Australian Entomological Society 48th AGM and Scientific Conference – 2017 Conference

Theme: “Biosecurity – A Partnership Approach”

Welcome / Invitation

The 2017 Organising Committee is pleased to open invitations for you to attend the Australian Entomological Society AGM and Scientific Conference. In 2017 the conference will be held at the Crowne Plaza in Terrigal on the Central Coast of NSW (an hour north of Sydney) from Sunday 17th to Wednesday 20th September, 2017.

You will know you’re in Terrigal when you see the striking row of Norfolk Island pines that line the beachfront esplanade. While the 4km beach at Terrigal has a reputation as a world-class surfing spot, delegates might be more inclined to quietly enjoy the beautiful location on Broken Head where people have been holidaying since the late 1800s. On the Central Coast you may also consider visiting the Australian Reptile Park – a hands-on zoo located in a natural bush setting with reptiles from around the world and a wide variety of Australian native animals.

This year the conference theme will be the science behind biosecurity and the protection of the economy, environment and community from negative impacts associated with insect pests. The exciting science that underpins successful biosecurity will be on show where topics will include, amongst other things, the principles of preparedness, prevention, management, and biology of our invading (or already “invaded”) pests.

The 2017 conference logo is the glassy-winged sharpshooter, Homalodisca vitripennis (Germar) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) which has marched its way across the Pacific from its natural range in the southeast USA and northeast Mexico. It has travelled via California, French Polynesia, Hawaii, and Easter Island and is a fascinating insect that is an important vector and has some fascinating success biological control stories in some of its invaded ranges along the way.

On behalf of the 2017 Organising Committee, I look forward to seeing you in Terrigal in September 2017 and enjoying some rigorous and compelling science through the week.

Leigh J Pilkington
Conference Chair