The European rabbit was introduced in Australia in the 1850's for hunting. The population exploded in what researchers say was the fastest recorded colonization rate for an introduced mammal, becoming Australia's most widespread and destructive pest.
Drawing from collaborative work in rabbit management, Michael will talk about the approach to managing rabbits through the development of the Victorian Rabbit Action Network. In particular, he will share stories about how re-framing rabbit management and drawing on a democratic systems approach has supported collective action targeting this wicked socio-ecological issue.
Storyteller bio
Working as an Executive in the Australian government for 18 years, Michael has seen how government and community can come together to manage invasive species and other biosecurity threats. He is a passionate advocate for community engagement and is interested in cooperative forms of governance, inclusive institutions, and distributive leadership. In 2019, Michael travelled to Baku, Azerbaijan, to collect the 2019 United Nations Public Service Award for developing more inclusive and equitable services and contributing to the sustainable development goals for managing rabbits in Australia on behalf of Agriculture Victoria. Michael was recently awarded the Churchill Fellowship, where he will investigate community-led programs that support the management of weeds and pest animals – in New Zealand, USA, UK, South Africa.
Register today to join Michael’s session!
Each Stories from the Field session will be open and conversational. Speakers will share a bit about their applied research work to springboard conversations with attendees about the practice of community-engaged applied research. Join us to talk about the challenges and opportunities of doing work with communities, businesses, and the public sector.