National Coordinator impact goes ‘virtual’, really!
CISS is stepping up its role as a national leader in invasive species management – hosting and joining a series of high-energy online events that reached hundreds of participants across Australia and beyond. From major forums to practical sessions for land managers, these webinars are connecting people, sharing innovation and driving action at scale.
Cat and Fox Management Forum draws record attendance
One of the standout events this month was the online Feral Cat and Fox Management Forum, led by Gillian Basnett and Thomas Nelson. This two-day event attracted exceptional participation, with 280 attendees on Day 1 for fox management and 306 attendees on Day 2 for feral cat management – reflecting strong national and international interest in these critical issues.
The forum delivered leading experts, innovative management tools, cutting-edge technology, and deep-dive case studies. The live Q&A and chat functions generated robust engagement, sparking discussions on good planning, monitoring, and emerging solutions. Attendees joined from all over Australia and New Zealand, with others from the US, UK, and Europe, underlining the Centre’s growing global profile.
Missed out? Recordings will soon be available on the CISS YouTube channel, extending our reach even further.
Building Stronger Connections: ‘In the Tent’ Webinar
The NRM Regions Australia ‘In the Tent’ webinar was another standout. This session brought together five National Coordinators – Greg Mifsud (Wild Dogs), Heidi Kleinert (Rabbits), Gill Bassinet (Cats & Foxes), Heather Channon (Pigs) and Jane McKenzie (Deer) – to connect directly with land managers across the country.
This was more than an update – it was an opportunity to build trust, strengthen relationships and inspire greater engagement between coordinators and land managers. By fostering these links, the Centre is ensuring that national priorities translate into local action and that collaboration remains at the heart of invasive species management.
View the session here.
Sharing knowledge with Landcare and local communities
CISS experts also featured in webinars held by Victoria’s Latrobe Catchment Landcare Network, highlighting practical tools and science-driven approaches for tackling weeds and pests. The first focussed on apps to map, track and manage pests and weeds. Tomas Mitchell-Storey introduced WeedScan, our AI-powered weed identification app, while Peter West of NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development shared insights on FeralScan. In a separate webinar, Heidi Kleinert unpacked the latest strategies and resources for feral rabbit management in ‘Get the latest rub on rabbits’.
Why it matters
Through these events, CISS is reaching hundreds of practitioners, policymakers and land managers, demonstrating our commitment to knowledge sharing, innovation, and national coordination. By hosting high-quality forums and engaging in cross-sector discussions, CISS continues to lead from the front – building partnerships, influencing practice, and amplifying impact at scale.