Your contribution helps defend Australia from invasive threats - see how.

Dear Friend,

As we head into the festive season, it's the perfect moment to reflect on what we've achieved together this year. I'm delighted to share our Impact Report 2024-25. It tells a powerful story of collective effort – and a year defined by momentum, renewal and real impact. Every conversation I've had this year has reminded me just how deeply people across Australia care about protecting our agricultural landscapes, our biodiversity and our communities.

STRONGER TOGETHER

Earlier this year, shortly after commencing in this role, I embarked on a listening tour. I met with more than 100 members, partners, friends and stakeholders across the country. Those conversations reinforced what I now see every day: protecting Australia from invasive species has never been more important  – and we are strongest when we work together.

I heard that CISS creates value by:

• keeping collaborative Research, Development and Engagement (RD&E) at the heart of everything that we do
• delivering innovative, cost-effective invasive species solutions at scale
• providing a trusted national repository of knowledge and data; and
• offering a strong, independent voice on sensitive issues – one that's grounded in science.

Your insights became our compass this year. They shaped our priorities – and this year's achievements show that we are listening and acting.

CISS is Australia's only not-for-profit dedicated entirely to invasive species RD&E at scale – and your contribution helps defend Australia from invasive threats. Click on the image and read how in our 2024-25 Impact Report.

A YEAR OF ACHIEVEMENT

This has been a year of transition, but also one of significant progress as we work with partners and collaborators to address Australia's growing invasive species challenges.

Weeds – driving long-term, sustainable solutions

This year, in collaboration with our partners, we:

• Delivered the Initial Stage of the National Weed Biocontrol Pipeline Strategy, supported by a five-year investment plan targeting 20 priority weed species – including 11 Weeds of National Significance such as Alligator weed, Gorse and African boxthorn. With weeds costing Australia nearly $5 billion every year, this strategy has the potential to deliver a 23:1 return on investment.

• Launched the $5.9 million Future Drought Fund Mass-Rearing and Release Network, Australia's first national-scale weed biocontrol program. It will tackle seven of our worst weeds and deliver benefits for biodiversity, agriculture, community and drought resilience on a national scale.

Weeds cost Australia nearly $5 billion annually. Weed biocontrol has the potential to deliver a return on investment greater than 23:1. Image credit: English Ivy by Andrew Mitchell.

Vertebrate pests – strengthening national coordination

We made strong progress elevating rabbit biocontrol back onto the national agenda – as rabbit numbers begin to surge. In addition, our National Rabbit Coordinator, Heidi Kleinert, hit the ground running – connecting science, policy and community action to maximise on-ground impact.

Across the board, our National Coordinators are helping landholders and communities deal with invasive species like cats, foxes, wild dogs and rabbits by helping them to act at the right time, in the right place, with the right tools.

A 2022 independent study found that every dollar invested in national coordination delivers a $19.60 return.

Invasive predators like cats and foxes are driving native wildlife towards extinction — and every year, more Australian species are added to the threatened list.

Digital innovation – building a national digital hub

CISS is rapidly becoming a national digital hub, with innovative tools that address major invasive species and biosecurity risks – from tracking the illegal trade in wildlife, to streamlining weed risk assessments across borders, to building cutting-edge drone-based Machine Learning/AI for large-scale weed detection, mapping and management.

This year we continued improving our citizen science platforms – right now we're building a faster, smarter and more accurate version of WeedScan which is set to launch in 2026.

OUR WORK HAS NEVER BEEN MORE IMPORTANT

Invasive species are costing Australia's economy billions of dollars every year. They degrade ecosystems and push our precious native wildlife closer to extinction. The challenges are immense – but so is the difference we can make when we act together. I hope you enjoy exploring our 2024-25 Impact Report.

With your support, we can accelerate this momentum in 2025-26 — expanding innovation, strengthening national coordination and delivering solutions communities can rely on.

If you're able, a donation this Christmas will directly support national invasive species RD&E, with 81% of every dollar invested straight into research and development that benefits the Australian community.

💚  Please donate now to protect what's precious

Thank you for everything you contribute to this shared mission – and for the warm way you've welcomed me into this role. It's a privilege to work alongside you. I'm excited for what we'll achieve together in the year ahead.

Warm regards,

Shauna Chadlowe
Chief Executive

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Bruce ACT 2617

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