Learn to protect nesting turtles and support conservation efforts in Cockburn with free training sessions.
Wednesday 5 August 2026
to Sunday 16 August 2026
5:45pm - 8:00pm
The Wetlands Centre Cockburn, 184 Hope Rd, Bibra Lake WA 6163; Harvest Lakes Community Centre, 62 Aurora Dr, Atwell WA 6164
Free
Dive into the fascinating world of turtle conservation with the City of Cockburn's Turtle Tracker Training Sessions. These sessions are designed for community members eager to help protect vulnerable nesting turtles during their critical nesting season from September to January. You'll gain hands-on experience and learn how to use the TurtleSAT App to monitor turtle nests effectively.
Expect engaging discussions about turtle behavior, threats they face, and how citizen science plays a vital role in their protection. Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or new to wildlife conservation, these sessions offer a welcoming environment to connect with like-minded individuals passionate about nature.
This is a wonderful opportunity for families and individuals to contribute meaningfully to local environmental efforts while enjoying time outdoors.
The training sessions cover essential skills for supporting nesting turtles, including nest protection techniques and tracking methods. Sessions are held at various accessible locations such as The Wetlands Centre Cockburn and Harvest Lakes Community Centre.
There are multiple sessions available to fit different schedules:
- Session 1: Wednesday 5 August, 17:45 - 20:00 at The Wetlands Centre Cockburn
- Session 2: Sunday 16 August, 14:15 - 16:30 at Harvest Lakes Community Centre
Special sessions for Bibra Lake tracking are also offered:
- Sunday 9 August, 10:00 - 14:00
- Wednesday 12 August, 18:00 - 21:30
All sessions are free and open to all age groups, making it an ideal activity for families and community members interested in environmental stewardship.
Training events take place at accessible venues including The Wetlands Centre Cockburn (184 Hope Rd, Bibra Lake WA 6163) and Harvest Lakes Community Centre (62 Aurora Dr, Atwell WA 6164). These locations provide facilities such as free parking, accessible toilets, ACROD parking spaces, and lifts to ensure comfort for all attendees.
The venues are equipped with accessibility features like in-map voice and accessible colour choices to support participants with different needs. Bicycle parking racks are also available for those who prefer eco-friendly transport options.
Whether you drive or cycle, these locations are easy to reach and welcoming for families and individuals alike.
Please note that the turtle nesting season runs from September to January, which is when turtles are most vulnerable and need community support. Training sessions are scheduled in advance to prepare volunteers ahead of this critical period.
Participants will be trained to use the TurtleSAT App, so bringing a smartphone or tablet is recommended for the best experience. Sessions are designed to be informative and interactive, suitable for all experience levels.
Volunteers interested in tracking at Bibra Lake should register specifically for the Bibra Lake sessions hosted by the Wetlands Conservation Society - Walliabup Wildlife Warriors.
All Turtle Tracker Training Sessions are free to attend. Registration is required to secure your spot, and you can register online for each session.
Spaces may be limited to ensure quality training and individual attention, so early registration is encouraged. These sessions offer a fantastic no-cost way for families and community members to get involved in local conservation efforts.
For more information or assistance with registration, contact the City of Cockburn Sustainability and Climate Change team via phone or email.
