Myrtle Rust Surveillance Training - In the Field
About
Join us for a training course in Brisbane and the Gold Coast where you will be given the opportunity to build your knowledge and confidence working in the Myrtle Rust preparedness and surveillance space, which will be pivotal to early detection should the pathogen spread to higher-risk areas in WA.
The training will take place in the field over three days, with Dr Geoff Pegg of Queensland's Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
The key training outcomes are:
1. Confidently identify Myrtle Rust at a range of sites, on a range of hosts, and over a series of life stages. This will include the observation of cryptic symptoms such as the characteristic "scorched" appearance left behind by the fungus.
2. Observe leaf symptoms which are not caused by Myrtle Rust, and learn to categorise and rule out these symptoms.
3. Identify sites which are suitable for Myrtle Rust, and incorporate these sites into surveillance planning.
4. Plan and apply effective hygiene in the field.
Check into accommodation at Fleet Lane Apartments, South Brisbane, available from Monday 6th May at 2:00pm
Check out of accommodation at Le Beach Apartments, Burleigh Heads, before 10:00am on Friday 10th May.
*All accommodation is included in course costs.
Location
Brisbane and The Gold Coast
- Meals: Breakfasts, lunches and refreshments will be provided from Tuesday to Thursday . A networking dinner will also be provided on the evening of Wednesday the 8th of May at a venue close to the apartments. You will be asked to stipulate any dietary requirements when booking your course tickets.
- Accommodation: Accommodation will be provided from Monday the 6th of May (check in from 2:00pm) to Friday the 10th of May (check out before 10:00am). Accommodation location in Brisbane for Monday night is at Fleet Lane Apartments, South Brisbane. Gold Coast accommodation for Tuesday to Friday is located at LeBeach, Burleigh Heads. Two bedroom apartments (private bedrooms and bathrooms, shared kitchen/dining) will be provided at both locations. Please contact DWG with any preferences for apartment sharing.
- National Park entry fees.
- Access to expert trainers for three full days of in-field surveillance training.
What is not included:
- Vehicle hire is not included in the ticket price, however carpooling among attendees to minimise cost, carbon emissions, and logistical issues associated with a large convoy. DWG is happy to facilitate carpooling arrangements for participants upon request.
- Fuel, tolls, and parking fees.
- Flights and airport transfers in and out of Brisbane.
- Dinners are not included, with the exception of 1x networking dinner as described above.
Refund policy: In the event of cancellation, all training tickets will be refunded in full. Cancellation of tickets by the ticket holder will incur a 50% cancellation fee if cancelled within 7 days of the training start date. Tickets cancelled within 7 days of the training start date will incur a 100% cancellation fee.
Tickets can be transferred to another participant free of charge by contacting DWG.
What to bring:
- Field gear, including long pants and sturdy enclosed shoes.
- Sun protection - including hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
- Water bottle and keep cup to minimise single use plastic waste.
- Hand lens (optional), macro lens (optional), and/or camera (optional). Hand lenses will be available to share among participants, however having your own will improve the quality of your training experience. For observing Myrtle Rust symptoms, we recommend 10x magnification.
- Valid drivers license (if applicable)
- Bathers and towel – Le Beach Apartments at Burleigh Heads has a great swimming pool and hot tub, and is located close to the iconic Gold Coast beaches. Bring along your bathers and a towel if you wish to make the most of these before or after field training each day!
Enquiries: Please direct all enquiries to Karyn Lovatsis – project.officer@dwg.org.au