Sign in

Sarah Bekessy

@sbekessy.bsky.social
158 followers 54 following 8 posts
PostsRepliesMedia
Sarah Bekessy @sbekessy.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
How can we intentionally design our homes to co-inhabit with wildlife? That’s the question we explored in an a new work at the NGV - www.whenwildlifemovesin.com From frog saunas to butterfly puddles: 8 ways to turn your homes into a wildlife refuge theconversation.com/from-frog-sa...
theconversation.com
From frog saunas to butterfly puddles: 8 ways to turn your homes into a wildlife refuge
Urban sprawl has forced native animals and humans to live close together. Here are eight ways to make your home a refuge for wildlife.
041
Sarah Bekessy @sbekessy.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
To anyone who thinks (indoor) cats can’t do tricks x
020
Reposted by Sarah Bekessy
ICON Science UniMelb @icon-science.bsky.social · 11/07/2025
A massive congratulations to ICON Science Lab Head, Prof. @sbekessy.bsky.social, who has been successful in securing an ARC Industry Laureate Fellowship for 2025!! Congratulations Sarah!! 👏🏼🎉🥂 Read more about Sarah's project here: www.arc.gov.au/2025-industr...
052
Reposted by Sarah Bekessy
ICON Science UniMelb @icon-science.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
The ICON Science Research Group, including both current and recent alumni, was well represented at the #ICCB2025 poster session last night! You can catch our lab head, Prof. Sarah Bekessy (@sbekessy.bsky.social), speaking in 'The future of designing with urban wildlife' session at 3.15pm in M4.
A photo of eight white people at a conference poster session in a large hall. Each person is wearing a blue and white name badge on a long white string, and is smiling at the camera.
172
Reposted by Sarah Bekessy
Tim Curran @timcurran.bsky.social · 07/06/2025
4/n Consequently, there are many efforts to make urban gardens more hospitable for native biodiversity, e.g.: conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.... @sbekessy.bsky.social ‪@drkyliesoanes.bsky.social‬ @jacintahumphrey.bsky.social @euanritchie.bsky.social will be able to add more examples
conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Designing cities for everyday nature
The motivations for incorporating nature into the design of cities have never been more compelling. Creating experiences with nature that occur every day (everyday nature) in cities could help revers...
121
Reposted by Sarah Bekessy
Holly Kirk @hollykirk.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
Just boosting this fresh new work from colleagues @jacintahumphrey.bsky.social @sbekessy.bsky.social! 🌏🧪 #conservationScienc #urban
1205
Reposted by Sarah Bekessy
Dr Jacinta Humphrey @jacintahumphrey.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
These trees likely date back to European colonisation, and now they've been destroyed to make way for a car park. Yes, you read that right. A car park. We can do better than this. We have to do better than this.
A photo of a muddy construction site. On the left there is a large orange piece of machinery. On the right, there is a huge up-ended tree stump and a large portion of a eucalyptus tree trunk that has recently been clear felled (cut down).
194
Reposted by Sarah Bekessy
Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
"Big tree adds between 3% to 15% of the value of a property, so even if the owners don’t care about health benefits, cooling, aesthetic appeal and privacy, it’s financially better to rebuild their fence rather than cutting down the tree.” @sbekessy.bsky.social au.news.yahoo.com/aussie-neigh...
0102
Reposted by Sarah Bekessy
Jane Caro @janecaro.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
It’s hard to celebrate public schools gaining full funding. Its hard because kids now in kindergarten must wait till Year 10 before their education is fully supported. Its also hard when most private schools remain overfunded. Its hard to celebrate inequality. www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
theguardian.com
NSW public schools to be fully funded by 2034, leaving Queensland as only state outside deal
Commonwealth will pay for a quarter of public school funding, up from a fifth, replicating an agreement reached with South Australia and Victoria last month
27381114
Sarah Bekessy @sbekessy.bsky.social · 01/03/2025
ok everyone - just a few more days (closes 5th march) to apply for this sensational role -Bush Heritage Australia is one of the most extraordinary organisations I have had the pleasure to be involved with. applynow.net.au/jobs/EMSC202...
applynow.net.au
Executive Manager Science and Conservation | Bush Heritage Australia
Executive Manager Science and Conservation | Bush Heritage Australia
031
Reposted by Sarah Bekessy
Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
Despite the supposed protection of Environmental Significance and Public Acquisition Overlays and national & state enviro protection laws, a Melb developer bulldozed 40 ha of Critically Endangered grassland earmarked for a recreation & conservation reserve. biodiversitycouncil.org.au/news/melbour...
biodiversitycouncil.org.au
Melbourne left poorer by the destruction of a Critically Endangered grassland | Biodiversity Council Australia
The people of western Melbourne have been short-changed by the actions of a developer who destroyed 40 hectares of a Critically Endangered ecosystem that was earmarked for a future conservation and re...
1138
Reposted by Sarah Bekessy
Yung En Chee @yungenchee.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
The ripping up of critically-endangered (<1% of original extent remaining!) Natural Temperate Grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plains occurred on the watch of Fed & Vic Env Ministers Tanya Plibersek & Steve Dimopoulos Write them👉 vnpa.org.au/action-prote... (h/t @lyndallterrier.bsky.social)
vnpa.org.au
Create the parks: Don’t make nature wait any longer
Tell your local MP you want them to safeguard the rivers, forests and threatened wildlife of the central west by the end of 2024.
24024
Reposted by Sarah Bekessy
Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 24/02/2025
The “silent majority” of Australians support having more national parks, no matter who they vote for. Listen to the full interview and learn more about the study from @monashuniversity.bsky.social via our website: biodiversitycouncil.org.au/news/austral... 🌱 🐨 🦘 🐸 ⛺ 🥾 🌳
054
Reposted by Sarah Bekessy
Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
Join thousands of other subscribers who get the latest biodiversity science and policy news delivered straight to their inbox. Sign up at eepurl.com/iQT6W6 Subscribe today so you don't miss out on the edition heading for inboxes first thing tomorrow morning.
032
Reposted by Sarah Bekessy
Professor Euan Ritchie FAMS @euanritchie.bsky.social · 22/02/2025
Want change? Want to protect Australia’s wildlife and environments? *Use preferential voting to your advantage.* No. Vote. Is. Ever. Wasted! Simply order your votes from most environmentally progressive to least (ecocidal). It’s literally that simple. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Labor hasn’t delivered on more effective nature laws. It’s not just embarrassing, it’s calamitous | Tim Winton
As Ningaloo reef bleaches and an election looms, we must look to those who stand in the way of our safety – the small cohort of people profiting from fossil fuels, and the politicians who protect them
711559
Reposted by Sarah Bekessy
John Holmes @jhaue.bsky.social · 22/02/2025
Tim Winton: Labor hasn’t delivered on more effective nature laws. It’s not just embarrassing, it’s calamitous www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Labor hasn’t delivered on more effective nature laws. It’s not just embarrassing, it’s calamitous | Tim Winton
As Ningaloo reef bleaches and an election looms, we must look to those who stand in the way of our safety – the small cohort of people profiting from fossil fuels, and the politicians who protect them
023
Reposted by Sarah Bekessy
Professor Euan Ritchie FAMS @euanritchie.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
Cats can be wonderful companion animals. Cats should be contained to their homes/catios/cat-runs, 24/7. Contained cats are healthier and safer. Containing cats protects wildlife (pet and feral cats kill) and human health. My chat with Richelle Hunt on ABC Melbourne www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...
abc.net.au
Do curfews prevent cats from ending up in pounds? - ABC listen
Animal rescuers claim that new Victorian government cat management policies will result in an increase in the number of cats that are euthanized in pounds, in this edition of The Conversation we ask h...
47012
Reposted by Sarah Bekessy
Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
Australia's renewable energy transition is being shaped by politics when it should be guided by evidence. We've prepared a public statement on the transition we need to have. Read the full 1-page statement: biodiversitycouncil.org.au/resources/st... #renewables #cleanenergy #climateaction
A field covered in solar panels. An image of a pdf document is overlayed with the caption: our statement on the renewable energy transition.A field covered in solar panels. Text overlaying the image says: The continued rollout of renewable energy projects is the only viable solution available to cut climate-harming carbon emissions from electricity production in the rapid time frames required.A field covered in solar panels. Text overlaying the image says: Renewable energy projects can harm the environment and heritage values, but their impacts can be reduced to acceptable levels through appropriate site selection and operation.A field covered in solar panels. Text overlaying the image says: Currently, conflicts are arising between renewable energy project proposals and other stakeholders due to insufficient strategic planning and regulatory leadership from state, territory, and federal governments.
023
Reposted by Sarah Bekessy
John Holmes @jhaue.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
Three-quarters of Australians want more national parks, study finds biodiversitycouncil.org.au/news/austral...
biodiversitycouncil.org.au
Three-quarters of Australians want more national parks, study finds | Biodiversity Council Australia
New research shows that three-quarters of Australians support the establishment of new national parks to protect natural and cultural values, and only 5% are opposed to establishing new parks.
065
Reposted by Sarah Bekessy
Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
Survey finds 75% of Australians support the establishment of new national parks, and only 5% are opposed. The results come amid an angry backlash on social media against a pro-national parks campaign by Great Northern Brewing Co and highlights that there’s a “silent majority” of supporters.
2159
Reposted by Sarah Bekessy
Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
Read more: biodiversitycouncil.org.au/news/4-ways-... @icon-science.bsky.social @sbekessy.bsky.social @monashuniversity.bsky.social
A crowd of protesters have gathered in a street. Text over the image says: 3. Strategically choose your tactics. Choose whether to work with the target agency, challenge them publicly or both; both approaches have their merit in the right context.

Environmental advocates can work alongside government to design solutions together. E.g. a community group might work with their council to design & implement management of a local reserve. 

The opposite strategy is an “outsider” approach. E.g. seeking to get your issue into the media to build public interest to get something on the political agenda."A crowd of protesters have gathered in a street. Text over the image says: 4. Seize the moment. Identify the political window when your advocacy might be most effective. It might be an upcoming election or budget, or when a policy is being reviewed.

Or it might be something less predictable, such as a bushfire, flood or other environmental disaster. In those cases, nature conservation issues are suddenly all over the media. It might be a chance for real change. Be prepared with solutions for when these happen.A crowd of protesters have gathered in a street. Text over the image says: If not us, who? These are well-tested, effective actions you can use to achieve positive policy change for nature.

Governments stand to benefit politically by engaging with community and advocacy groups. So there is enormous potential for everyday people to genuinely make a difference.

Environmental crises can seem overwhelming, but we can – and must – try to make a difference. Because, as the old adage goes: 
if not us, who? And if not now, when?
044
Reposted by Sarah Bekessy
Dr Jacinta Humphrey @jacintahumphrey.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
This week, the annual LIV Golf tournament returns to the Grange Golf Club in South Australia. Grange is known for its commitment to natural habitats and wildlife. But can a golf course really be good for biodiversity? ⛳ @aunz.theconversation.com theconversation.com/golf-courses...
A close up image of a Banksia cone or seed pod. The cone is covered in small openings that would have once held seeds. Surrounding the cone, are a series of long, light green leaves. In the background, you can see another cone and more Banksia foliage.
062
Reposted by Sarah Bekessy
Holly Kirk @hollykirk.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
Check out this new article from @jacintahumphrey.bsky.social @icon-science.bsky.social theconversation.com/golf-courses... reflecting on the important role that golf courses can play for #urbanNature! 🌏
theconversation.com
Golf courses can be safe havens for wildlife and beacons of biodiversity
Managed well, golf courses can bring nature back to our cities. Here’s how to balance the good and bad for urban biodiversity.
085
Reposted by Sarah Bekessy
ICON Science UniMelb @icon-science.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
ICON has officially moved over to Bluesky!
051
Reposted by Sarah Bekessy
Professor Euan Ritchie FAMS @euanritchie.bsky.social · 04/02/2025
“Years of warnings...ignored or kept secret. Promises made, but not delivered...Laws that don’t work to protect the environment, or smooth the way for sensible development. All against the backdrop of...environmental destruction..It’s time to change that.” - @tanyaplibersekmp.bsky.social 2022
34016
Reposted by Sarah Bekessy
Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 04/02/2025
Labor just abandoned a 2022 election commitment to reform our ineffective environmental protection laws. Albanese says he abandoned new nature laws due to a lack of support in the senate, but as @adammorton.bsky.social writes, ”It’s pretty hard to get a deal when you’ve given up negotiation.”
A koala lays dead on the ground in cleared rural bushland. Text overlay read "Anthony Albanese has walked back from a government promise to prioritise improving protection of Australia’s wildlife - again!" A quote from Adam Morton, The Guardian author, says “It’s pretty hard to get a deal when you’ve given up negotiation.”
154
Reposted by Sarah Bekessy
Terry Hughes @profterryhughes.bsky.social · 01/02/2025
Epic fail, again today on environmental policies from Australia’s PM: “It’s a matter of working to, in a practical way, a commonsense reform that delivers something that supports industry.” The fossil fuel industry of course. While Townsville goes underwater theconversation.com/politics-wit...
25726
Reposted by Sarah Bekessy
Holly Kirk @hollykirk.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
Right on time! Just when I was really starting to feel overwhelmed by, well, everything... Here's some handy new research from colleagues @sbekessy.bsky.social @lilyvaneeden.bsky.social on best ways to make positive changes for nature! #conservation🌏 theconversation.com/make-a-noise...
theconversation.com
Make a noise or work with the system? New research reveals 4 ways to create real change for nature
Researchers mined the knowledge of politicians, public servants and environmental advocates to understand how everyday people can achieve real change for nature.
13918
Sarah Bekessy @sbekessy.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
Now more than ever we all need tips for best ways to advocate for nature - our new research identifies what works theconversation.com/make-a-noise... @biodivcouncil.bsky.social @lilyvaneeden.bsky.social @fernhames.bsky.social @liamsmeeth1.bsky.social
theconversation.com
Make a noise or work with the system? New research reveals 4 ways to create real change for nature
Researchers mined the knowledge of politicians, public servants and environmental advocates to understand how everyday people can achieve real change for nature.
064
Reposted by Sarah Bekessy
Professor Euan Ritchie FAMS @euanritchie.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
So according to Trump people in the U.S. will only be able to identify as men or women? Fuck off, Trump. And likewise, to all that support this vile, dangerous human.
2555
Reposted by Sarah Bekessy
Tim Curran @timcurran.bsky.social · 16/12/2024
We learnt a lot about #urbanbiodiversity at #ESAus2024, with several sessions run by @sbekessy.bsky.social and a keynote by @drkyliesoanes.bsky.social This is a great summary by @jacintahumphrey.bsky.social: bsky.app/profile/jaci... #gadigaltogunnedah #notes
161
Sarah Bekessy @sbekessy.bsky.social · 10/12/2024
Terrible photo sorry but @hollykirk.bsky.social convincing us very eloquently (as usual) that we need to identify potential biodiversity values as well as risks when doing ecological impact assessments @esa2024.bsky.social
0102
Reposted by Sarah Bekessy
Holly Kirk @hollykirk.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
Integrating water design & biodiversity design is the topic of Fiona Hoegh-Guldberg's PhD! #ESAus2024🌏🧪 Her new paper is here www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti... Green or blue #natureBasedSolutions still vulnerable to green-washing! Need to consider biodiversity beyond just ecosystem services.
Results from a review of urban nature based solutions studies showing many do not consider biodiversity
0406
Reposted by Sarah Bekessy
Holly Kirk @hollykirk.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
Now @jacintahumphrey.bsky.social asks how do we get forest & woodland birds back in cities when we actively lack forests & woodlands in cities? #ESAus2024 Her presentation focuses on how small birds are affected by bigger, noisier and more aggressive birds in #urban spaces. 🌏🧪🪶
Jacinta's opening slideHow can we improve habitat for forest birds? More shrubs and mid storey, protect native veg, maybe get rid of miners?
14610
Reposted by Sarah Bekessy
Holly Kirk @hollykirk.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
Kicking off the Nature in Cities session here at #ESAus2024, @sbekessy.bsky.social calls for #urban developers to sign the Nature Pledge: Full stop on removing any remnant vegetation!! 🌏 naturepledge.org.au
Talk slide urging proponents to sign the nature pledge: Growing homes AND Growing nature, with an urban wetland in the background
0101
Reposted by Sarah Bekessy
Professor Euan Ritchie FAMS @euanritchie.bsky.social · 25/11/2024
Humans murder another majestic apex predator. Sickening this barbaric, backward practice continues.
109732
Sarah Bekessy @sbekessy.bsky.social · 24/11/2024
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Spiky blue devils and chocolate lilies: Victorian grassland bursts with wildflowers after ecological ‘reset’
Careful management including weed control and a burn laid the groundwork for floral abundance in Boorhaman reserve
000
Sarah Bekessy @sbekessy.bsky.social · 24/11/2024
Spiky blue devils and chocolate lilies: Victorian grassland bursts with wildflowers after ecological ‘reset’
000
Sarah Bekessy @sbekessy.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
Many cities fail the 3-30-300 benchmark for urban nature. The ‘3’ is often met and the ‘300’ is patchy due to poor tree canopy coverage. Cities need better planting conditions and governance to support tree growth @_ficus @TerrEcolGroup @geoconR @sbekessy
151
Reposted by Sarah Bekessy
Australian Conservation Foundation @ausconservation.bsky.social · 14/11/2024
A new study examining plant and animal species after the Black Summer fire season found greater biodiversity loss in areas subject to frequent burning. www.abc.net.au/news/science...
abc.net.au
Prescribed burns are used to reduce bushfire risk. A new study suggests it has the opposite effect
Areas that had multiple fires prior to 2019–20 had greater biodiversity losses when Black Summer fires hit compared to areas that had burnt once or not at all beforehand.
094