Michelle McKemey, Ecologist | Scientist

Michelle McKemey, Ecologist

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25.01.2022 Over the weekend NSW Environment Minister, the Hon. Matt Kean announced more than $29 million in new funding for NPWS in response to the NSW Bushfire Inquiry. ...Over 75% of all hazard reduction burning in NSW is delivered on the national park estate by NPWS working closely with the Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW. This new funding will enable NPWS to increase hazard reduction activities in high risk areas close to property by 20 per cent. The funding includes: $21.3 million to extend 125 frontline firefighter positions for a further 12 months; $5.9 million, over five years, to create a dedicated team that works with the Rural Fire Service to embed ecological risk in the new fire management risk framework; $1 million to retrofit the NPWS tanker fleet with radiant heat curtains and single point spray systems to keep firefighters safe; and $1 million, over four years, for wildlife injured by bushfires including support for the State’s army of volunteer wildlife rehabilitators. For more information visit https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au//boost-for-national-par #NSWParks Image 1: Judd Finlay, Image 2: Michael O'Neill, Image 3: Peter Taseski

24.01.2022 Today, is the anniversary of The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The UN adopted the Declaration on 13 September 2007 after 20 ye...ars of negotiation with governments and Indigenous peoples worldwide. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were involved in the drafting of this internationally recognised Declaration that acknowledges and upholds the rights of the world’s Indigenous peoples. The ILSC celebrates all Indigenous peoples and their many achievements and contributions to address worldwide challenges, such as cultural and environmental protection. #JacquiWayPhotography & #goolwapipi #IndigLandSea #Indigenousheritage #IndigenousExcellence #unitednations

24.01.2022 RESEARCH UPDATE! This short film is an update on how my PhD study sites have fared through the #bushfirecrisis and how Banbai rangers are using cultural burning to protect the things that matter Michelle Wattle Ridge and Tarriwa Kurrukun IPA’s NSW Rural Fire Service NSW RFSA... Northern Tablelands Local Land Services National Indigenous Fire Network University of New England, AU See more

24.01.2022 First Nations' expertise lead the way, creating climate solutions for the globe.

23.01.2022 The meteorological view of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is one of great diversity, where the names of the seasons are often dependent on loc...alised events or resources. We see this with the Jawoyn weather calendar from the Katherine region in the Northern Territory. The Jawoyn calendar has five seasons and the seasons are defined by weather patterns and environmental events, with the onset and duration of each season varying from year to year. Jungalk is the period that runs between September to November. It is the build up to the wet season. The creeks have stopped flowing and the billabongs dry out. Thunderclouds build high in the sky. Heat and humidity increases. Nitmi (Cicadas) sing up the rain. When they sing loudly, the Jawoyn community knows rain is not far away and the country will soon be green again. Learn more about the Indigenous Weather Knowledge (IWK) website and the Bureau of Meteorology's commitment to strengthening respectful and collaborative relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: http://ow.ly/IpAC50ByDPz : NT storm, Katherine NT, by Jodi Bilske Photographics

23.01.2022 New bush tucker experience today! Kurrajong root, texture and taste like a coconut. Had a great day out on Country checking out the regeneration after cultural burning, for the Tenterfield fire and seasons calendar with Moombahlene Local Aboriginal Land Council

22.01.2022 The #SavannaFireForum was such a valuable experience earlier this year. What an opportunity to learn from skillful Indigenous fire practitioners who are world leaders, particularly after the incredibly traumatic and devastating bushfires that we had just gone through here in southeast Australia Indigenous Carbon Industry Network Group National Indigenous Fire Network

21.01.2022 https://www.theguardian.com//australian-researchers-find-n

21.01.2022 We have recently received several sightings of suspected albino echidnas. However, if you look closely you can see some pigment present in the eyes, beak and ...claws. So, even the gorgeous colouring seen on this echidna is actually a very light blonde! : Lisa Treloar Download the EchidnaCSI app to submit your own sightings and scats See our website for more information: https://buff.ly/2YSmbPW #EchidnaCSI #citizenscience #echidna #wildlife #wildlifeconservation #conservation #sciencecommunication #australia #nature #wildlifephotography #volunteer #volunteering #environment #research #universityofadelaide #australianwildlife #australia #animals #wildanimals #science #biology #monotreme #naturephotography #blonde #albino

21.01.2022 And that concludes #BiodiversityMonth at UNE! Our dear friend Sir David Attenborough recently said, "Nature, the living world around us, from the tree roots ...and fungi to song birds and the great whales, it's easy to forget that we are also a part of nature." "Our natural world is more than just "nice to have" - it's fundamental to our survival." And so we hope you have enjoyed our spotlight on the researchers at UNE Environment who have dedicated their careers to studying the natural world around us. From Regent Honey Eaters, to Bell's turtles, and even flies, every living species plays an important role in our natural world - as do we, humans. Not only do our researchers work to understand life on earth and how it adapts to our changing environment, but they also work to educate the next generation of environmental scientists. We'd like to thank Lecturer in Ecology and Biology, Dr Manu Saunders, for orchestrating our biodiversity month. The research does not end here! We welcome you to learn more about the amazing Life, Earth & Science research we do here at UNE - and even hope to see you join the team! And never stop exploring and learning about the natural world around us! See our website here: https://okt.to/OvWQ3g

20.01.2022 Another couple of fave photos from field work yesterday- the insects are out in force at this time of the year!

19.01.2022 Indigenous Cultural and Ecological Knowledge (ICEK) A feature of desert culture is the strong bond between grandparents (the storytellers) and grandchildren who... are taught from an early age to listen and tell stories about country. These stories contain key axioms and clues (knowledge) that have enabled people to live together and manage this country for thousands of years. The desert communities still include old people who grew up in a traditional lifestyle while others are reliant on repatriating information and stories from a wider group of researchers, missionaries, teachers or former community workers who spent time with old people coming out of the desert. 10 Deserts Project supports project partners with financial assistance for projects that encourage the intergenerational transfer of traditional knowledge, which is critical to integrating both traditional and contemporary land management practices and building environmental resilience. It also supports activities that encourage old people and young people to get out on country together which will lead to a strong cultural identity and commitment to looking after country. Some of the highlights from 2020 included: - Bush foods workshops - Reading country workshops - Cultural continuity of the Kungka Kutjara Tjukurrpa / Arelhe Atherre Altyere - Men's cultural camp - Traditional fire skills camp - Mijilmilmyia lore revitalisation Indigenous Desert Alliance Desert Support Services Parna Ngururrpa Aboriginal Corporation Central Land Council Kimberley Land Council Alinytjara Wilurara Landscape Board Arid Lands Environment Centre Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa Country Needs People The Pew Charitable Trusts The Nature Conservancy The Nature Conservancy Australia Threatened Species Commissioner Nyangumarta Warrarn

18.01.2022 FULL EP | How Charlie Massy turned his ravaged property into an oasis and how other farmers can do it too. Watch live with us.

18.01.2022 "Indigenous Peoples have managed their lands with fire since time immemorial. But colonizers criminalized the practice, leading to a loss of culture and an in...crease in the risk of wildfires. Now, a small but mighty group of people is revitalizing the craft." https://thenarwhal.ca/indigenous-cultural-burning/ (Daily prescribed fire news and discussion can be found at our Association of Fire Management Activists Facebook group. Its a public group so it has a share button. Because of Facebook restrictions our sharing to groups other than our own is limited.)

18.01.2022 Time to come together- and listen and learn from the oldest living culture on planet #Earth. South East Arnhem Land Indigenous Protected Area Jana Maree Brent Calvin Burt Rami Country Needs People National Indigenous Fire Network NSW Rural Fire Service NSW RFSA Northern Tablelands Local Land Services University of New England, AU UNE Environment Indigenous Carbon Industry Network Group Michelle McKemey

18.01.2022 Internationally significant wetlands right here in Guyra

18.01.2022 An exclusion zone has been put in place in Kakadu National Park, after three humpback whales entered the East Alligator River. We are monitoring the situation a...nd working with NT government authorities to gather data on this unusual event, and an expert working group has been set up to monitor the whale and prepare plans for intervention if required. As of this Thursday it appears that only one whale remains in the river. The exclusion zone is in place from the mouth of the East Alligator River to a point approximately 30 kms upstream for the welfare of the whale and for the safety of people who may have been considering going to the area by boat. The last thing we want is a collision between a boat and whale in waters where crocodiles are prevalent and visibility underwater is zero. We also don’t want boats to inadvertently force the whale further up the river. The whale is not in distress at the moment and it is not an emergency situation. The best case scenario is for the whale to make its way back out to sea. Kakadu National Park and NT Government scientists will continue to monitor the whale in the coming days. We appreciate that this is a very unusual and exciting event, however, our priority at present is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of visitors and the whale. Dr Carol Palmer at NT Government. An exclusion zone is in place around a humpback whale swimming in East Alligator River.

17.01.2022 "Fire is a rebirthing thing for us, it brings the land back to life." - Uncle Les Simon, Walbunga Elder. A collaboration between traditional fire practitioners ...and landholders on the NSW far south coast. Vanessa Milton and James Patrick Photography in consultation with South Coast NSW Aboriginal Elders

17.01.2022 If you missed the latest episode of "BIG WEATHER" on ABC TV last week, you can still watch it on ABC iview. Check out some of our local mob sharing their valua...ble knowledge on cultural burning Episode 3 (starts at 43min) https://iview.abc.net.au//big/series/0/video/DO1912H003S00 National Indigenous Fire Network Victor Steffensen Kylee Clubb Willie Brim Astro Brim Baz Child Savannah Chibnall Craig Reucassel #culturalburning #indigenousfiremanagement #indigenousfirepractitioners #indigenousknowledge #coolburn #firesticks #buluwaicountry #buluwai #fnq #bigweatherseries #climatechange #abc #iview

15.01.2022 These fascinating timelapse videos recorded by University of New England student, Louise Streeting, show a fox trying to raid a Bell's Turtle nest that has been... protected by chicken mesh. Keep watching to see what happens in the video. Look very carefully at the left hand side of the video. Can you see the little Bell's Turtle hatchlings emerging from that same nest about 12 days later, and making their way down to the water? Northern Tablelands LLS is working with UNE and landholders on a project, funded through NSW Environmental Trust, to protect the endangered Bell's Turtle. The key threat is foxes because they dig up turtle nests on stream banks during summer. Up to 95% of nests are raided by foxes before the baby turtles hatch from their eggs. We would love to hear from landholders on the Northern Tablelands who have headwater streams of the Murray-Darling basin on their properties who would like to work with us to manage foxes and protect turtle nests. University of New England, AU BackTrack Youth Works Bell's Turtles - Turtles Forever Project

15.01.2022 Thanks UNE Environment University of New England, AU for the profile during #biodiversitymonth

14.01.2022 Tis the season to.....collect seeds! Kangaroo grass and wattles all ready for collection right now.

13.01.2022 Today I submitted my PhD thesis! For nearly 7 years I have worked alongside my Indigenous collaborators, the Banbai rangers Wattle Ridge and Tarriwa Kurrukun IPA’s and Yugul Mangi rangers South East Arnhem Land Indigenous Protected Area as well as my PhD supervisors, to co-produce research to show how cross-cultural (Indigenous and Western) science can be used to support Aboriginal fire management. Our research provides evidence that cultural burning promotes regeneration, do...es not burn the canopy, reduces fuel loads, provides care for threatened species and has less impact on wildlife habitat than other fires. Indigenous cultural burning brings not only a practice of fire management, but a holistic philosophy that underpins how land, wildlife, people and the cosmos interrelate. With bushfire issues escalating, Indigenous fire and land management is now recognised, locally and globally, as one component of a multi-faceted solution, which must also address issues such as climate change and disaster management. The collective dynamic and adaptive knowledge that we co-produced through this study will help us to navigate a future that is complex, volatile and unpredictable. Australia is well positioned to respond to a future with more bushfires, but we need to listen to our Indigenous peoples and all work together. Thank you to all Aboriginal people past and present, University of New England, AU UNE Environment NSW Rural Fire Service NSW RFSA Northern Tablelands Local Land Services National Indigenous Fire Network See more

12.01.2022 Confused about the difference between backburning & good fire? Rural Fire Service Northern Tableland's Scott Keelan, who recently participated in our Tenterfiel...d burn observed "You could actually pick up the ash after the fire went through, it was so cool. There was green grass left, there were still critters moving about..." After a similarly-successful cultural burn at Delungra, the Banbai rangers and RFS have three more cultural burns in the planning stages for the Glen Innes area. Mr Keelan said such efforts have been happening quietly in the background for some time and are a good thing, with rangers and RFS volunteers standing shoulder-to-shoulder sharing information on tools and containment. "It's very valuable and I hope it continues." #goodfire #rightfire #indigenouslandmanagement #indigenous #firesticksalliance #firesticks #culturalfire #australianbushfires #culturalfire #culturalburning #culturalidentity #culturalpractice #culturallyconnected #livingculture #healthycommunities #healthylandscapes #resilientlandscapes #buildingcommunity #indigenousknowledge #indigenousled #Indigenous #Aboriginal #FirstNations See more

12.01.2022 Resilient Country- Wattleridge IPA Recovery With the support of our project partners and friends at Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife, the Banbai Range...r Group have been flat out assisting the post fire recovery of Country across Wattleridge IPA. ‘Resilient Country- Wattleridge IPA Recovery Project’ is a conservation project designed to provide support to sensitive ecological communities, fauna and habitat impacted by recent high intensity wildfire throughout Wattleridge Indigenous Protected Area (IPA). The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife Conservation Grants Program has provided valuable funding, and support, assisting with; Supplementing lost terrestrial (ground fauna) and arboreal (tree dwelling fauna) habitat with nest boxes Rangers have deployed over 100 nest boxes throughout the IPA! Propagation and revegetation of key flora species in impacted zones including black she-oak, Allocasuarina littoralis (an important feed tree for the threatened Glossy Black-Cockatoo) Rangers have successfully propagated over 5000 seedlings currently hardening up for planting! Pest management through trapping, baiting, monitoring and documenting changes in species populations over time Rangers have continued pest species trapping and have conducted winter and spring baiting regimes across the IPA to reduce predator pest species including, cats, foxes and wild dogs. Fauna monitoring Rangers have deployed an array of trail cameras and conduct periodic spotlighting spotlighting surveys. Recent surveys identified numbers of threatened Greater Gliders and Spotted-tailed Quolls. Rangers also identified Sugar Gliders, Wallabies, Brush-tailed + Ring-tailed Possums and Boobook Owls which is great news following the devastating bushfire season. With a continued collaborative effort between Rangers working on country, and awesome Project partners there is no limit to what can be achieved! For more information around the projects Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife & Wildlife are involved in head to https://www.fnpw.org.au/project-updates Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife Country Needs People Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council

11.01.2022 From little things, big things grow (hopefully)

11.01.2022 More #nativebees, and I wasn’t even doing the #wildpollinatorcount! This time #reedbees (I think?) on my #bulbinelily. This is one of my very favourite #plant...s, #flowering now in my #garden and in the surrounding #remnant bush. It is widespread, reliable, beautiful, edible, combines with other natives or exotics AND a hit with locals! #bulbinebulbosa #nativeleek #indigenousplants See more

10.01.2022 Everything is connected and every individual has a role to play. In 2020 we were shown the catastrophic effect unsustainable, unjust global systems have on the ...natural world, on people, and on other animals. But there is still a window of time. What will you do in 2021 to create a better world for all? Get inspired by listening to Episode 1 of the Jane Goodall #Hopecast available now >> http://bit.let/hopecastep1

09.01.2022 What a sad sight An investigation by the NSW Environment Protection Authority has confirmed numerous bird deaths in western New South Wales were caused by the... consumption of mouse bait, likely from treated grain. Kelly Lacey, the WIRES bird coordinator from Parkes, found up to 100 dead galahs at the town's cemetery. "Seeing the dead bodies and picking them up was just truly heartbreaking," she said. The NSW government has announced a $50-million mouse control package that includes the distribution of 10,000 litres of bromadiolone - known as mouse "napalm". But experts are warning it could be catastrophic for wildlife. Read more: https://ab.co/3x0pAZL : Supplied, Kelly Lacey

09.01.2022 The weather is warming up and if you are thinking of using products to control rats or mice then please consider the birds up the food chain, such as owls and kookaburras. If you must use baits, choose first generation rodenticides such as Ratsak Double Strength and Racumin. https://www.actforbirds.org/ratpoison https://birdlife.org.au//BirdLife_Bird_friendly_rodent_con https://www.natureconservation.org.au//Rat-Control-Native-

08.01.2022 We’re looking forward to tuning in and watching tonight’s episode of Advancing Australia. Dr Otto Campion, Senior Gurruwilling Ranger from Arafura Swamp Rangers..., will be featuring on tonight’s program and talking about the success of Indigenous Savanna Carbon Farming in the Top End. You can watch Advancing Australia, hosted by Guy Pearce, on Channel 10 at 6pm. You can also watch tonight's episode, and previous episodes of Advancing Australia on the 10 Play website - https://10play.com.au/advancing-australia Arafura Swamp Rangers Advancing Australia

06.01.2022 Reviving Aboriginal Festival Activities on the Highlands Prior to 1953, the Aboriginal Nations on the Highlands would meet west of Drake for ceremonies such as ...initiations and celebrations. In 1954 Uncle Des Williams a Bungalung man was ready to be initiated, when he was advised that all festivals on the highlands were cancelled in 1953, due to the vulnerability of aboriginal people during and going to and from the festivals. At the launch of the First Nations Festival on Friday 13th November in the Town Square Glen Innes Elder Shane Levy will revive the festival act on behalf of the Nations on the Highlands. Glen Innes is located in the Northern Highlands of NSW and is central to several Aboriginal Nations: the Ngoorabul, Kamilaroi, Anaiwan, Banbai, Dhanggati, Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr. These Nations extend from Tenterfield to Kempsey, and include the towns and cities of Armidale, Inverell, Tamworth, Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, and many other regional centres. Our Festival aim is to create an immersive Aboriginal experience, endorsed and hosted by the Nations of the Northern Highlands of NSW, that celebrates their cultural identity and creates a greater understanding of, and engagement of all peoples, with Aboriginal culture. The festival also aims to support and strengthen the contemporary role of Elders in Aboriginal communities, by celebrating the stories, art, song, games and language for which they are respected. By empowering Elders with support, we can make a positive step in helping close the gap and transfer sacred spiritual knowledge to all Australians and visitors alike. The Festival will be offered as a free event, so that as many people as possible will be able to share in, learn about, and celebrate the culture and language of the Festival Nations. Program: Friday 13th November 2020 10am start Town Square, Grey Street, Glen Innes Smoking Ceremony by Allan Weatherall Welcome to Country by Elder John Kirk Revival of Indigenous Festivals for the Highlands Ceremony by Elder Shane Levy Official Speeches Entertainment Dance by local children - led by Allan Weatherall and Bob Blair Didgeridoo Dancers from Armidale led by Stephen Ahoy. Close of ceremony Followed by Morning Tea for invited guests in Town Hall. CLOSE: Contact: Wendy Hornsby Secretary First Nations Festival 0403383080 Photo opportunity interviews available on the day (13th November 2020) from 9am. Photo is of Uncle Shane Levy painting up his grandson for the dance segment.

06.01.2022 There is so much opportunity to restore and conserve biodiversity and yet our government does this https://www.theguardian.com//australia-joins-us-china-and-

06.01.2022 Sunset over the fields of kangaroo grass on the Travelling Stock Route. An asset worth looking after Local Land Services NSW

06.01.2022 The Bushfire Royal Commission released their report into the 2019-20 unprecented, catastrophic 'Black Summer' Bushfires today. Two recommendations relate to cultural burning: Recommendation 18.1 Indigenous land and fire management and natural disaster resilience Australian, state, territory and local governments should engage further with Traditional Owners to explore the relationship between Indigenous land and fire management and natural disaster resilience. Recommendation... 18.2 Indigenous land and fire management and public land management Australian, state, territory and local governments should explore further opportunities to leverage Indigenous land and fire management insights, in the development, planning and execution of public land management activities. So how will governments now fund and implement these recommendations? Adam Marshall MP Barnaby Joyce Gladys Berejiklian Sussan Ley MP Country Needs People National Indigenous Fire Network https://naturaldisaster.royalcommission.gov.au/

05.01.2022 I am very lucky to have John Hunter, botanist extraordinaire, as one of my (many) PhD supervisors

04.01.2022 https://www.australiangeographic.com.au//australias-large/

04.01.2022 MYALL CREEK MASSACRE MEMORIAL ANNUAL COMMEMORATION SERVICE 183 years ago Myall Creek witnessed a dark and terrible, yet defining, event of Australia’s... colonial history - a massacre of Aboriginal people, for which seven of the perpetrators were prosecuted, convicted and hanged - the first time white men were held accountable for their actions against the first inhabitants of the lands. Yesterday, more than 400 locals and visitors gathered to commemorate what occurred, with descendants of both the victims and the perpetrators, from 10 June 1838. The Myall Creek massacre serves to remind us of the need for acknowledging uncomfortable truths and moving forward to a better place for us all as one people We can remember the hurt caused and think about the way forward and part of that redress of the past will be developing that iconic part of our history to encourage education and awareness all year round, not just on one day in June each year. Modern Australia is better off for confronting such uncomfortable truths such as those presented by the Myall Creek memorial. Only by acknowledging that such things happened by being openly ashamed that they happened can we reconcile the past with the present and move forward together as one nation. This was the first year the new $1.1 million stage 2 development was used as part of the commemoration service - and it worked very well. Thank you to the members of the Friends of Myall Creek Memorial National Committee and Gwydir Shire Council for organising yesterday’s service and activities. Friends of Myall Creek Memorial The Gwydir News Gwydir Shire Council Inverell Shire Council Inverell Times ABC New England North West Myall Creek Massacre and Memorial Site Myall Creek Massacre Memorial NSW Aboriginal Land Council Don Harwin David Harris MP Walt Secord John Barilaro Reconciliation Australia

04.01.2022 Burning vs Fire When we talk about traditional burning, cultural burning or prescribed burning in the deserts we are almost always referring to mild, applied fi...re. Burning, done well, is a time consuming activity that requires patience, skill and a knowledge of country. The aim is to leave patches behind, protect sites and important species and provide diversity and food for animals and people to make use of in the landscape. The first image shows the result of multiple burns, with green regrowth in the foreground, older spinifex in the middle of the scene and a fresh burn on the dune flank. The second image shows the results of a fire, in similar country in the Great Sandy Desert. This fire has indiscriminately consumed all of the vegetation, leaving nothing but the charred remains of the shrubs behind. A fire this intense would be very difficult for animals to escape from, leave no cover or diversity and exposes the soil to erosion. These hot fires can damage the seed bank and threaten remote communities, mine sites and areas of cultural significance. Hot fires can be extreme enough to crack rocks and damage art sites. Burning helps to lessen the impact of fires. If the country has been carefully burnt, then large fire fronts are broken up by burnt patches or areas of young regrowth. By carefully applying fire to country we can improve its health and diversity over time.

04.01.2022 Australian Geographic's latest edition features 'Walking with Fire' and mentions my #PhD research with the Banbai Rangers at Wattle Ridge and Tarriwa Kurrukun IPA’s. So proud to share our findings with the Australian Geographic family and the broader public! Also honoured to be in the same article as some of our country's most inspiring Indigenous fire practitioners and some amazing leaders in the fire agencies and academia. Thanks to the PhD research supporters (who also ge...t a mention): Northern Tablelands Local Land Services NSW Rural Fire Service NSW RFSA National Indigenous Fire Network University of New England, AU UNE Environment See more

02.01.2022 It was awesome to shout my long term research partners, the Banbai rangers, out to lunch today as a way to say thanks for their support throughout my PhD journey. Also great to have the opportunity to introduce them to my Mum and Dad!

01.01.2022 Gugaamgan = Emu