
Events & News
Current News
eDNA technology is providing a breakthrough in detecting the elusive Chuditch, a vulnerable marsupial that is hard to trace due to its nocturnal and solitary habits. Wheatbelt NRM is trialling this innovative tool in the Eucalypt Woodlands of the WA Wheatbelt, helping to pinpoint critical habitats for conservation. This method offers a more efficient way to detect and protect species like the Chuditch, which face threats from introduced predators, habitat loss, and human activity. Join us for free community events in March and April to learn more about how eDNA is shaping the future of wildlife conservation.
With new projects on the horizon, we’re growing our team to continue supporting our land, communities, and future generations. Check out our Careers page for open positions!
Following on from our native grass feature in the January eNews edition, this month we will be showcasing Wallaby Grass as a valuable perennial species in revegetation and pasture systems. The grass is widespread and abundant in the Southwest of WA and can thrive in low rainfall and low fertility conditions.
Have you read a carbon credits article or post on socials recently but weren’t sure what the terminology meant? We’re breaking down some keys words used in the nature industry (credit to Dr Manda Page CEO South West NRM).
Nature Positive = Stop nature loss + Add more nature than we have now.
The concept started grabbing international headlines in 2021 when leaders at the 47th G7 Conference collectively called for the world to become net zero and nature positive. The next year commitment became more globalised when 188 countries (including Australia) collectively agreed to reverse nature loss by 2050.
Get to know Carla Swift, Wheatbelt NRM’s Business Development Manager who is instrumental in providing leadership and support for our Communications and Aboriginal NRM portfolios as well as overviewing an innovative project navigating new industries in the low carbon and natural capital era.
A team of seven Wheatbelt NRM Noongar Boodjar Rangers recently underwent Bushfire Safety Awareness training, a combination of online theory, classroom theory and practical scenarios with Northam Bush Fire Brigade captain Justin Fox.
We’re excited to welcome Rebecca Turner to Wheatbelt NRM as our Communications & Digital Media Coordinator (Maternity Cover)! With a Bachelor of Communications majoring in Public Relations and Journalism (ECU), Rebecca brings a wealth of experience in media, agriculture, and event coordination. Most recently, she’s been writing full-time for the Countryman Newspaper, covering regenerative agriculture and carbon reduction projects—a perfect fit for our sustainability-driven work!
Get to know Renata Paliskis, Wheatbelt NRM’s visionary CEO, who’s leading the way in sustainable agriculture and environmental innovation. With a passion for balancing farming and nature, Renata’s leadership is already driving change and creating lasting impact across the Wheatbelt and beyond.

Past News
Issue 400 - March 2025 - Talkin’ Soil Health Success Inspiring Start for 2025
Issue 399 - February 2025 - Carbon Credits Buzzword for 2025
Issue 398 - January 2025 - Empowering Sustainability Together
Issue 397 - December 2024 - Have a Holly Jolly Christmas
Issue 396 - November 2024 - Wheatbelt Heros, Conservation Wins & More
Media Releases
eDNA technology is providing a breakthrough in detecting the elusive Chuditch, a vulnerable marsupial that is hard to trace due to its nocturnal and solitary habits. Wheatbelt NRM is trialling this innovative tool in the Eucalypt Woodlands of the WA Wheatbelt, helping to pinpoint critical habitats for conservation. This method offers a more efficient way to detect and protect species like the Chuditch, which face threats from introduced predators, habitat loss, and human activity. Join us for free community events in March and April to learn more about how eDNA is shaping the future of wildlife conservation.
Applications close Monday 28th of April 2025
Building on the success of our Optimising Fodder for Mixed Farming project, Wheatbelt NRM will work with farmers in the Avon River Basin to create biodiverse forage systems that enhance soil health and farm productivity. Demonstrations will highlight methods to boost productivity and natural capital, with workshops and case studies sharing this knowledge across the wheatbelt.
Expressions of Interest Applications open now.
This project supports private landholders to protect and improve the habitat values of Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo breeding and foraging sites, which also benefits Wheatbelt Eucalypt Woodland Threatened Ecological Communities (TEC) where they co-exist. Project actions include revegetating with key food plants, improving nesting habitat through controlling stock access, regeneration, pest management, and erecting artificial nesting structures. The project will work with community and landholders to further contribute to improving our knowledge and management of Black-Cockatoos by surveying for undiscovered sites and mapping critical habitat.
Expression of Interest Applications open now.
This project focuses on the critically endangered Eucalypt Woodlands of the Western Australian Wheatbelt Threatened Ecological Community (TEC), a vital and iconic part of the Wheatbelt landscape. Continued work in partnership with landholders and our community will improve the condition of the Eucalypt Woodland TEC through establishing conservation agreements and implementing priority actions. These include revegetation, stock exclusion fencing, weed control and feral animal management. This project will also trial appropriate fire management techniques to encourage natural regeneration, focusing on wide ranging woodland sub-communities in degraded condition. The secondary focus for this project is identifying Chuditch distribution in priority areas and implementing management actions such as feral animal control and the installation of artificial dens to increase their long-term viability.
Wheatbelt NRM has secured funding through the Western Australian Government’s State NRM program to support community events under the Red Card for Rabbits and Foxes initiative.

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Events
The Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group (PHBG) is hosting the South West Vertebrate Pest Management Forum on 24th & 25th June 2025 at the Pinjarra Civic Centre. This event builds on last year’s forum, incorporating valuable feedback to make it even more effective.
The PHBG wants this to be a South West-wide event, not just focused on the Peel region.
The first day will bring together landholders with the second day bringing together stakeholders and Licensed Pest Management Technicians (LPMTs)
The federal government has recently announced Round 2 of the Capacity Building Grants through the climate smart agriculture program.
The Capacity Building Round 2 grants allow for a wide range of projects that support agricultural resilience with up to $16.58 million in funding available for projects of up to three years.
Join Wheatbelt NRM’s free events to learn about detecting and protecting native wildlife. Enjoy fun prizes, a presentation and hands-on experience installing eDNA air sensors to detect chuditch