Highlights Of The 2026 Australian Rangeland Society Annual General Meeting

August 12, 2026

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The Society held its Annual General Meeting on 27 May 2026.  The meeting was held online with with fourteen members present and six apologies.  

The highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the Society’s Annual Report for 2025 calendar year.   This document includes the President’s report as well as details relating to the Society’s membership, finances, publications and other matters.  While the President’s summary report is included below, the full report can be accessed here.

The other notable event at the AGM was the election of two Council office bearers.  David Gallacher was elected unopposed to the position of Secretary and Director and Niilo Gobius was elected unopposed to the position of General Council Member with the roles of secretarial support and Secretariate of the Publications Committee. Both positions are for four year terms.

President’s report (Excerpt from the Annual Report)

Pieter Conradie, Director and President 

It is my pleasure and great honour to present the President’s report for the year ending 2025. This past year has been extraordinary, marked by significant milestones and achievements that highlight the Australian Rangeland Society’s commitment to advancing rangeland management and celebrating the global importance of rangelands. 

One of the most notable events of the year was our Society’s 50th anniversary, which coincided with the first day of the XII International Rangelands Congress (IRC) in Adelaide. This milestone was celebrated with a nostalgic trip through our history, led by Margaret Friedel (1970s), Ron Hacker (1980–2010), and John Taylor (2010–present). Their reflections were both inspiring and humbling, reminding us of how far the Society has come over five decades. 

Jaidyn Eastaughffe, representing the next generation, provided an exciting glimpse into the future of ARS. The event also included video messages of congratulations from around the world. I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone who contributed to this celebration, particularly Dionne Walsh, who served as the MC, and John Taylor, who created the commemorative booklet, Capturing 50 Years of the Australian Rangeland Society. 

A key highlight of the year was the recognition of Don Burnside, who was honoured with the prestigious Fellow of the Australian Rangeland Society award. This recognition acknowledges his distinguished service and invaluable contributions to the art, science, and communication of rangeland management. Don’s roles as Editor of the Range Management Newsletter, President of the WA Branch, Director – Finance and Audit, member of the Publication Committee, and Chairperson of the ARS and IRC organising Committees demonstrate his unwavering dedication to the Society. 

Another significant achievement in 2025 was hosting the XII International Rangelands Congress, which brought together nearly 750 delegates from 48 countries in Adelaide. This event showcased the diversity and importance of rangelands through pre-congress tours, keynote presentations, research posters, and networking opportunities. 

I am deeply grateful to the Organising Committee, co-chaired by Don Burnside and Cathy Waters, with support from Andrew Ash, Nicole Spiegel, and the entire team, for their tireless efforts in ensuring the success of this Congress. Australia is punching above its weight with both Dana Kelly and David Phelps having chaired the IRC Continuing Committee over the past few years. 

In October, I had the privilege of attending the Australian launch of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026 (IYRP) in Perth. Dana Kelly’s extensive advocacy and outreach across Australia has been vital in promoting the IYRP. One of the ARS’s major contributions to the IYRP thereby raising awareness about the significance of rangelands and pastoralists on a global scale. While the ARS’s biggest IYRP activity in 2026 will be our September conference in Darwin, there will be other IYRP themed activities each month for the year. 

This year also saw significant progress in the management of our Society’s publications and digital presence. The Publication Committee, ably led by Bradd Witt, oversees The Rangeland Journal, Range Management Newsletter, our website, and social media. Special thanks go to Paul Novelly (Editor-in-Chief), Noelene Duckett (Newsletter Editor), and Jayne Cuddihy (Website Editor), whose contributions have been exceptional. We welcomed Harriet Bawden as Social Media Editor in October 2025, and she has already made a significant impact by implementing a focused media plan to elevate our online profile. 

A major challenge in 2025 was the recovery of our digital archives following a website crash. Under Jayne Cuddihy’s leadership, over 520 documents, including conference proceedings and committee records, were restored and organised into Google Drive, with links now available on the ARS website. Historical conference proceedings were prioritised, ensuring that abstracts and recent papers are easily accessible. Web stats from Jan to May 2026 show 10,000 active users and strong interest in conference materials, underscoring the importance of maintaining this resource. 

Preparations for the 2026 ARS Conference, 7-11 Sept in Darwin are well underway. The Organising Committee, chaired by Jaidyn Eastaughffe is working hard to deliver a dynamic and engaging event. We look forward to the opportunity to connect with members and continue celebrating the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. 

In closing, I would like to thank the ARS Council for their dedication throughout the year. John Brisbin has done an outstanding job in his demanding role as Director – Finance & Audit, as has Matt Fletcher with the membership portfolio and taken on additional responsibilities with enthusiasm. Kate Forest, Jaidyn Eastaughffe, and Warwick Badgery have provided invaluable support. 

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Bob Shepherd, who is finishing his second and final term on Council. As Director and Secretary, Bob has been a pillar of strength, bringing efficiency, knowledge, and a deep commitment to the Society. On behalf of all members, I thank Bob for his selfless contributions and look forward to his continued involvement. 

In conclusion, 2025 has been a remarkable year for the Australian Rangeland Society. From celebrating our past achievements to hosting a successful International Rangelands Congress and preparing for an exciting year ahead with the IYRP and our 2026 conference, we have much to be proud of.