Honouring our partners in the fight for biodiversity

At Arid Recovery, we believe that true innovation in conservation requires taking risks. If we want to see animals thriving beyond the fence, we can’t afford to play it safe. Saving biodiversity means stepping beyond comfort zones and embracing the possibility of failure—because fear holds back progress. It’s through this mindset of pushing boundaries that we are able to drive meaningful change and protect the future of our plants and animals. We’re proud to be the risk-takers, testing new frontiers in conservation research to ensure a thriving future for our ecosystems.

Earlier this month, we gathered at Government House in Adelaide to celebrate the remarkable people and partners who make Arid Recovery's bold work possible. A heartfelt thank you to Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, Mr. Bunten, and their staff for hosting us with such generosity. We were also honoured by the presence of the Honourable Susan Close MP, Deputy Premier of South Australia, and Dr. Fiona Fraser, Australia's Threatened Species Commissioner.


Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, warmly welcomed guests in Kaurna language before sharing her thoughts on the significance of wildlife conservationWe are grateful for our valued partners, BHP, The University of Adelaide, SA Department of Environment and Water, Bush Heritage Australia, as well as the Kokatha community, whose lands we work on. A special thanks to our research students, past and present staff, the Roxby Downs community, and all our supporters in the SA conservation sector, business, and philanthropy.

Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation Chairperson Carly Chamberlain, Dr. Roger Thomas, Arid Recovery CEO Dr. Katherine Tuft, Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation Heritage Service Manager Glen Wingfield, and Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation Vice-chairperson Chereena Amos.Our appreciation goes to Dr. Roger Thomas, senior Kokatha man, for his heartfelt acknowledgment of Country; to Her Excellency for her kind words of congratulations; and to Allan Holmes, Chair of the Arid Recovery Board, for representing us with such distinction.

Finally, a big thank you to each and every one of you—our incredible community—for your unwavering dedication, intelligence, and support in driving Arid Recovery's transformative conservation efforts.

Arid Recovery Conservation Land Management Officer Nathan Manders, and Arid Recovery PhD students Molly Barlow and Jack Bilby