The Wetland Blueprint: Restoration by Design | Workshop One

THE WETLAND BLUEPRINT Restoration by Design: From Assessment to Action Part 1 of a Four-Part Wetland Restoration Workshop Series Date: Friday, 20 November 2026 Time: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm AWST Venue: The Wetlands Centre Cockburn, 184 Hope Road, Bibra Lake WA 6163 Presenter: Julie Robert, Director, Fat Frog Consulting Catering: Light lunch provided Restoration Begins with Understanding What does it take to turn a degraded wetland into a thriving, functioning ecosystem? Wetlands are complex living systems. They filter water, support biodiversity, regulate stormwater and strengthen our landscapes against environmental change. Restoring them requires more than good intentions. It takes ecological understanding, careful planning and practical knowledge of what works on the ground. Join Julie Robert of Fat Frog Consulting for Restoration by Design, an engaging, hands-on workshop exploring the science, principles and practical techniques behind successful wetland restoration. Drawing on decades of experience restoring wetlands, waterways and urban catchments across Western Australia, Julie will explore how to assess degraded sites, identify restoration opportunities and develop achievable, cost-effective approaches that deliver lasting ecological benefits. About The Wetland Blueprint Series Four workshops. Four perspectives on wetland restoration. One shared goal: healthier, more resilient wetlands. The Wetland Blueprint is a four-part workshop series presented by The Wetlands Centre Cockburn, bringing together ecological science, practical expertise and real-world restoration experience. Each workshop is a complete learning experience in its own right. You can attend just one, join the series at any stage or participate in all four. There are no prerequisites, and you do not need to attend earlier workshops to benefit from later sessions. Every workshop offers its own insights and practical takeaways. Attending all four will give you a broader understanding of wetland restoration, but missing one won't prevent you from getting the most out of the others. What You'll Explore • Understanding wetland health: Recognising ecological functions, signs of degradation and opportunities for recovery. • Assessing the landscape: Understanding site conditions, catchment influences and the factors shaping wetland ecosystems. • Restoration by design: Translating ecological understanding into practical restoration priorities and achievable plans. • Working with nature: Exploring low-cost, high-impact techniques that support biodiversity, water quality and ecological function. • From planning to practice: Learning from real restoration projects and the challenges of implementing effective solutions on the ground. Who Should Attend? This workshop is designed for wetland and Landcare managers, environmental practitioners, students, conservation volunteers, community groups and anyone interested in understanding how degraded ecosystems can be restored. Whether you're involved in an existing restoration project, considering a new initiative or simply want to deepen your understanding of wetland ecology, you'll gain practical insights informed by real-world experience. Meet Your Presenter Julie Robert | Director, Fat Frog Consulting Julie Robert has more than 20 years of experience restoring urban waterways, wetlands and catchments across Western Australia. A longstanding leader in urban Landcare, Julie has helped transform degraded drainage systems into functioning living streams, including the widely studied restoration of Bannister Creek. She established the South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare (SERCUL) and has extensive experience in ecological assessment, wetland management, restoration planning, project implementation and community engagement. Through Fat Frog Consulting, Julie brings together ecological knowledge, technical expertise and practical on-ground experience to help communities and organisations develop healthier, more sustainable wetland ecosystems. Her approach is grounded in a simple principle: successful restoration begins with understanding how an ecosystem works, then designing interventions that work with its natural processes. Learn more about Fat Frog Consulting Join Us Discover how ecological understanding becomes effective restoration practice, learn from one of Western Australia's experienced restoration practitioners and connect with others working towards healthier wetlands. Places are limited to ensure a valuable, interactive workshop experience. Register now to secure your place. Event Sponsor This workshop is proudly supported by Community Bank Fremantle – Bendigo Bank, whose commitment to community education and environmental stewardship helps make practical learning opportunities like this possible. Acknowledgement of Country Kaya. The Wetlands Centre Cockburn acknowledges the Nyungar people of Beeliar Boodja, the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters on which we gather. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and acknowledge their continuing connection to Country, culture and the wetlands and waterways that sustain life.