A Message from the Team
Thank you to all our Rangers, Elders, Aboriginal Corporations, and partners who have joined us across Country and across the state. From bushwalks to boardrooms, from Albany to Kalgoorlie and everywhere in between, your stories, questions, and shared vision continue to inspire meaningful learning, deeper engagement, and progress on our collective carbon journey.
We are now halfway through, with over six major workshops completed and the Participant Dashboard live, we’re excited to share updates, reflections and the next steps for everyone walking this carbon journey together. – Karen Stead (Head of Community Projects and Partnerships).
New Team Members
We’re thrilled to officially welcome Nick Stead, as the new Project Coordinator for the Carbon Farming Outreach Program (CFOP). Nick stepped into the role earlier this year, taking over from Greg Simpson, and has already brought fresh energy, valuable tools, and deep enthusiasm to the team.
Nick is currently finalising his Botany degree through the University of Western Australia (UWA). His background in plant science and ecological systems is proving to be an incredible asset—especially as we continue developing materials on nature-positive practices and land regeneration.
One of the exciting additions Nick has brought to the program is the introduction of iNaturalist, a citizen science platform that helps participants record, map, and learn about species on Country. Whether used during bushwalks, site assessments, or environmental monitoring, iNaturalist empowers communities to document local biodiversity while contributing to global data.
Nick has also been instrumental in strengthening engagement across the South-West and Perth, helping coordinate follow-up actions, participant resources, and technical support for ranger groups exploring carbon farming.
“It’s been a privilege getting to work alongside so many passionate and knowledgeable people on Country. I’m excited about the potential these projects hold—not just for climate, but for culture, community, and Country.” — Nick Stead
Workshop Recap & Highlights
Wattandee Littlewell
Held on Country in Arrowsmith, this immersive week included a smoking ceremony, bushwalks, group artwork, and hands-on learning. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive:
- 95% now see carbon farming as accessible to their communities
- 85% better understand the ACCU system
- 61% said they’ll take action within 12 months
Importantly, this workshop seeded two exciting project pathways:
- A revegetation project is now in early planning stages with the Wattandee team, identifying local species and regeneration zones.
- A potential Nature-Positive Corridor is being explored, which would link local biodiversity and carbon outcomes—highlighting how cultural, environmental, and carbon values can be integrated on Country.
The enthusiasm from community members and the Board, including proactive engagement, sets a strong foundation for these next steps.
South-West (Albany & Bunbury)
These back-to-back workshops brought together GKB Impact, Karri Karrak Aboriginal Corporation, and Danju Rangers to explore carbon farming through practical demonstrations, mapping tools, and On-Country knowledge sharing. While Albany had lighter attendance, Bunbury proved a strong hub for carbon engagement.
- 100% reported increased knowledge in carbon farming
- 75% felt more confident in carbon-related decisions
There was also strong interest in Cultural Burning, Blue Carbon and carbon-neutral tourism.
The networking lunch proved to be more than just a break—it became a space where relationships were forged, ideas exchanged, and future collaborations born. As a direct result of workshop connections, Danju Rangers and GKB Impact have begun discussions on collaborating on a wetland revegetation project. This initiative blends carbon, biodiversity, and waterway health, and will serve as a regional example of co-designed, nature-positive action.
During this workshop, we were also introduced to Chris Howe, whose passion and insights later led to him being invited as a guest speaker at our Perth Conference, where he shared his perspectives on ranger-led innovation and regional opportunities.
Perth
Held on Whadjuk Noongar Country, the Perth seminar marked a milestone in ABC Foundation’s Carbon Farming Outreach Program, taking a deep dive into advanced carbon farming themes.
This event was designed for participants, ready to explore complex policy, project design, and ecological strategies.
With a strong line-up of presenters—from blue carbon scientists to community restoration leaders—the session delivered practical tools, policy insights, and inspiring case studies. Participants left with greater clarity and a strong sense of momentum, confirming that First Nations communities are not only ready for carbon opportunities—they’re leading the way.
From feedback, one of the highlights was Professor Jennifer Verduin (Murdoch University), who inspired the room with her work on blue carbon and seagrass restoration—highlighting WA’s coastal potential in marine carbon storage.
Participants also enjoyed Alison Sentence’s presentation which walked participants through the ACCU Scheme, simplifying project design, crediting periods, and compliance for First Nations-led initiatives.
Kalgoorlie
Our Kalgoorlie workshop was well received by the local ranger team. One of the most exciting outcomes was the connection formed with the local TAFE, which has since led to a practical partnership: TAFE trainers are now scheduled to deliver three accredited horticulture units directly to the ranger group. This is a great example of how the Carbon Farming Outreach Program is not only sparking conversations, but also catalysing tangible training and employment pathways on Country.
ABCF’s CFOP Participant Dashboard is Live!
We’re excited to launch the ABCF Carbon Farming Outreach Program (CFOP) Participant Dashboard—a one-stop hub bringing together all the tools, resources, and contacts we explore in workshops. From carbon calculators and mapping guides to recordings, templates, and helpful links, the dashboard is designed to support you beyond the workshop, whenever and wherever you need it.
Want access? Email oncountry@abcau.com.au to get started!
Ranger Workbook Launched
We’re proud to announce the launch of our CFOP Ranger Workbook, created to support learning and reflection during and after workshops. It’s designed as a practical, visual tool to help Rangers connect carbon knowledge with On-Country practice.
Two more resources are currently in development – a Blue Carbon book and a Nature Positive guide. We’ve also received strong interest in creating a Fire Management workbook, and early planning is underway.
Want More Involvement or to get involved?
If you or your organisation are interested in learning more, joining future workshops, or exploring how carbon projects could work on your Country, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to take the next step, our team is here to support you. Let us know your areas of interest – like tourism offsets, education programs, or regenerative practices – and we’ll tailor support.
Words from Participants
“It was better than I expected.”
“I liked the bushwalk and the visual stuff – it made sense.”
“Please make sure our managers attend next time. They need to understand this too.”
Stay Connected
Visit: www.abcau.com.au
Reach out to book a 1:1 chat or follow-up visit oncountry@abcau.com.au
“Strong Country. Strong Culture. Low Emissions.”
