Our news
Set for Summer - Stage 2 Containers for Change
December 2025
The Rottnest Foundation has been partnering with Containers for Change since 2021 and by collaborating with Programmed, Rottnest Fast Ferries and the WA Scout Association, we’ve been able to remove over 75,000 containers from Rottnest Island and keep them out of landfill!
We’ve worked hard and in partnership with a number of Island businesses we’ll be rolling out Stage 2, adding more Containers for Change bins to get more recyclables off the island.
All wrapped up - the Wadjemup Bidi Hiking Grant
December 2025
In March 2025, the Rottnest Foundation was approved for a $25,000 Hiking Participation Grant and in partnership with The Hike Collective, we implemented the Wadjemup Bidi Trail Discovery Program - a comprehensive initiative designed to increase hiking participation on Rottnest Island and foster environmental stewardship and cultural appreciation.
Nerreda Hillier joins the Rottnest Foundation Board
November 2025
The Rottnest Foundation is excited to announce the appointment of Nerreda Hillier as a new Board Member.
Nerreda specialises in social investment and community engagement, working to build meaningful relationships and create positive lasting impacts on communities. Nerreda’s experience and knowledge will be a great asset to the Rottnest Foundation Board as we continue to 'Conserve the essence of Wadjemup'.
Doubling down on Sea Spurge
November 2025
Summer is here and while the planting season on Rottnest is over, our summer volunteering events have already had a huge impact. Over two weeks, the Foundation hosted two days and nearly 100 volunteers to remove sea spurge around Rocky Bay.
London Chapter wows with their fundraising event
November 2025
The Rottnest Foundation London Chapter hosted their biennial Wine Night at the beginning of November to raise funds for the Rottnest Foundation and showcase its work and vision for the future of Wadjemup.
Rottnest Foundation celebrates 40th anniversary
November 2025
2025 marked the 40th anniversary of the Rottnest Foundation and we were joined by many distinguished guests.
It was a wonderful night, with presentations celebrating the incredible achievements of the Rottnest Foundation and acknowledging the contributions of our many key members whilst also looking to the future and sharing the Foundations’ vision for a transformative future for Wadjemup.
Rottnest Foundation receives Lotterywest grant
September 2025
The Rottnest Foundation are excited to announce we have been awarded a Lotterywest grant of $172,908 for internal capacity building and resource development.
Priority Projects – Our focus
September 2025
In the next 12-months, the Rottnest Foundation will be focusing its efforts on raising awareness of and funding for the Coastal Defence Museum, a key part of the Bickley Military Precinct Project. The Defence Museum will be housed in the converted and restored DID Shed and will conserve the important military history of Rottnest and provide an interactive learning experience for visitors to the island.
2025 Planting Season a huge success!
September 2025
It's spring and the planting season on Wadjemup is now complete for 2025. We are so happy to report that it has been a wonderfully successful year. The numbers speak for themselves, read on to find out more.
Turner and Townsend turn up for Rottnest
July 2025
On 10 July we hosted a group of 20 dedicated volunteers from Turner & Townsend who really turned up for their corporate volunteering day. The team worked diligently to plant 500 hundred young seedlings in just a few hours!
SPECIAL COME AND TRY HIKE Wadjemup Bidi
September 2025
In partnership with The Hike Collective, we are excited to invite you to one of three upcoming COME AND TRY HIKES on the Wadjemup Bidi Trail.
Beginning with a 1-hour Welcome to Country, smoking and sand ceremony by Noongar Elder Neville Collard, followed by a 2.5 hour guided hike along either the spectacular Ngank Yira Bidi (September/October) or the incredible Gabi Karniny Bidi (October/November). Find out more and BOOK NOW!
The Rottnest Foundation is turning 40!
September 2025
2025 marks the 40th anniversary of the Rottnest Foundation and we’re excited to celebrate!
Our anniversary event will be held following our AGM on 26th November. We are looking forward to celebrating the incredible achievements of the Rottnest Foundation and acknowledging the contributions from our many key members over the years and the critical role they’ve played in the successes of the Foundation.
Wadjemup Bidi Trail Discovery Program
June 2025
The Wadjemup Bidi Discovery Project is a collaborative initiative delivered by The Hike Collective in partnership with the Rottnest Foundation, and proudly supported by the State Government through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
Sandy Barblett tours Rottnest
May 2025
London Chapter Co-Founder and Chair, and Rottnest Foundation Ambassador, Sandy Barblett visited Perth this month.
We were excited to take Sandy on a tour, updating him on the progress of our Priority Projects on the island
Celebrating National Volunteers Week
May 2025
We were excited to be part of the National Volunteers Week celebrations in May recognising the amazing contributions volunteers make to the island.
Andy Fethers joins the Rottnest Foundation Board
May 2025
The Rottnest Foundation is excited to announce the appointment of Andy Fethers as our newest Board Member.
Rio Tinto staff dig in at Salmon Bay!
March 2025
Rio Tinto staff dig in at Salmon Bay! On the last Friday in March, we hosted a team of Corporate Volunteers to complete a Beach Clean and Sea Spurge Removal activity at Salmon Bay.
Graham Edwards AM appointed as Ambassador
March 2025
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Graham Edwards AM as our newest Rottnest Foundation Ambassador.
$25,000 Hiking Participation Grant approved
March 2025
The Rottnest Foundation has been approved for a $25,000 Hiking Participation Grant from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
In partnership with The Hike Collective, we are supporting the Wadjemup Bidi Trail Discovery Program.
LATEST UPDATE: Priority Projects
March 2025
In 2023, the Rottnest Foundation launched the 5 Priority Projects. In partnership with the RIA, we are working to bring these ambitious, once in a generation projects to life.
Following our March Board Meeting the RIA provided a comprehensive update on the projects, including concept and detailed designs from the selected architecture firms.

