For many birdwatchers, the prospect of heading off to a new area to go birding is a thrilling one, with the chance to see exciting, new and interesting species. Most birdwatchers, however, do much of their birding in their local patch. Over time, many gain a good understanding of the birds in their own stomping ground - their habitats, their characteristics, and their habits such as seasonal movements and population trends. They also get to know many of the processes that may affect the birds in their neck of the woods.

For this reason, Birds Australia has established Regional Groups throughout most parts of Australia to acknowledge and share this local interest and awareness. Members of Birds Australia are automatically included in whichever Regional Group that reflects where they live. These Groups provide the perfect platform to engage communities in participating in Birds Australia's bevy of activities and projects, many of which include vital bird conservation work on a local, regional or national scale. Local knowledge and enthusiasm can make a world of difference.

Regional Groups also allow regular and fluent communication of ideas between Birds Australia and its members, as each member receives a regular regional newsletter, full of the latest birding news from the region, conservation activities, and upcoming events. In addition, each Regional Group has a committee of volunteers to represent the Group and champion its interests. Representatives from each Regional Group meet with delegates from other regions twice each year to exchange ideas and find out about the latest developments at Birds Australia. These meetings are held at varied locations around Australia before the Annual General Meeting each May and in Melbourne, usually on the day before the Birds Australia Council meeting in November.

Meetings & Minutes

The Regional Group meetings have now been expanded to include a representative from each of the groups that make up the BA Family - Regional Groups, Special Interest Groups, Observatories and Reserves. The next meeting of the BA Groups is scheduled for 28 May 2010 at the Green Building, Melbourne prior to the BA Conservation Forum.

Minutes 29 November 2009, Armidale
Minutes 29 May 2009, Brisbane
Minutes 28 November 2008, Melbourne