Premier's Science Awards 2025: Science Engagement Initiative of the Year Winner

The Science Engagement Initiative of the Year category recognises initiatives that have made an outstanding contribution to community awareness, interest and/or participation in science in Western Australia.

Now in its 24th year, the Premier's Science Awards recognises and celebrates the outstanding scientific research and engagement taking place in Western Australia.

Keep Carnaby's Flying - Ngoolarks Forever

Murdoch University

‘Keep Carnaby’s Flying: Ngoolarks Forever’, a two-year science-led community engagement initiative supported by Lotterywest, raised awareness of the plight of Carnaby’s cockatoos and empowered the community to protect Perth’s threatened black cockatoos. Murdoch University researchers partnered with Aboriginal organisations, environmental NGOs, Curtin University, councils and community groups to undertake direct conservation actions for Perth’s black cockatoos. Outcomes/achievements include planting ~50,000 black cockatoo food-plants, establishing city-wide bird drinking-station networks, and producing science-based Black Cockatoo Conservation Action Plans for councils.  Community partners are now engaging directly with councils to implement these science-informed Action Plans to protect Perth’s black cockatoos.