What can one of Australia's most iconic and mysterious animals teach us about the health of our rivers—and ourselves?

In this episode of the Hawkesbury Eco Hour podcast, Lyn Ward catches up with Dr Michelle Ryan, Senior Lecturer in Ecology and Environmental Science at Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury-Nepean Waterkeeper, and leading platypus researcher.

Michelle shares the latest on her platypus research, explains how environmental DNA is transforming wildlife conservation, and discusses why the platypus is such an important indicator of healthy waterways. She also talks about her role as Hawkesbury-Nepean Waterkeeper, the challenges facing our river system, and the positive steps communities can take to protect local waterways and biodiversity.

Inspired by her recent TEDx Hawkesbury talk, What the Platypus Can Teach Us About Connection, this conversation explores the links between people, wildlife and the rivers that sustain us all.

Whether you're a nature lover, a science enthusiast or simply curious about the remarkable wildlife of the Hawkesbury-Nepean, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Episode Links:

• Caring for Water Country https://westernx.edu.au/courses/caring-for-water-country

• TEDx Hawkesbury https://tedxhawkesbury.com/

• Hawkesbury Environment Network https://hen.org.au

• Contact the Hawkesbury Eco Hour Podcast podcast@hen.org.au

The plants beneath the trees are some of the hardest working in nature. In this episode of Eco Hour, Lyn Ward is joined by Matilda Julian, Emma Croker and Jade Paton from Hawkesbury Environment Network to celebrate the launch of Love Scrub - a beautiful new booklet exploring the native flora of the Hawkesbury and the wildlife that depends on it. Discover why "scrub" is so much more than undergrowth, the fascinating relationships between plants and animals, and how everyone can create habitat at home.

Episode Links:

• Hawkesbury Environment Network https://hen.org.au

• Contact the Hawkesbury Eco Hour Podcast podcast@hen.org.au

What is ecocide - and why is there a growing global movement to have it recognised as an international crime?

In this episode of Hawkesbury Eco Hour, Lyn speaks with with Alison McCarthy-Phillips about the meaning of ecocide, the international campaign for stronger environmental accountability, and why these conversations matter locally as well as globally.

We explore the balance between development and environmental protection, the role communities can play in shaping the future, and why language and law can influence the way society values the natural world.

A thoughtful and accessible discussion on one of the most important environmental conversations of our time.

Episode Links:

• Stop Ecocide International https://www.stopecocide.earth/ Australian Earth Laws Alliance https://www.earthlaws.org.au/

• Hawkesbury Environment Network https://hen.org.au

• Contact the Hawkesbury Eco Hour Podcast podcast@hen.org.au