Hopetoun Primary School
Tackling environmental biosecurity threats like Phythophthora Dieback, by focusing on foundational change.
The Dieback Working Group are hosting their annual Dieback Information Group (DIG) Conference from the 23rd – 25th September 2025 at Murdoch University in Boorloo, Perth, where experts come together to facilitate connections and discussions across a wide range of sectors and share science, management tools, communication strategies and experiences to further the management of Phytophthora Dieback and other closely related biosecurity concerns.
This year’s conference theme “Strength in Our Roots” – emphasises the vital role of grassroots leadership and community empowerment in environmental biosecurity. “Strength in Our Roots” reflects the Dieback Working Group’s efforts to build sustainable, long-term change, from the ground up, through initiatives like the Green Card program, school education, and other collaborative projects. By investing in training, knowledge-sharing, and community-led action, we will help communities grow stronger together to tackle threats such as Phytophthora Dieback.
“In a world where environmental threats can feel overwhelming, it’s easy to be paralysed by the scale of the challenge. But when it comes to Phytophthora Dieback, every person has the power to protect nature — simply by staying informed and practicing good hygiene in the bush, at work, and even during weekend hobbies. Phytophthora Dieback is a serious and permanent invasive species threat, deadly to nearly 40% of Australia’s native plant species, and humans are the number one spreaders. That’s why grassroots leadership and community action are not just important, they’re essential. At DWG, we’re proud to host the 2025 Dieback Information Group Conference in Perth – a space where science, strategy, and everyday stewardship come together to protect the places we love. Every action counts. And together, we can turn the tide.” (Mia Hunt, DWG CEO).
“We’re honoured to welcome Mita Harris – a Northern New Zealand tribal leader within Ng?puhi, and Operations Manager for Ministry for Primary Industries, Biosecurity New Zealand – as Master of Ceremonies at this year’s DIG Conference. Kauri trees are not only ecological keystones, but hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for the First Nations peoples of Aotearoa. In te ao M?ori, the roots of these towering forest ancestors are seen as their heads — a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness between land, people, and identity. This perspective brings a profound beauty to what we strive for at DIG: a gathering of minds, cultures, and disciplines working together to better understand and manage the threat of Dieback, and to breathe life back into our shared natural world.” (Mia Hunt, DWG CEO).
Conference keynote speakers include:
? Frederik Hjelm – Director of Biosense and Mita Whare Harris – , presenting on Protecting Giants – A Collaborative Approach to kauri Forest Health and Biosecurity.
? Kylie Ireland, Plant Diseases Program Leader at the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, presenting on Dieback Detector Dogs.
? Bruno Rikli – BARK Environmental Consulting, presenting on A National Pathway to Market for Phytophthora-Free Basic Raw Materials.
DIG 2025 includes DWG’s Green CardTM Training, (Dieback Biosecurity Awareness Training) on day one, recognised by WA government authorities to gain the skills and knowledge you need to manage your risk of spreading Phytophthora Dieback on-ground, and a Dieback Management field trip on day three where participants will visit two sites in Perth with very different vegetation profiles to observe and discuss dieback management.
Phytophthora Dieback facts:
? Impacts over 40% of native plants in WA’s southwest biodiversity hotspot.
? The second biggest invasive species threat to Australian threatened species (State of the Environment Report, DCCEW 2021).
? Human activity causes the most significant distribution but is also the most controllable through hygiene and awareness.
Registrations are open for DIG 2025. The Conference Day is available both in person and online.
The Dieback Working Group Inc. (DWG) is Australia’s leading NFP raising dieback awareness and advocating for the national uptake of best-practice management in response to the Phytophthora threat. DWG have been working with Government agencies, land managers, industry groups, scientists, Traditional Owners, and community members since 1996 to vastly expand the awareness, management and management practices for Phytophthora Dieback.
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