During November, Lord Howe Island community members came together to celebrate the Island’s remarkable conservation achievements. 

The event showcased the Island's history and future of biodiversity restoration and biosecurity enhancement through photography, presentations, and interactive forums. 

Visitors had the opportunity to view photographs of the Island’s history of conservation efforts. Following an opening by the children of the Lord Howe Island Central School a series of pre-recorded talks commenced with Sally Montgomery presenting findings of her studies regarding the LHI community conservation ethos and history. This theme was further highlighted by presenters Matt Retmock, Barney Nichols, Ian Hutton 

Other presentations were recorded and shown over the following day from Melanie Massaro, Terry O’Dwyer, Nicholas Carlile, Isabel Hyman, Andrew Denham, Craig Stehn, Allie Nance, and Joel Christian. These talks offered insights into the Biodiversity Benefits program, global biosecurity and biodiversity recovery case studies. Rohan Cleave gave an interesting and informative presentation about phasmids and the breeding program his leading at Zoos Victoria.

Two interactive forums were facilitated by Cristina Venables, Team Leader of World Heritage, and Darryl Birch, Team Leader of Biosecurity. These forums covered topics including the Lord Howe Island Biodiversity Management Plan, case studies of successful programs, and the future of biosecurity on the Island.

Thank you to all presenters, and photography contributors: Jack Shick, Dean Hiscox, Ian Hutton, Jonny Fuhri, Justin Gilligan, and the LHI Historical Society and Museum. A special thank you to the students and teachers of Lord Howe Island Central School for their performance.

The event was a wonderful opportunity for the community to reflect on conservation successes, discuss ongoing challenges, and continue the important work of protecting the Island’s unique biodiversity for future generations. 

Some presentations will be available online for those who were unable to attend, and there will be further opportunities to be involved in the future of biodiversity and biosecurity on the Island.