Wildlife carers, nature enthusiasts and the curious public are invited to uncover the secrets of one of Australia’s most extraordinary native animals at the upcoming event Digging Deeper with Echidnas in Armidale. Renowned environmental physiologist Dr Peggy Rismiller OAM will present at a public forum hosted by the Northern Tablelands Wildlife Carers Inc, with support from Southern New England Landcare Ltd and the Department of Zoology, University of New England on Friday 22^nd May 2026 (5–7pm) at NOVA, 122 Faulkner St, Armidale.

Dr Rismiller has spent more than 35 years studying echidnas and goannas in the wild on Kangaroo Island. Her world‑leading research has reshaped scientific understanding of these ancient monotremes and their critical role in maintaining healthy soils and ecosystems.

The Free Public Forum (5–7 pm, Friday 22^nd May 2026) offers a fascinating overview of echidna biology, behaviour and conservation. The following day’s Training Workshop (Saturday 23^rd May 2026) provides hands‑on learning covering rescue, rehabilitation and hand‑rearing techniques, along with the latest insights from long‑term field studies.

The workshop is open to licensed wildlife carers and members of the public, with tickets available via Humanitix ($50). Morning tea and lunch are included.

Venues: Public Forum – NOVA, 122 Faulkner St, Armidale NSW; Training Workshop – UNE Natural History Museum, Armidale NSW

According to Dr Rismiller, “Every echidna is a story in itself — from their individual foraging patterns to their surprising intelligence and resilience. The more we understand them, the better we can care for the landscapes we share.”

Supported by local Landcare and conservation networks, Echidna Care Training brings world‑class wildlife knowledge to the New England region — helping communities protect, rescue and return these remarkable creatures to the wild.

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