Our History
In 1988, in response to the growing need for a committed body focused on wildlife management in Australia and New Zealand, AWMS was established. Our inaugural conference was held in Canberra, setting the stage for decades of impactful wildlife management discussions and initiatives. Since then, AWMS has organised conferences annually, alternating between Australia and New Zealand, culminating in the memorable 30th conference in Katoomba in 2017.
A Society Driven by Science
At AWMS, we actively encourage the development, dissemination, and adoption of applied scientific research in wildlife management. Through various platforms such as conferences, meetings, workshops, symposia, publications, and online communications, we provide a forum for discussions, knowledge sharing, and professional growth.Our aim is to influence policy and management decisions by offering clear, explicit, and practical advice on wildlife management options.
Key Focus Areas
AWMS addresses a range of critical topics in wildlife management, including vertebrate biological control, research and development advancements, scientific engagement, and the contributions of scientists to society. We tackle challenges such as controlling native herbivory, conserving endangered species, managing exotic predators, and mitigating agricultural damage. Additionally, we explore emerging areas like recovery programs, predictive modelling, and the integration of new technologies such as camera trapping.
Our People
At the heart of AWMS are the dedicated individuals who contribute their expertise and passion to advance wildlife management.
Our people include:
Office Bearers
Jordan Hampton
President
Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
Stuart Dawson
Vice President
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Perth, Australia
Sebastien Comte
Treasurer
Primary Industries NSW, Orange, Australia
Shannon Dundas
Secretary
Primary Industries NSW, Orange, Australia
Committee Positions
Konnie Gebauer
Conference Liaison Officer
University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Narelle Dybing
Communications Coordinator
National Feral Pig Program, Perth, Australia
Nikki Van de Weyer
Media Coordinator
CSIRO, Canberra, Australia
Mandi D’Ombrain
Student Representative
La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
Niraj Meisuria
Student Representative
University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Patrick Finnerty
Early Career Coordinator
University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
General Committee Members
Sze-Wing Yiu
Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Licoln, New Zealand
Maartin Strauss
University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
Vishnu Ramachandran Menon
Environment NSW, Dubbo, Australia
Susan Campbell
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Albany, Australia
Peter Adams
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Perth, Australia
Julia Ryeland
Symbolix Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia
Sonja Elwood
New South Wales Wildlife Council, Sydney, Australia
Tarnya Cox
Primary Industries NSW, Orange, Australia
Ex-Officio Positions
Tom Newsome
Immediate Past-President
University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
