Top of page

Student/Staff Portal
Global Site Navigation

School of Science

Local Section Navigation
You are here: Main Content
  • Sylvia Leighton

    Sylvia Leighton

Related Contents

Sylvia Leighton

Overview of Thesis

This study will examine whether we can determine a more positive, sustainable future for land and people in rural WA by researching detailed human and environmental history. Wellstead District is one of WA’s youngest agricultural districts located in/on one of the world’s most biodiverse and ancient landscapes. Wellstead District provides a unique sixty year ‘compressed agricultural history’ from land clearing, with crude farming practises, through to the highly technical, chemical reliant industrial farming systems that operate there today. This study will bring through more ‘truth telling’ stories on the range of impacts of colonial settlement on the lands and the people. The study will also profile the history of one specific property in Wellstead District, Wilyun Pools Farm. It will provide an intimate insight into the intersection of people and nature, the long-term effects of European style agriculture, collated biophysical landscape data & the recent change of ownership in 2024 ensuring its return to Traditional Custodian stewardship.

Qualifications

  • Master of Science in Natural Resource Management, University of Western Australia, 2017.
  • Master Tree Grower Program, University of Melbourne, 1999.
  • Graduate Diploma of Applied Science, Edith Cowan University (Outdoor Education), 1990.
  • Graduate Diploma of Education (Primary), Murdoch University, 1989.
  • Bachelor of Science, University of Western Australia (Botany / Coastal Geomorphology), 1986.

Research

Research Interests

  • Ecology of Southwestern WA
  • Soil health
  • Human history and behaviour

Past Employment History

  • 2014 - 2024: Farmer/Owner Regenerative Agricultural Business
  • 1998 - 2015: Dept. of Parks and Wildlife, WA (DPAW)
  • 1997- 2022: Lecturer in Conservation and Ecological Management - TAFE
  • 1998 - 2008: Community Fauna Surveying Projects Coordinator
  • 1995: Research Officer - Malleefowl Association, Ongerup
  • 1994: Bushwatch Project Officer, Green Skills, Inc.
  • 1993-1994: Ecologist Fitzgerald Biosphere Corridor Connections Project
  • 1993: Group Supervisor – Landcare Environmental Action Program
  • 1992: Agroforestry Officer – National Tree Farming, Albany
  • 1992: Geologist Field Assistant – Carpentaria Gold, Pine Creek, NT
  • 1988: Ranger Kakadu National Park, N.T., Australian National Parks & Wildlife Service
  • 1987: Seed Pollination Technician, Pacific Seeds, Kununurra

Scholarships and Awards

  • 2022: Awarded the National Aust. Govt. Landcare Farming Award.
  • 2021: Awarded the WA Aust. Govt. Landcare Farming Award.
  • 2020: Awarded training in the Women's Environment Leadership Australia (WELA) National
  • 1994: Dept. of Agriculture Landcare Leadership training and Landcare Australia Tour
  • 1983: Rotary Student Exchange, 12 months resided in Sweden

Supervisors

Contact

Sylvia Leighton
PhD Student
Centre for People Place and Planet
School of Science
Email: smleight@our.ecu.edu.au
Skip to top of page