WomSAT and All Things Wombats

Love wombats? Come and learn all about the loveable furry marsupials with the WomSAT team, an Australian Citizen Science program for wombat conservation.

Wombat numbers are declining – WomSAT allows anyone to log wombat sightings and help the team of researchers at Western Sydney University compile valuable data about wombat populations.

There will be all things ‘wombat’ to do and hear about for all ages. Come along to meet and speak with zoologist and WomSAT team member Associate Professor Julie Old from 10-1pm to learn more about wombats, followed by a presentation from 1-2pm about wombats, wombat research, how to get involved in research and use WomSAT.

Associate Professor Julie Old is an animal scientist/zoologist at the Western Sydney University in Richmond. Julie is passionate about wildlife conservation. She has extensive experience in native mammal research, having completed a PhD and Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in marsupial immunology. In 2006 Julie joined WSU as an academic in Animal Science. In between teaching, she conducts her own research. Julie has been exploring sarcoptic mange in wombats for several years and is very concerned about the plight of wombats. Using WomSAT Julie hopes to enhance the profile of wombats in the wider community. In the longer term, she hopes everyone gains a greater appreciation of wombats and their role in the environment. She hopes WomSAT is a tool that will help in successfully managing and conserving these wonderful Australian animals for future generations.