
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0800
TZOFFSETTO:+0800
TZNAME:AWST
DTSTART:20250101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Perth:20260419T090000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Perth:20260419T113000
DTSTAMP:20260418T224750
CREATED:20260325T024733Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T033416Z
UID:10000715-1776589200-1776598200@www.wanaturalists.org.au
SUMMARY:KRMB April Field Excursion - Bibra Lake
DESCRIPTION:Bibra Lake is a great place to observe wetland and woodland birds plus migratory shorebirds. The surrounding vegetation hosts many insect species. \nMeet at the car park off Progress Drive (near the playground). Bring binoculars\, cameras\, drinks and snacks for morning tea.\n 
URL:https://www.wanaturalists.org.au/events/krmb-april-field-excursion-bibra-lake/
LOCATION:Bibra Lake Regional Playground\, Progress Dr\, North Lake\, Western Australia\, 6163\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Excursion
GEO:-32.086006;115.822903
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Bibra Lake Regional Playground Progress Dr North Lake Western Australia 6163 Australia;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Progress Dr:geo:115.822903,-32.086006
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Perth:20260420T190000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Perth:20260420T210000
DTSTAMP:20260418T224750
CREATED:20260325T025155Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T025155Z
UID:10000717-1776711600-1776718800@www.wanaturalists.org.au
SUMMARY:KRMB April General Meeting
DESCRIPTION:The April General Meeting will be a Members’ Night. This is a great opportunity to share photographs of sightings captured over the Summer.
URL:https://www.wanaturalists.org.au/events/krmb-april-general-meeting/
LOCATION:Naragebup Rockingham Environment Centre\, 49 Safety Bay Road\, Peron\, WA\, Australia
GEO:-32.28319;115.7106583
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Naragebup Rockingham Environment Centre 49 Safety Bay Road Peron WA Australia;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=49 Safety Bay Road:geo:115.7106583,-32.28319
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Perth:20260421T193000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Perth:20260421T213000
DTSTAMP:20260418T224750
CREATED:20260402T083731Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T085514Z
UID:10000712-1776799800-1776807000@www.wanaturalists.org.au
SUMMARY:NSB: Cool Creatures of the Great Victoria Desert - Change of Venue
DESCRIPTION:Note. due to a double booking we have to change the venue. The meeting will now be held at the Undercroft Bridge Club\, Ron Chamberlain Drive\, Duncraig – park in the car park on the east side of the building.  \nCome a long and hear researcher Sarah Visser talk about some of the cool fauna she has found in the GVD. \nThe great Victoria Desert is one of the world’s most precious biodiversity hotspots – a special place that is like nowhere else in the world. The area is especially remarkable for its hardy and often elusive wildlife\, much of which is found nowhere else. Despite the harsh conditions\, it supports a myriad of mammals and a rich variety of reptiles\,  and birds especially adapted to survive with little water. These animals rely on deep burrows\, specialised diets\, and clever behaviour\, making the desert a stronghold of unique and resilient Australian fauna. \nAlso a short presentation by this year’s ECU Serventy Memorial Prize Winner\, Ellie Simpson. \nPhoto. Sandhill Dunnart\,  A McLean.
URL:https://www.wanaturalists.org.au/events/nsb-cool-creatures-of-the-great-victoria-desert-2/
LOCATION:Undercroft Bridge Club\, Ron Chamberlain Dr\, Duncraig\, Western Australia\, Australia
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.wanaturalists.org.au/files/2026/03/Sandhill-Dunnart.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Willy Dadour (NSB Chair)":MAILTO:natsnorthernbranch@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Perth:20260422T193000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Perth:20260422T213000
DTSTAMP:20260418T224750
CREATED:20260303T165053Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260308T072404Z
UID:10000705-1776886200-1776893400@www.wanaturalists.org.au
SUMMARY:Serventy Memorial Lecture 2026
DESCRIPTION:Kerry will talk about establishing the WA Parks Foundation when she was Governor\, and the unique\, beautiful but threatened environment in Western Australia. She believes that there is an important role for organisations such as the WA Parks Foundation\, the WA Naturalists’ Club and others in encouraging understanding of\, and a love for\, our natural environment. This role is complemented by the Bibbulmun Track Foundation and the Salvado Trail that encourage people to hike as a way of experiencing nature\, including its healing potential. She will discuss how the WA Parks Foundation aims to work in collaboration with the other organisations\, both government and private. The theme of her talk will be drawn from Dr Seuss’s quote “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot\, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” \n\n\n\nThe Hon Kerry Sanderson AC was Governor of Western Australia from 2014 to 2018. She served as Edith Cowan University’s fourth Chancellor (2018-2021). Kerry is currently Chair St John of God Health Care and the WA Parks Foundation\, as well as being a patron of several charitable and community organisations. Prior to being appointed Governor\, Mrs Sanderson served as Chair or non-executive director of several organisations. \n\n\n\nKerry has been Agent General for Western Australia (2008 to 2011) and Chief Executive Officer of Fremantle Ports (1991 to 2008). She was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2016 and has been awarded Honorary Doctorates by both the University of Western Australia and Murdoch University. In 2020 she received the award of Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO). Kerry is especially proud to be a Co-Patron\, with Prof. Lyn Beazley\, of the WA Naturalists Club. \n\n\n\nDATE: Wednesday\, April 22 at 7.30 pm \n\n\n\nVENUE:- \n\n\n\n\n\nCOST: $25 Students: $15 \n\n\n\nORGANISERS \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Serventy Memorial Fund is a memorial to the contribution by the Serventy family to the Western Australian Naturalists’ Club\, to assist and encourage young people in the study of natural history. The Serventy Memorial Lecture is the main source of funding for the Serventy Memorial Prizes for students awarded annually at the four WA universities.
URL:https://www.wanaturalists.org.au/events/serventy-memorial-lecture-2026/
LOCATION:Social Sciences Lecture Theatre Crawley UWA\, Saw Promenade\, Crawley WA 6009\, Australia\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Serventy Memorial Lecture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.wanaturalists.org.au/files/2026/03/serventy2026.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Arlene Quinn":MAILTO:vp@wanaturalists.org.au
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Perth:20260426T093000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Perth:20260426T093000
DTSTAMP:20260418T224750
CREATED:20260401T035315Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T035317Z
UID:10000719-1777195800-1777195800@www.wanaturalists.org.au
SUMMARY:Rocky Bay to Chidley Point and Return
DESCRIPTION:The walk is about 8 km return. Toilets at Tom Perrott Reserve and Russell Brown Adventure Park (BYO paper).  Walk down-river to Cyprus Hill for morning tea and rest stop.  Walk up-river to Chidley Point Lookout and return to Russell Brown Park for lunch.   Short walk back to Tom Perrott Reserve car park from Russell Brown Adventure Park. Mostly paved track\, short section on sand track with some limestone rocks.  It’s mostly flat with two moderate hill sections. It has good shade from the trees in most parts with a few exposed sections. Lovely views of the river along the whole way. There are a lot of historical spots to read/talk about along the way e.g. aboriginal sites/the old sugar refinery etc. \n\n\n\nWear clothes appropriate to the weather (i.e. hat/rainwear/sunscreen) and suitable footwear.. \n\n\n\n Please be aware\, if the weather dictates\, the leader may choose to cancel or change the walk. Check the website for updates after 6 pm on Saturday 25th April.
URL:https://www.wanaturalists.org.au/events/rocky-bay-to-chidley-point-and-return/
LOCATION:Tom Perrott Reserve\, Mosman Park\, Tom Perrott Reserve\, Mosman Park\, Western Australia\, 6012
ORGANIZER;CN="Jack Moore":MAILTO:jackmoore2020@hotmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Perth:20260427T170000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Perth:20260503T120000
DTSTAMP:20260418T224750
CREATED:20260308T075206Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T025407Z
UID:10000708-1777309200-1777809600@www.wanaturalists.org.au
SUMMARY:Notley Late Easter Excursion - Quaalup Homestead and Bremer Bay                     CABIN ACCOMODATION: WAIT LIST ONLY. ENSUITE STUDIO: 2 ONLY.                     CAMPING: 3 SPOTS AVAILABLE.
DESCRIPTION:Our trip will be based at Quaalup Homestead Wilderness Retreat nestled right in the western part of the Fitzgerald River National Park\, close to Bremer Bay. \n\n\n\nDates: Mon. 27 April – Thu. 30 April 2026 with option to add 1 or 2 extra nights at Bremer Bay. \n\n\n\nTentative program: \n\n\n\nMon. 27 April: Overnight at Koobeelya Conference Centre in Katanning (check-in from 2pm). Meet at  5pm for BYO dinner to share. \n\n\n\nTue. 28 April: Visit Lake Magenta Nature Reserve with guide and travel to Quaalup Homestead. 3 nights at Quaalup Homestead (cabins and camping). \n\n\n\nWed. 29 + Thu. 30 April: Sightseeing around Quaalup and visiting Fitzgerald River NP with guide. \n\n\n\nFri. 1 May: Travel to Bremer Bay. 2 nights at Beaches Resort Tourist Park (cabins and camping). \n\n\n\nSat. 2 May: explore Bremer Bay (water bird watching\, snorkelling\, walking trails etc.). \n\n\n\nAccommodation options: \n\n\n\nKoobeelya Conference Centre: rooms with single beds or a Double/Queen and shared ablution. Full kitchen facilities. Cost $60 per person. Camping available. \n\n\n\nQuaalup Homestead accommodation is limited so early reservation  is recommended. Campsites are also available.  \n\n\n\nThey have: \n\n\n\n\na 3 bedroom cabin which sleeps 6(7) people : 1 room with a Queen bed\, 1 room with 3 single beds and 1 room with 2 single beds;\n\n\n\na 2 bedroom chalet which sleeps 4(5) people: 1 room with a Queen bed\, 1 room with a single and bunk bed;\n\n\n\nfour 1 bedroom studios with ensuite which sleeps 2 people: 3 studios have a Queen bed\, one studio has 2 single beds.\n\n\n\n\nCost per person per night: cabin or chalet $60\, studio $87.50 (pp based on 2 people sharing). Camping $20 (unpowered). \n\n\n\nBremer Bay Beaches Resort Tourist Park: we have booked two 2 bedroom chalets which sleep 4(5) people each: 1 room with a Queen bed\, one room with 2 singles or a single and bunk bed. Cost: $50 per person per night. \n\n\n\nThose wishing to camp should make their own bookings for this venue. Camping cost per night per 2 people: $40 powered site\, $35 unpowered site. Email: frontoffice@bremerbaybeaches.com.au or Phone: 0459 975 458. \n\n\n\nTo hold your place for this excursion a deposit of $120 is required for accommodation or $50 for camping. Please transfer the money to the Club bank account 633-000-168641629 with reference Notley and your surname. \n\n\n\nRSVP BELOW (BOOKING FORM) IS REQUIRED TO INDICATE YOUR ACCOMMODATION PREFERENCE. \n\n\n\n\n\nFurther information will be provided closer to the excursion date. \n\n\n\nFor any questions please contact Don Poynton natsnorthernbranch@gmail.com.
URL:https://www.wanaturalists.org.au/events/notley-late-easter-excursion-quaalup-homestead-and-bremer-bay/
LOCATION:Quaalup Homestead Wilderness Retreat\, Gairdner Rd\, Fitzgerald River National Park\, Bremer bay\, WA\, 6346\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Notley Late Easter
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.wanaturalists.org.au/files/2026/03/homestead4-1024x768-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Don Poynton":MAILTO:natsnorthernbranch@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Perth:20260501T193000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Perth:20260501T210000
DTSTAMP:20260418T224750
CREATED:20260320T035754Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T013426Z
UID:10000714-1777663800-1777669200@www.wanaturalists.org.au
SUMMARY:Peter Ewing and Sam Lostrom: Expanding Remnant Bush in the Heavily Cleared Wheatbelt Bioregion
DESCRIPTION:Bush Blocks Guardians Inc. (BBG) was formed to facilitate purchasing land for conservation in the Wheatbelt\, which has undergone extensive clearing reducing most bush to small\, isolated remnants. In 2021 BBG purchased 666ha to be preserved and rehabilitated in the Eastern Wheatbelt. The block was selected as two of its boundaries border one of WA’s most important nature reserves and it supports a large diversity of habitats\, flora and vegetation. 200ha had been farmed which we are carefully revegetating using locally collected seed from about 50 species. We have professional ecologist members conducting systematic fauna and flora surveys to gain an understanding of baseline diversity. This will help determine effectiveness of efforts to rehabilitate cleared areas and control non-native species such as cats\, foxes and rabbits. We have also identified many First Nations heritage sites and quite unique granite rock structures. \n\n\n\nThis talk will briefly give an overview of how the group came together and some of our achievements\, and ecologist Sam Lostrom will detail our extensive fauna surveying program and plans for the future. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhite-fronted Honeyeater\n\n\n\nBorya garden on granite
URL:https://www.wanaturalists.org.au/events/peter-ewing-and-sam-lostrum-on-bush-blocks-guardians-property-in-westonia/
LOCATION:Hew Roberts LT\, Nedlands Lecture Theatre\, Clifton St.\, Nedlands
CATEGORIES:General Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.wanaturalists.org.au/files/2026/03/20251103_084113-scaled.jpg
GEO:-31.9766531;115.8125013
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Hew Roberts LT Nedlands Lecture Theatre Clifton St. Nedlands;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Nedlands Lecture Theatre\, Clifton St.:geo:115.8125013,-31.9766531
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Perth:20260502T100000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Perth:20260502T120000
DTSTAMP:20260418T224750
CREATED:20260110T015225Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260321T013334Z
UID:10000683-1777716000-1777723200@www.wanaturalists.org.au
SUMMARY:Discover the Birds of Broz Park Nature Walk  with Rachel and Mike Green
DESCRIPTION:Discover the Birds of Broz Park Nature Walk \nwith Rachel and Mike Green \n   \nPLEASE BOOK YOUR PLACE \nTo book for this event\, please go to the following website. Those that already booked using the RSVP on this website have been added into Eventbrite.  \nhttps://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/discover-the-birds-of-broz-park-nature-walk-tickets-1984516289644?aff=oddtdtcreator \n  \n  \nDiscover the number one bird hot spot (by size) in the Helena Valley in the Shire of Mundaring and learn all about the birds you might see there. Join local bird enthusiasts\, Rachel and Mike Green\, as they lead you on a guided bird walk around the park and tell you about the birds\, how to recognise them\, where in the park you might see them and how they behave. \nRachel and Mike are the authors of the “Guide to the Birds of Broz Park”\, published by the Shire of Mundaring in 2025 and know the park well. They have surveyed the birds there over 80 times. They are also long-standing members of the Darling Range Branch of the WA Naturalists’ Club. \nWhich birds will you see? That is impossible to predict as it varies with the water levels but there have been at least 64 bird species recorded there\, from the tiny Black-fronted Dotterel and Weebill to the large Black Swan and Great Egret. A winter wetland attracts many other birds including Shovelers\, Spoonbills and Stilts. \nEveryone who attends will be given a free copy of the Broz Park book\, if you haven’t already got one. This will help you look for and identify the birds. Rachel and Mike may even put your bird identification skills to the test with a quiz to find specific birds they know are in the park that day. Of course you can use the book to help you! \nBroz Park has a sealed easy walking track all around its lake. It has a bird hide\, toilets\, trees\, native flowers\, BBQs\, seats with shelters\, a water fountain\, and of course\, the birds. The path is suitable for people with walking frames and wheelchairs\, although people may also walk over a grassy area. \nThe Shire of Mundaring supported by Natural Resource Management (NRM) and other organisations have invested a lot of time and work into an environmental restoration project at the Park. They are working to improve the health of the wetland\, e.g. by aeration of the water\, removing non-native fish species\, planting native rushes and sedges\, revegetating with local plant species\, educating the community\, and more. This is a great opportunity to see this important work. \nDate: Saturday 2nd May 2026. \nTime: Start 10am\, finish no later than 12 noon. \nAddress: 4 Parkview Gardens\, Helena Valley WA 6056. \nMeet at: Broz Park\, Park View Gardens\, Helena Valley. Take the roundabout off Helena Valley Road into Helena Valley Private Estate. There is ample free parking on Park View Gardens. \nWhat to bring: Bring binoculars. Also a hat\, sunglasses\, sunscreen\, walking shoes (no thongs please) etc. according to the weather on the day. \nPeople are welcome to bring a picnic lunch and stay back afterwards. \nBookings are essential as numbers are limited. This is an event run by the Shire of Mundaring to which we have been invited. A link will be published on Eventbrite shortly. \nThis is a free event thanks to the Shire of Mundaring. \nIdeal for: People who are new to bird watching or experienced bird watchers who haven’t been to Broz Park before. Children aged 8 and above are welcome.
URL:https://www.wanaturalists.org.au/events/brozpark/
LOCATION:Broz Park Lake\, 4 Parkview Gardens\, Helena Valley\, Western Australia\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Excursion
ORGANIZER;CN="Bradley Cox":MAILTO:bradleywcox@outlook.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Perth:20260508T190000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Perth:20260508T213000
DTSTAMP:20260418T224750
CREATED:20260201T002134Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260411T010844Z
UID:10000692-1778266800-1778275800@www.wanaturalists.org.au
SUMMARY:The Kakadu of the Southwest - History of the Peel-Yalgorup Wetlands
DESCRIPTION:The little-known “Kakadu of the Southwest” – the history of the Peel-Yalgorup Wetlands \nNote: no RSVP required.\n\n\n\nMike Griffiths will talk about the historic changes to the vast system of inter-connected wetlands of the Peel-Yalgorup region between Perth and Bunbury that is today almost entirely lost and virtually forgotten by Western Australians. He will be covering its historic large-scale degradation and decline and the subsequent recovery work to restore a little of its remarkable biodiversity and natural function.\n\n\nPlus:\n\nFocus/ Boffins talk – A member will give a short talk. Diana Papenfus (DRB Member) will give a talk on her visit to Botswana. \n“Nature road show”. Members and visitors are encouraged to bring items to place on the display table or to send photographs to the MC in advance\, e.g. a sample flower\, an insect\, and so on – anything of natural history interest that has legally been obtained. If you wish to show a photograph\, please email it\, no later than the Wednesday before the meeting\, to our MC for this night\, and she/he will include it on her PowerPoint slides. We have a dedicated email for this purpose natclub@webco.com.au\nThing of the month / Things coming up next month: These two presentations are about things in nature happening this month and things coming up\, so if you have any photos or information\, send them to: natclub@webco.com.au\nDoor prizes: You could also be the lucky winner of a door prize. We make sure there are prizes for both members and visitors.\nRaffle: We will have a great raffle – please raid your piggy bank for a bit more cash\, $5 for 3 tickets.\n\nTime: Please come at 7.15pm or earlier if you wish\, for a 7.30pm start as we start promptly. We are open from 6.45pm. We finish formal proceedings no later than 9.30pm.\nDonation: All this\, plus light supper afterwards\, for only a donation of $3 per person for adult members ($0 for child members)\, and $5 per adult visitor and $1 per visiting child to help with the costs of running the club\, venue hire\, insurance and so on.  We do not have EFTPOS facilities yet.\nEntrance: It is a condition of entry that everyone signs in on arrival\, thank you.\nParking: Free parking right outside.\nWheelchair access: Everything is on one level.\nToilets: Are inside.\nBookings: No bookings required.\n\nCOVID19: Even though restrictions have eased\, we will still encourage members and visitors to take precautions and please do not attend if unwell.
URL:https://www.wanaturalists.org.au/events/mikegriffiths-kakadu-southwest/
LOCATION:Kalamunda Community Centre\, Kalamunda Community Centre\, end of Crescent Rd\, Off Mundaring Weir Road\,\, Kalamunda\, WA\, 6076\, Australia
ORGANIZER;CN="Bradley Cox":MAILTO:bradleywcox@outlook.com
GEO:-31.971941;116.0655086
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Kalamunda Community Centre Kalamunda Community Centre end of Crescent Rd Off Mundaring Weir Road Kalamunda WA 6076 Australia;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Kalamunda Community Centre\, end of Crescent Rd\, Off Mundaring Weir Road\,:geo:116.0655086,-31.971941
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Perth:20260519T193000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Perth:20260519T213000
DTSTAMP:20260418T224750
CREATED:20260318T084112Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T044014Z
UID:10000710-1779219000-1779226200@www.wanaturalists.org.au
SUMMARY:NSB MEMBERS NIGHT
DESCRIPTION:Come along and hear what some of our NSB members have been up to lately. You will be surprised\, enlightened and entertained. \nPhoto. Iceland\, Christine Curry.
URL:https://www.wanaturalists.org.au/events/nsb-members-night/
LOCATION:North Beach Tennis Club\, 7B Kitchener St\, North Beach\, Australia
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.wanaturalists.org.au/files/2026/03/IMG_4316-scaled.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Willy Dadour (NSB Chair)":MAILTO:natsnorthernbranch@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Perth:20260612T190000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Perth:20260612T213000
DTSTAMP:20260418T224750
CREATED:20260201T002616Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260418T012352Z
UID:10000693-1781290800-1781299800@www.wanaturalists.org.au
SUMMARY:Kit Prendergast talking about bees (DRB)
DESCRIPTION:Kit Prendergast talking about bees (DRB) \nNote: no RSVP required.\n\nCOVID19: Even though restrictions have eased\, we will still encourage members and visitors to take precautions and please do not attend if unwell.\n\nSpeaker:\n\nDr Kit Prendergast\n\nNative bee scientist\, conservation biologist and zoologist\nUniversity of Southern QLD Postdoctoral Researcher (Pollination Ecology)\nAdjunct Curtin University and Forrest Scholar Alumni\nFind native bee resources and more on my Patreon The Bee Babette: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheBeeBabette\nORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1164-6099\nResearch: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kit-Prendergast/research\nYouTube channel The Bee Babette: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBeeBabette\n‘Creating a Haven for Native Bees’: https://www.facebook.com/CreatingaHavenforNativeBeesBook/\nWild Bee artwork: https://www.redbubble.com/people/BeeBabette/explore?asc=u&page=1&sortOrder=recent\nInsta: @bee.babette_performer:\nhttps://www.instagram.com/bee.babette_performer/?hl=en\n\nDr Kit Prendergast is a native bee ecologist and science communicator. Her PhD involved investigating the impact of honeybees on native bees and pollination networks \, and the impact of urbanisation on native bees. Dr Kit’s research ranges from pollination ecology\, to native bee ecology and behaviour\, citizen science\, critiquing methods for surveying pollinators\, undertaking biodiversity assessments. She is a renowned science communicator\, performing under the persona of ‘Bee Babette.’\n\nTopic:\n\nKit will be talking about bees.\n\n\n\nPlus:\n\n\nFocus/ Boffins talk – A member will give a short talk. Allan Willis will give a talk on “Insects of Walpole”\n“Nature road show”. Members and visitors are encouraged to bring items to place on the display table or to send photographs to the MC in advance\, e.g. a sample flower\, an insect\, and so on – anything of natural history interest that has legally been obtained. If you wish to show a photograph\, please email it\, no later than the Wednesday before the meeting\, to our MC for this night\, and she/he will include it on her PowerPoint slides. We have a dedicated email for this purpose natclub@webco.com.au\nThing of the month / Things coming up next month: These two presentations are about things in nature happening this month and things coming up\, so if you have any photos or information\, send them to: natclub@webco.com.au\nDoor prizes: You could also be the lucky winner of a door prize. We make sure there are prizes for both members and visitors.\nRaffle: We will have a great raffle  – please raid your piggy bank for a bit more cash\, $5 for 3 tickets.\n\nTime: Please come at 7.15pm or earlier if you wish\, for a 7.30pm start as we start promptly. We are open from 6.45pm. We finish formal proceedings no later than 9.30pm.\nDonation: All this for only a donation of $3 per person for adult members ($0 for child members)\, and $5 per adult visitor and $1 per visiting child to help with the costs of running the club\, venue hire\, insurance and so on.  We do not have EFTPOS facilities yet.\nEntrance: It is a condition of entry that everyone signs in on arrival\, thank you.\nParking: Free parking right outside.\nWheelchair access: Everything is on one level.\nToilets: Are inside.\nBookings: No bookings required.\nSee you there for a fabulous night.
URL:https://www.wanaturalists.org.au/events/drb-presents-kit-prendergast/
LOCATION:Kalamunda Community Centre\, Kalamunda Community Centre\, end of Crescent Rd\, Off Mundaring Weir Road\,\, Kalamunda\, WA\, 6076\, Australia
ORGANIZER;CN="Bradley Cox":MAILTO:bradleywcox@outlook.com
GEO:-31.971941;116.0655086
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Kalamunda Community Centre Kalamunda Community Centre end of Crescent Rd Off Mundaring Weir Road Kalamunda WA 6076 Australia;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Kalamunda Community Centre\, end of Crescent Rd\, Off Mundaring Weir Road\,:geo:116.0655086,-31.971941
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Perth:20260710T190000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Perth:20260710T213000
DTSTAMP:20260418T224750
CREATED:20260201T003839Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260214T001135Z
UID:10000694-1783710000-1783719000@www.wanaturalists.org.au
SUMMARY:Lois Gearing talking about Naretha Bluebonnet Parrot (DRB)
DESCRIPTION:Lois Gearing talking about Naretha Bluebonnet Parrot (DRB) \nNote: no RSVP required.\nCOVID19: Even though restrictions have eased\, we will still encourage members and visitors to take precautions and please do not attend if unwell.\n\n \n\nTopic:\n\nThe Naretha Bluebonnet (Northiella narethae) is one of Australia’s least-known parrots — and one of the very last to be discovered\, formally described as recently as 1921. Even its name carries deep meaning: narethae is derived from the local Indigenous name for saltbush\, a vital and lifesaving food source in the remote and often hostile country this parrot inhabits. \nThis remarkable species is confined to the Myall belt of Western and South Australia\, on the fringe of the Nullarbor Plain — a landscape characterised by vast distances\, saline soils\, bluebush and saltbush\, and very few trees. It is a land where survival itself seems improbable\, yet the Naretha Bluebonnet has evolved to endure and persist. \nFor a time\, agricultural development across parts of this region inadvertently benefited the species by providing more reliable sources of water\, and flocks once numbered in the hundreds. However\, other landscape changes have since made survival far more challenging. Gone are the days of flocks of 400\, and populations have declined significantly\, particularly in Western Australia. \nIn the 1990s\, the then Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) established a pioneering captive breeding program in partnership with private aviculturists — a novel and forward-thinking initiative for Western Australia. As part of this program\, surplus birds were made available to the public through CALM-run auctions. These auctions not only helped support the program\, but also played a critical role in raising awareness of a parrot that\, until then\, very few people knew existed — or that it lived in WA at all. \nIt was through one of these CALM auctions that Lois and Wayne Gearing first came to meet the Naretha Bluebonnet and began what has become a decades-long commitment to the species\, not as owners\, but as guardians. Their involvement has spanned both intensive avicultural work and time spent in the bird’s remote homelands — landscapes that leave one asking how any creature survives there\, let alone breeds successfully. \nToday\, the greatest threat facing the Naretha Bluebonnet is the loss of nesting habitat. Suitable nesting trees are few and far between\, and many of the mature Allocasuarina pauper trees — relied upon for nesting hollows — are now splitting and collapsing with age. Regeneration of younger trees is minimal or absent. Without active intervention\, the lack of nesting trees places this resilient little parrot at serious risk of extinction. \nAs of 2026\, there are no Naretha Bluebonnets held in any zoos or wildlife parks in Australia. \nThis presentation explores the ecology of the Naretha Bluebonnet\, the harsh and beautiful landscapes it inhabits\, and the plants and trees essential to its survival — and tells the story of a small\, tough Australian battler that urgently needs our understanding\, advocacy and help. \n\n\n\nPlus:\n\n\nFocus/ Boffins talk – A member will give a short talk.\n“Nature road show”. Members and visitors are encouraged to bring items to place on the display table or to send photographs to the MC in advance\, e.g. a sample flower\, an insect\, and so on – anything of natural history interest that has legally been obtained. If you wish to show a photograph\, please email it\, no later than the Wednesday before the meeting\, to our MC for this night\, and she/he will include it on her PowerPoint slides. We have a dedicated email for this purpose natclub@webco.com.au\nThing of the month / Things coming up next month: These two presentations are about things in nature happening this month and things coming up\, so if you have any photos or information\, send them to: natclub@webco.com.au\nDoor prizes: You could also be the lucky winner of a door prize. We make sure there are prizes for both members and visitors.\nRaffle: We will have a great raffle  – please raid your piggy bank for a bit more cash\, $5 for 3 tickets.\n\nTime: Please come at 7.15pm or earlier if you wish\, for a 7.30pm start as we start promptly. We are open from 6.45pm. We finish formal proceedings no later than 9.30pm.\nDonation: All this for only a donation of $3 per person for adult members ($0 for child members)\, and $5 per adult visitor and $1 per visiting child to help with the costs of running the club\, venue hire\, insurance and so on.  We do not have EFTPOS facilities yet.\nEntrance: It is a condition of entry that everyone signs in on arrival\, thank you.\nParking: Free parking right outside.\nWheelchair access: Everything is on one level.\nToilets: Are inside.\nBookings: No bookings required.\nSee you there for a fabulous night.
URL:https://www.wanaturalists.org.au/events/lois-gearing/
LOCATION:Kalamunda Community Centre\, Kalamunda Community Centre\, end of Crescent Rd\, Off Mundaring Weir Road\,\, Kalamunda\, WA\, 6076\, Australia
ORGANIZER;CN="Bradley Cox":MAILTO:bradleywcox@outlook.com
GEO:-31.971941;116.0655086
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Kalamunda Community Centre Kalamunda Community Centre end of Crescent Rd Off Mundaring Weir Road Kalamunda WA 6076 Australia;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Kalamunda Community Centre\, end of Crescent Rd\, Off Mundaring Weir Road\,:geo:116.0655086,-31.971941
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