Australian Islands Alliance

Who we are

The Australian Islands Alliance is an emerging national network connecting people and organisations involved in the custodianship, conservation and management of Australia’s offshore islands.

Australia’s islands hold extraordinary ecological, cultural and community values. They are places of unique biodiversity, deep cultural connection, innovation and resilience.

The Australian Islands Alliance exists to support island stewardship, strengthen collaboration, promote knowledge exchange and advocate for the importance of islands within Australia’s environmental and community landscapes.

Vision

Healthy, resilient and connected island environments and communities across Australia.

To create and maintain a collective that amplifies the voices of Australia’s offshore islands and their communities, and operates for the national benefit of island cultural and nature conservation values.

Mission

To foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing and advocacy that supports the stewardship, conservation and sustainable future of Australia’s islands.

Our purpose

• Connect island practitioners, organisations and communities. Broker and encourage collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, research organisations and island communities to advance island-focused initiatives.
• Recognise cultural values and Indigenous knowledge as part of sea Country and intrinsic island restoration.
• Promote knowledge sharing and practical collaboration. Support the local symposium committee for Australian Island Arks by providing guidance, resources, outreach and expertise in the planning and delivery of island-focused events and symposia.
• Support threatened species recovery and ecological restoration through on-ground action.
• Advocate for sustained investment in island conservation. By being a visible point of contact and entry point for islands and their communities, contribute to national strategies, initiatives and resources supporting the environmental, social and cultural interests of Australian islands.

Our approach

• AIA supports respectful partnerships that bring together science, cultural knowledge, community experience and practical land and sea management.
• We connect Traditional Custodians, island practitioners, community groups, researchers, managers and policy-makers across Australia.
• We encourage collaborative approaches that bring together Indigenous knowledge and contemporary science to improve island conservation, biosecurity, restoration, sustainable livelihoods and cultural outcomes.
• We support the exchange of practical experience, research and lessons learned from island-based programs and initiatives.
• We promote recognition of the environmental, cultural and social importance of Australia’s islands.

Outcomes

• Australia’s offshore islands show improved conservation and management results due to increased knowledge sharing, stronger networks and enhanced sector capability.
• Practitioners demonstrate increased awareness of island management outcomes and a clearer understanding of the sector’s capability needs and strengths.
• Networks and relationships between island practitioners and Traditional Custodians—including within IPA areas—are strengthened and more collaborative.
• Government and key stakeholders receive coordinated, sector-led advocacy, policy advice and practical guidance that influences decision-making.
• Indigenous-led island priorities are more effectively implemented as a result of better knowledge exchange, stronger networks and increased capability across the sector.