Conservation in Action
In the heart of Central New South Wales, Jayden Gunn has carved a niche for himself, dedicating his life to the preservation of nature, wildlife, and specifically, woodland birds. As the Central New South Wales Woodland Birds project coordinator, Jayden's work spans a vast area, covering a significant portion of the central west and central tablelands. His commitment to conservation is deeply rooted in his personal history and is further exemplified through his extensive involvement with Mid Lachlan Landcare and Intrepid Landcare.
Costa Georgiadis, Karene Kiddle and Jayden Gunn representing Intrepid Landcare at the landcare conference.
Jayden's journey with Intrepid Landcare began in 2018, a pivotal year that marked his transition from being a participant to a board member. His initial connection to the organisation was sparked at the National Landcare Conference, which he attended as the vertebrate pest animal coordinator for Mid Lachlan Landcare. This role involved collaborating with landholders to manage vertebrate pest animals through community-driven initiatives, such as fox baiting and pig trapping groups, which underscored the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges.
Despite his significant responsibilities, Jayden continued to explore his passion for the natural world, a passion that was nurtured from a young age by his grandfather in New Zealand. His grandfather, a former rugby player and gardener, instilled in Jayden a deep appreciation for nature and the environment, which was further fuelled by their shared moments watching documentaries instead of cartoons. This early exposure laid the groundwork for Jayden's lifelong interest in environmental conservation and bird life.
Jayden's foray into bird conservation, particularly with BirdLife Australia, was a natural progression of his interests and skills. An adept photographer, Jayden has utilised his talent to document and share the beauty of the natural world, specialising in environmental and bird photography. His work has not only captured the splendour of nature but has also served as an educational tool, teaching others about the importance of environmental preservation.
At the core of Jayden's conservation efforts is his work with the glossy black cockatoo, a species he has studied for over a decade. His dedication to understanding and protecting this species exemplifies his commitment to making a tangible difference in the environment. By sharing his knowledge with scientists, university students, and wildlife staff across Australia, Jayden has become a pivotal figure in the conservation of the glossy black cockatoo, contributing significantly to the broader efforts to protect Australia's unique biodiversity.
Jayden's approach to conservation is grounded in a pragmatic and hopeful perspective, influenced by advice from his father to focus on immediate actions and their positive impacts, rather than being overwhelmed by the broader challenges posed by climate change. This philosophy resonates with the ethos of Intrepid Landcare, where Jayden, even in stepping back from the vice chair position due to time constraints, remains an active and influential board member. His leadership and contributions to the organisation, including organising conferences and participating in various projects, reflect a deep-seated belief in the power of community and youth engagement in environmental stewardship.
As we navigate the complexities of environmental conservation in the face of climate change, Jayden's story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. His journey from a young boy fascinated by the natural world to a key figure in conservation efforts showcases the impact one individual can have on their community and the environment. Through his work with Landcare, Intrepid Landcare, and BirdLife Australia, Jayden exemplifies the essence of dedicated environmental stewardship, reminding us of the importance of passion, perseverance, and collective action in safeguarding our planet for future generations.
Tanya Plibersek and Jayden Gunn