It is a pleasure to invite EIANZ members in WA to the 2025 WA Division Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday 13 August 2025 at the Mayfair Lane Pub & Dining Room (72 Outram St, West Perth), beginning at 5:30pm and concluding at 6:15pm. Any members wishing to attend the AGM who can’t make it in person are welcome to join the meeting via Zoom.

This year's AGM will be followed by a guest speaker, Shelby Middleton from Edith Cowan University, who will share her recent research on the Common Brushtail Possum and how new genetic discoveries are reshaping conservation approaches for this iconic marsupial.

We encourage WA members to consider serving on the WA Division Committee and invite you to put yourself forward. The term of office of all currently elected officers of the EIANZ WA Division will expire at the conclusion of the AGM. Nominations are called for any of the general Committee positions for the period 2025 to 2026:

• President
• Vice-President
• Treasurer
• Secretary
• General Committee Member

General committee members can elect to become part of the following sub-committees:

• Professional Development Events/Webinar sub-committee
• Social Networking Events sub-committee
• Student and Early Careers sub-committee
• Membership and communications sub-committee
• Advocacy sub-committee

Only current financial members are eligible to nominate for these positions. All nominations must be endorsed by two EIANZ Full Members or Fellows.

• Download the Nomination form →
• Download the Proxy form →
• View the 2025 AGM Agenda →
• View the draft Minutes from the 2024 AGM →

Nominations can be made by completing a nomination form and forwarding it to wa@eianz.org to arrive no later than 3:00pm on Tuesday 12 August 2025 or be presented at the commencement of the meeting.

If Full members or Fellow members are unable to attend the AGM they may appoint a proxy to vote on their behalf. The proxy form should be completed and either emailed to the wa@eianz.org by 3:00pm on Tuesday 12 August 2025 or presented at the commencement of the meeting.

In the event of more than one nomination being received for any one position, a ballot will be held at the Annual General Meeting.

Any questions about the AGM can be directed to the WA Division President acting as Returning Officer: Belinda Bastow via email at wa@eianz.org or 0418 950 678.

Guest Speaker

We have invited a guest speaker Shelby Middleton, a PhD at Edith Cowan University, and Linette Umbrello, Research Associate at Western Australian Museum, to present her recent research on the Common Brushtail Possum after the AGM (at the same venue). Shelby will share her findings, which challenge our current understanding of this widespread Australian marsupial. Using comprehensive genetic analysis across populations throughout Australia, her study has revealed unexpected patterns in the species' genetic structure that don't align with existing subspecies classifications. The presentation will explore the practical implications of these genetic discoveries for conservation practitioners, particularly regarding translocation programs and population management strategies for the brushtail possum.

Meet the Speakers

Shelby Middleton is a PhD student at Edith Cowan University and a research associate at the Western Australian Museum, having recently submitted her PhD thesis. Her research focuses on the systematics of brushtail possums (Trichosurus spp.) in Australia, combining molecular and morphological data to revise taxonomy and clarify genetic population structure. Through this work, she aimed to resolve species and subspecies boundaries and better understand the evolutionary processes driving morphological and genetic divergence across the group. Shelby’s research interests include cranial and dental morphological variation, integrative species delimitation, and evolutionary diversification within Australian mammal lineages.

Dr Linette Umbrello is a Research Scientist at the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions where her research focuses on the conservation genetics and distributions of threatened bats in the Pilbara. Linette is also a Research Associate at the Western Australian Museum and uses genetics and morphological analyses to describe new species of Australian dasyurid marsupials.

Nibbles and your first drink are included with your registration. Join us at this friendly gathering to connect with fellow environmental professionals.

This event is free for EIANZ members. We welcome non-members to join us for the guest speaker presentation at the special rate of $25. Reserve your spot now by registering below.

We hope you can join us!