Roo Roundup

January 2025
Edition #6

In this edition:

• KPC introduction and Phase 2 of the KPP

• Kangaroo returns to Quorn

• SA Drought Hub Collaboration & EOI opportunities

• NRM Regions Australia Community of Practice Continues

• Hop on Roo Foodies

• KPP in review

KPC introduction and Phase 2 of the KPP

Cassia has had wonderful opportunities to study wallabies from the Bass Strait, Cretaceous crocodylomorphs in Victoria and large, extinct echidnas in South Australia. Highlights from her dinosaur-dig-days include moving large long-necked dinosaur footprints found in a property creekline to a museum or sitting on beaches for weeks at a time cracking open rocks to find Cretaceous fossils within. With a background in science communication and outreach, animal behaviour and functional anatomy, as well as, geomorphology and archeology - Cassia is sure to add a unique perspective to her new role.

"I am interested in applying transdisciplinary knowledge to find real world, future facing and practical solutions to current issues. I am a strong advocate for collaboration and enjoy connecting with and meeting new people."

Looking at all the fantastic accomplishments from Phase 1 of the KPP; Our new coordinator will be taking this initiative South Australia wide in close collaboration with project partners, and the hopes of continuing the great work already conducted into Phase 2.

For a brief reminder, Phase 1 of the Kangaroo Partnership Project started with a strong foundation – and formal partnership – which was created using the guidance and aspirations of stakeholders driven to see better outcomes for kangaroos in South Australia. Three grants were awarded to trials and research that touched on the social licence, harvest logistics and industry capability as it currently stands. Phase 2 will build on the results of those prior studies informing the direction and strategy for the ‘wicked’ issue of overabundant kangaroos. Moreover, focus will continue on the many aspects of impact, these relate to kangaroo welfare, environment, economy, community and culture. Continuation of some Phase 1 initiatives have been reimagined in Phase 2, for example: the support of community events which elevate the profile of lean protein, sustainably and locally sourced while being ethically managed. 

Kangaroo returns to Quorn

The Quorn Quandong Festival occurred over the last weekend of October ‘24 and provided a myriad of learning opportunities with Landcare specialist speakers, stalls with local wares, bush foods, cooking and cultural demonstrations in a family friendly setting. The Kangaroo Partnership Project subsidised kangaroo meat and leather towards the festival and paved the way for audience inclusive cooking demonstrations and tasting.

Vendors receiving meat reported that they were able to expand on their trade specifically because of the support given by the KPP, adding additional recipes to their menus. Celebrity chef Andrew Fielke, from Creative Native, was highly anticipated and taught the crowd how to cook a delicious Pepper leaf Blackened Kangaroo Steak with Mango Salsa in 30 min (see below). 

Over 128kg of meat was enjoyed over the festival weekend with highlights including Urdlu Jubardyw, a range of Kangaroo pies, two traditional cookups and a barbeque. The uptake of kangaroo meat was higher than prior years, with very little leftover. Many were pleased with the quality of the kangaroo and were impressed with the variety of uses. As with last year's event, most kangaroo meat was supplied through Port Augusta's Crossroads Game Meats, which has a rich selection of kangaroo cuts and a range of recipes available on their website.

Supporting the festival was inspired by Phase 1 of the KPP which, in turn, was a product of the Kangaroo Management Collective Pilot project in the Gawler Ranges. Media obtained from this year's festival will be used in future promotions of not only the festival but of the fantastic resource and importance of kangaroos. The KPP would like to thank all those who participated in creating this impressive regional event that celebrates the ingenuity, cultural significance and importance of kangaroo products.

The SA Drought Hub is supporting the Kangaroo Partnership Project to bolster South Australia in building drought resilient landscapes. The hub works towards building knowledge bases and networking with primary producers, industry groups, researchers, government agencies, universities, agribusinesses, traditional owners and communities to increase preparedness for drought and climate change. If you’re interested to learn more about the SA Drought Hub mission or past projects then please click the button below. 

This year the Kangaroo Partnership Project has opened expressions of interest (EOI) applications towards innovations, trials and information sharing that relate to the issue of overabundant large native herbivores. Funding will be awarded on merit for projects that demonstrate the best value, are highly collaborative and with the delivery of benefits in-line with Kangaroo Partnership Project and SA Drought Hub priorities.

Applications will be open from 28 Jan until 5 Mar and the KPP encourages any interested parties to reach-out and discuss concepts with the Kangaroo Partnership Coordinator or with their local Landscape officer (nominated Landscape Board staff can be found in section 9 of the EOI Guidelines). You are eligible to submit expressions of interests if you are an individual, volunteer, community organisation, landholder, academic or business that wishes to create a tangible project that explores pathways for kangaroo management. Projects are to be conducted and finalised by early 2026 with the intention of results to be reported and advertised by mid-2026. For more information about how to apply and the associated criteria please see our FAQs.

NRM Regions Australia Community of Practice Continues

In August the NRM RA CoP (Natural Resource Management Regions Australia Community of Practice) met for the first time after a year in hiatus. Meeting attendees include representatives from NRM groups located all around Australia. This community of practice exists as a supportive information sharing platform to increase knowledge and understanding in a contentious space.

Meeting attendees were met with a mix of familiar and new faces, who are actively representing those involved with kangaroo overabundance in QLD, NSW, SA and WA NRM regions. The subject of conversation covered introductions, updates and information sharing about completed trials or research. A second meeting was held in December with discussion primarily focused on ways landholders can connect with harvesters throughout the country. Ease and directness of contact between landholders and harvesters sparked a discussion over innovative ways to provide a safe but efficient path of collaboration between these two important players in the kangaroo management space. 

2025 will provide attendees with opportunities to learn from experts in the kangaroo management field. A list of speakers ranging from renowned experts to new researchers has been scheduled to share specialist knowledge and participate in Q&A sessions. With the next session due to take place in February. If you work for an NRM entity or know someone who does that would take interest in joining the CoP or is working in the realm of addressing impacts of kangaroos or programs aligned with the abovementioned TOR, please email coordinator@sakangaroopartnership.com to be added to the mailing list and be involved in the national conversation.

The Kangaroo Partnership Project has always encouraged Australians to incorporate more kangaroo into their diets. Kangaroo is celebrated as a high protein, low fat meat which is sustainably and ethically sourced, but how do we cook it?

Cecile Espigole has developed a Facebook group, Roo Foodies, to exchange recipes and highlight all the ways we can start including kangaroo into our weekly meal plans. Cecile notes that when she first tried kangaroo in her native homeland of France, she loved its tender texture and found it tasted rather similar to beef, but her experiences in Australia have been more hit and miss. For many who do want to enjoy more kangaroo but struggle to understand how to prepare and cook itto do the product justice, the Facebook group provides free access to interesting recipes and advice.

For those who are already chefs in the kitchen and have recipes like Roo Stragonoff, Roossaka, Rootatouille, Roosoto, Boloroo, Lasaroo etc. that are already in regular use at home, please feel free to add your take to the ever-growing list of recipes.