The excitement of starting her dream conservation role with Southern New England Landcare is tempered for Thaw Ni Ni Zaw.
As the new Northern Tablelands Koala Conservation Officer she can contribute to saving an endangered Australian icon and its precious habitat. But back in her home of Myanmar, civil war rages and threatens those she loves most.
“I would have liked to have returned to my country to apply what I learnt during my Masters at UNE, but unfortunately the situation is worsening by the day,” Thaw says. “Conscription is now compulsory for single women under the age of 35.
“I am happy on one hand to be living in Australia and beginning this wonderful job, but being away from my family is challenging.”
Thaw was familiar with UNE when she arrived in 2023 on an Australia Awards Scholarship to undertake a Master of Environmental Science and Management. After completing a Bachelor of Agriculture and Master of Agriculture from Yezin Agricultural University she had worked for several years on international agricultural research and extension projects led by UNE and funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). Thaw was also an extension trainer for UNE’s CropCow project in Indonesia, and preceding Myanmar scholars had sung the praises of UNE’s education.
“It was easy to make the decision to study at UNE, being a rural university,” Thaw says. “I have loved plants and trees since I was young and enjoy the New England landscape and its diversity. I could not continue my research in Myanmar, because of the civil war. However, the people here, as well as the academic staff (UNE International office), my lecturers and supervisors have been very welcoming and encouraging throughout my studies, which has made a huge difference to my experience. I hope to be granted permanent residency.”
Thaw’s Masters at UNE explored how native plants in the Gwydir region contribute to the cultural identity of First Nations peoples and ecological resilience. She has since been a dedicated Landcare volunteer, helping with fieldwork on koala conservation projects, and used to spend a day each week at UNE’s N.C.W. Beadle Herbarium learning to identify Australian plant species.
“Landcare is important to me because it combines community involvement with conservation,” Thaw says. “It is inspiring to see volunteers and farmers working together to replant native vegetation and to protect wildlife.”
A background in agricultural and environmental science, and experience working with farmers and communities, will be invaluable in Thaw’s new Landcare role. “I will again be working to engage landholders and community groups, but this time to map and protect koala habitat, raise awareness and coordinate tree planting,” she says. “The objective is the same – to improve the relationship between humans, plants and animals.”
It took a year after her arrival for Thaw to spy her first koala, outside UNE’s Dixson Library. Later, touching one left a lasting impression. In recent weeks she has completed koala handling and rehabilitation training at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital and organised an emergency koala medical care workshop at UNE for about 20 Northern Tablelands veterinarians.
“These experiences have deepened my personal connection to koalas and strengthened my dedication to helping ensure the species’ long-term survival,” Thaw says.
