Pieter Conradie, ARS President. Email: pieter.conradie@daf.qld.gov.au
Dear Members,
It is my privilege to introduce another exciting edition of the RMN carefully prepared by our editor Noelene. I also want to congratulate Noelene on the Special Issue of the newsletter focussing on the future of buffel grass management across both pastoral and non-pastoral landscapes. Thank you to all that have responded to date.
The XII International Rangeland Congress in Adelaide has come and gone and what a magnificent event it was. With more than 700 delegates representing 48 countries it was indeed a celebration of the rangelands. I want to express my appreciation to Don Burnside, Cathy Waters and the organising committee who have worked tirelessly since 2019 when the bid was first conceived to make the 3rd IRC in Australia and, the second to be hosted in Adelaide, a reality. Australia is punching above its weight with both Dana Kelly and David Phelps having chaired the IRC Continuing Committee over the past few years. For those who like to plan ahead, the next IRC will be in 2029 in Mongolia, so start getting ready!
The highlight of the Congress activities for me was without doubt the 50th anniversary of our society on the first night. The celebration was ably led by Dionne Walsh as MC with Margaret Friedel speaking about the early years of the society during the 1970s, followed by Ron Hacker taking us through 1980 to 2010 and John Taylor finishing the trip down memory lane bringing us up to where we are today. It was fascinating listening to these esteemed members and also recognising just how much has been achieved over the past 50 years.
As a progressive organisation we need to keep our eyes focused on the future and one of our younger members, Jaidyn Eastaughffe, provided a glimpse into what this could look like. Interspersed with these engaging presentations we had video messages of congratulations from around the world. If you want to relive some of the activities of the night a website link is available with many photos, as well as an exquisite booklet prepared by John Taylor, ‘Capturing 50 years of the Australian Rangeland Society’ on the ARS website.
For a society to be successful you need people willing to go the extra mile. In recognition of his distinguished service and significant contributions to the art, science and communication of rangeland management, and the furtherance of the aims and functioning of the Australian Rangeland Society Dr Don Burnside had the award of Fellow of the Australian Rangeland Society bestowed on him. This is timely considering his ongoing commitment to the Society especially as a supreme conference organiser at this stage. Congratulations to Don!
More exciting news is that Harriet Bawden has taken on the role of Social Media Editor for the Society. As a communications professional with a passion for the rangelands and expertise in agriculture she is ideally suited for the position. Harriet can be contacted at socials@ausrangesoc.com.au. and will appreciate any contributions you can make to assist in promoting the rangelands and Society through socials.
Two events in 2026 to look out for are the Rangelands Conference to be held in Darwin during the second week of September and the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. I had the privilege to attend the soft launch in Toowoomba on the 7th of August and can report that Dana Kelly and her team are putting together a magnificent IYRP program which our Society is strongly supporting. If you are interested in being involved with the organisation of either of these events, please contact the organisers or myself.
Enjoy the read.