The main sponsor for this event is the Australian Academy of Science through its funding of the Fenner Conferences on the Environment (https://www.science.org.au/opportunities/conference-and-lecture-funding/fenner-conferences-environment). The Australian Academy of Science is a not-for-profit organisation of Australia’s top research scientists. It provides independent advice, encourages scientific engagement and supports excellence in Australian science.

The Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer, within the NSW Department of Planning, Industry & Environment has provided funding to support this conference (https://www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/investing-in-science/conference-sponsorship-program). The NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer consults widely with academia, industry and government to ensure scientific knowledge and research can be adapted and used to benefit NSW.

The University of Wollongong and the Australian Centre for Cultural, Environment, Society and Space (ACCESS) have also provided funds in support of this event. The aims of ACCESS are to produce theoretically informed and empirically grounded research that improves our understanding of how communities respond and contribute to environmental, social and economic transformations. It also places significant attention on undertaking research that improves policy decision-making design and implementation through innovative socially engaged methods and interventions in scholarly and public debate. ACCESS, and UOW more broadly, has a strong profile in weeds research.

Significant in-kind contributions have also been provided by: