If you live in Australia, chances are you’ve got a Bonds item somewhere in your wardrobe. From baby onesies to iconic Chesty singlets, Bonds is basically the Aussie uniform. So, when the brand launched its As Worn By Us campaign last year, showcasing everyday Aussies from birth to 100 in their Bonds best, it struck a (very comfy) chord with the nation.

But now, Bonds is passing the torch (or in this case, the point-and-shoot camera) to the next generation.

In its newest campaign twist, As Shot By Us, Bonds teamed up with four Gen Z content creators to breathe fresh life – and film grain – into their most iconic pieces. Namely, The Chesty, The Trunk, The Trackie and The Crop. Armed with 35mm reusable cameras and their own creative instincts, each creator captured what Bonds means to them. The result is a visually rich, delightfully nostalgic suite of content that’s as raw and real as the generation behind it.

But, don’t expect a polished, studio-lit campaign. This one is all about organic, edgy, self-expression, and that beautiful Y2K energy we can’t seem to quit. The hero film is a collage of moments: grainy glimpses of city streets, backyard hangs, and carefree captures that give you that “I-just-developed-my-film-roll-from-Summer-‘04” kind of feeling. And, because it’s all shot by the creators themselves, each image is stamped with their unique POV. Literally signed off “As Shot By” followed by their name.

“This exciting new chapter in our brand campaign is all about seeing Bonds through the lens of the next generation. Unfiltered, unedited, and completely authentic,” says Kedda Ghazarian, Bonds Head of Marketing. “From city streets to country backyards, our iconic products are a canvas for self expression.”

Let’s be real: no one does “authentic” quite like Gen Z. Whether they’re styling a crop top with cargos, rocking a Bonds trunk with socks and slides, or layering their favourite trackie with vintage leather, these creators understood the assignment – and then made it their own.

Ryan Fitzgerald, Executive Creative Director at Special, agrees: “It was equally exciting to see that the love runs deep with Gen Z – they understood the assignment and nailed it with their own aesthetic.”

To celebrate this vibey campaign, Bonds is popping up with a two-day activation at Up South Bondi on Friday, 8th and Saturday, 9th August. This isn’t your average cafe takeover. It’s a mini moment for creative expression. Think: a vintage-style photobooth where you can channel your inner It Girl, Softboi, or Insta-era icon and walk away with a personalised strip of film-photo goodness. That is Gen Z Content Creator approved. Regardless of your DOB. Oh, and there’s free coffee involved. The first 50 people through the doors each morning will score a Cookies & Cream Foam Matcha Latte – a limited-time collab that’s sweet, slightly extra, and totally on-brand.

Whether you grew up with Bonds, still wear it every day, or are rediscovering it through the fresh lens of Gen Z Content creators who know their way around a film camera, As Shot By Us by Bonds proves isn’t just part of Aussie culture – it is Aussie culture. Unfiltered. Undone. Undeniably cool. And, we’re here for every snap of it.

The post This Grainy-Looking Image? It’s Meant to Be That Way first appeared on Women Love Tech.

For more than a decade, we’ve been told that flexible work would fix the gender gap in tech. That if women were simply given the option to work remotely, log in after school drop-off, or reduce their hours temporarily, we’d finally see a level playing field.

And yet, here we are in 2025, and the story hasn’t changed. Women and especially mothers are still being quietly sidelined.

The latest Women in Digital: Driving Change in Tech report is a wake-up call. While 77% of tech employers offer flexible work arrangements, nearly half of women in the sector still believe having children hinders their careers. Even more troubling, a growing number of women say school hours are hurting their professional progress which is up to 34% this year, compared to 29% last year.

These aren’t just statistics. They’re signals. And they reflect a deeper truth: flexibility is only as good as the culture that surrounds it.

As the founder of Women Love Tech, I’ve spoken with countless women in STEM careers. Many of them stepped into motherhood hopeful and believing they could balance both roles, especially in an era that celebrates hybrid work. But far too often, the reality is different. Promotions are offered to those who stay late on Zoom. Big projects are given to employees who are “always available.” And women, again particularly mothers, are left watching opportunities slip away.

It’s not flexibility that’s failing us. It’s the outdated notion that visibility equals value.

As Holly Hunt (CEO of Women in Digital) said “Flexibility is now widely embraced, and that’s a win for everyone in tech. However, there is a lingering culture of presenteeism, where visibility and after-hours engagement are still seen as prerequisites for advancement, which disproportionately disadvantages caregivers,”

Caregivers of all kinds

And it’s not just mothers who are affected. Caregivers of all kinds, whether looking after ageing parents or children with special needs, so often face the same unspoken bias: that commitment is measured in hours, not impact.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

Women Love Tech’s Mentorship Platform

At Women Love Tech, we’ve built a mentorship platform specifically to support women navigating these career pinch points. We connect mid-career professionals with leaders who’ve been through it all – the parental leave pauses, the part-time pivots, the return-to-work reinventions. We are about to launch practical, bite-sized courses on confidence, leadership, and negotiation. And we are proud to have created a community from our launch in 2014 where women don’t have to explain or apologise for the life they’re balancing with work.

Because here’s what I know from experience: career breaks don’t mean ambition breaks.

The Women in Digital report also gives me hope. More women are reporting access to equitable parental leave. Confidence in pay parity is up. And male allyship, though still uneven, is improving. Cultural change may be slow, but it’s happening.

Still, good policies aren’t enough if the culture underneath them stays the same. If only a third of remote employees feel encouraged to apply for executive roles, we’ve missed the point of flexibility entirely.

The tech industry has a unique opportunity right now. But if we’re aiming for 1.2 million tech jobs in Australia by 2030. That goal is only achievable if we retain the women we already have and if we make room for those returning or stepping into tech for the first time.

That means rethinking how we define leadership. That means measuring performance by outcomes, not hours online. And it means recognising that caregiving is not a career liability, it’s part of the human experience.

For all our talk about innovation in tech, it’s time we applied some to our own workplaces.

As Tesla Chair and Tech Council of Australia (TCA) Board Member Robyn Denholm said diversity is not a “nice-to-have”, it’s fundamental to building a high-performing tech sector and achieving the Australian government’s goal of 1.2 million tech jobs by 2030.

“When we talk about diversity, we’re really talking about better outcomes,” Robyn said. “Whether it’s diversity of background, experience, or perspective, it leads to stronger teams, better decisions, and greater innovation.”

These insights reinforce what I shared recently as keynote speaker at the WISE event hosted by Samsung Electronics in Sydney: Women don’t need fixing. The system does. We need inclusive cultures where flexibility means freedom, not fallback.

The post Why Are Women Still Penalised for Being Caregivers? first appeared on Women Love Tech.

Disclaimer. I am no longer a pet parent. (RIP Rocky). But there’s nothing quite like Winter to remind you of the mess left behind by other things that shed… Especially if you have any intention of surviving single-digit temp days. Think: woolly carpets, knitted jumpers and fluffy oodies that my image-conscious 20-year-old self swore I would never succumb to. So, while I do not currently count a cat among my unofficial offspring, I was still well placed to take up the offer to review the new Bissell PowerClean FurFinder vacuum cleaner. This is what I thought…

First things first … I wasn’t sure if a pet-hair vacuum was relevant for someone like me, sans fur babies. But, as it turns out, the PowerClean FurFinder isn’t just a fur-buster for pet owners. It’s a tech-savvy cleaning powerhouse that’s just as handy if you’re battling dust, dust bunnies, or any kind of stubborn fluff lurking in your home.

The FurFinder Headlight tech

What really piqued my curiosity was how Bissell’s FurFinder Headlight Technology uses a clever combo of warm and cool LED lights to reveal hidden fur and debris. Honestly, I was sceptical. How much difference can a light make? But, once I took the vacuum for a spin, I quickly saw its value.

That illuminated suction head lets you see three times more pet fur and dirt compared to other vacuums. It’s like turning on the spotlight on all the sneaky fluff that’s been hiding on my armchair and rugs. Whether it’s pet hair or just everyday grime, that extra visibility meant I wasn’t missing a spot. Which honestly feels like a game-changer for any clean freak.

The Motorised Upholstery Tool: A nifty sidekick

This is where the Bissell FurFinder vacuum really shines. Especially if you have any upholstered furniture that acts like a magnet for hair and dirt. The motorised FurFinder tool comes with strong bristles and a built-in de-furring strip that digs deep into fabric to lift out embedded hair. And, it claims to work two times faster than competitor tools.

I tested this on my sofa and was impressed how much fluff and dust it could pull out without needing repeated passes. The motorised action really makes a difference. And, since it’s cordless and lightweight, it was easy to manoeuvre over cushions, stairs, and even my car’s interior.

200W motor and 40 minutes run time

Under the hood, the PowerClean FurFinder packs a 200W digital motor that tackles everything from area rugs to hard floors with ease. I appreciated the cordless design and removable 25.2V lithium-ion battery that gave me about 40 minutes of runtime. This was plenty of time for a thorough clean without hunting for plugs or dragging around cords.

Bonus points for the battery being removable, meaning you could theoretically have a spare on charge for longer cleaning sessions. The vacuum also stands on its own, so you can pause and pick it up again without fuss. Perfect for cleaning in stages or when interruptions happen (because life).

Smart features for real life

Bissell also includes some thoughtful touches that made the vacuum a pleasure to use. For one, the tangle-free, brush roll technology actively prevents hair from wrapping around the brush, which is a common frustration with other vacuums. (Note: The self-cleaning brush roll is exclusive to the PowerClean FurGuard model.) This feature alone saves loads of time and annoyance, especially for anyone with longer hair or pets.

Versatility on the fly

What I really liked about the PowerClean FurFinder is how it easily transforms from a stick vacuum to a handheld unit, or even a high-reach cleaner. This three-in-one design covers everything from floors to ceiling fans, curtains, and car interiors. It even includes two built-in crevice tools to easily reach tight corners without needing extra attachments.

This means there is no need to buy multiple devices or awkward attachments. Just click, swap, and clean. The lightweight feel also made it easy to use without tiring my arms, even during a full-house clean.

So, can a non-pet-parent really be trusted to review a pet fur vacuum?

I’d say yes. The PowerClean FurFinder is clearly designed with pet parents in mind, but it’s so much more than just a pet-hair vacuum. The tech – especially the FurFinder Headlight and motorised upholstery tool – means you’re getting a powerful and smart vacuum that can reveal and remove hidden messes others miss.

For anyone who values clean spaces, hates missing spots, or just wants an easy-to-use, cordless vacuum that tackles hair, dust, and allergens with ease, this is a solid choice. And, while I may not be battling Rocky’s fur anymore, I’m definitely a convert to the PowerClean FurFinder’s ability to keep my home spotless. Even in the harshest winter months, when fluff seems to multiply overnight.

If you’re a pet parent or just someone who wants their cleaning to be a little more thorough and tech-forward, this vacuum deserves a spot on your wishlist.

The post Can a Non Pet Parent Really be Trusted to Review a Fur Finder Vacuum Cleaner? first appeared on Women Love Tech.

Picture this. You have 15 minutes, and the pressure is on to plate up a perfectly cooked meal. Think juicy meats, crisp veggies, fluffy grains – all at once. No. It’s not an episode of Masterchef. Rather a typical weeknight as families across Australia hustle to whip up dinner that’s healthy, tastes good and is fast enough to prepare so that all temptation to order Uber Eats is avoided. But, before you cash in your immunity pin, take the advice of literal Mastechef Matt Moran, who shared all the ways that the new Ninja Combi Multicooker 14-in-1 passes the biggest pressure test of all. (AKA fussy family members!)

Matt’s no stranger to cooking magic. With over 40 years in the business, from running top restaurants to growing up on a family farm, he knows a thing or two about flavour and fuss-free meals. Now, Ninja has teamed up with him to bring that know-how straight into Aussie kitchens with this clever all-in-one cooker.

So, what makes the Ninja Combi worth chatting about? For starters, it squeezes 14 cooking functions into one device. Think air frying, baking, steaming, slow cooking, grilling, and even making pizza. The best bit? You can cook a full meal in about 15 minutes, which is pretty impressive when you consider that you can get through an entire episode of MC before you’ve even finished baking your potatoes (just us?)

Matt’s advice for getting the most out of it? Use the top tray for proteins and veggies so they get that lovely crispy heat. And, pop your grains or slower-cooking sides on the bottom where they can steam gently and soak up all the flavours. It’s a neat little trick to get everything ready at the same time, without standing over the stove juggling pots.

What’s clever about the Ninja Combi is it cooks fast without drying out your food. Imagine pork belly, broccolini, and rice all finishing perfectly together, without you breaking a sweat. Plus, it’s big enough to handle family-sized portions or weekend batch cooking. So, you can cook once and eat well all week.

Matt’s teamed up with Ninja for a series of videos where he shares some of his favourite recipes and tips – perfect for anyone who loves good food but not the usual kitchen chaos.

As Matt puts it, “This isn’t just a gadget; it’s about making cooking easier and more enjoyable, especially when life gets busy. It’s the kind of thing that might just change how you approach dinner.”

If you’re after a way to make tasty meals with less fuss (and less time), the Ninja Combi Multicooker might just be worth a look. Especially with a little help from Matt Moran’s expert tips.

The post Four Functions, 15 Minutes, One Master Chef: The Facts and Figures Behind This New Multicooker first appeared on Women Love Tech.

From 12-step K-Beauty to a less-in-more plan of attack, skin care circa 2025 is as awash with countless product launches and ever-changing beauty trends. Which can make the quest for glowing, youthful skin feel like navigating a sun-spot speckled labyrinth. Fortunately, Amelia Goff, founder of Fresh Face Skin and an expert dermal therapist, has perfected a graceful solution: personalised 15-minute video consultations that cut through the clutter and deliver precise, effective complexion guidance.

With years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of skin’s true needs, Amelia and her team have quietly transformed the skin care journeys of thousands of Australian women. Their expert advice offers clarity and confidence, empowering clients to embrace radiant, balanced skin through thoughtful, uncomplicated routines. In less time than it takes to make dinner.

So, how did this skin care fairy come to be? Amelia’s approach is deeply personal. “Fresh Face Skin was born from a deep desire to make real skin change feel accessible, simple, and empowering. For everyone,” she explains. “I’d spent years working in the beauty industry. I would watch clients struggle with complex and expensive routines, using harsh products for quick fixes with long term implications and being guided by misinformation. And, I had a deep desire to make a change. My own acne skin journey was full of trial & error and overwhelm, so I created a skin care range and salon that cuts through the noise.”

And, that ‘cutting through the noise’ is exactly what makes Fresh Face Skin’s digital consultations so effective. For just $50 (fully redeemable on their product range), you get a genuine one-on-one video chat with a qualified dermal therapist who assesses your skin, listens to your concerns, and creates a personalised skin care plan tailored to your budget, lifestyle, and skin needs.

“It’s not a sales pitch. It’s a genuine opportunity to connect with someone qualified in all things skin. To allow you the opportunity to understand what your skin is telling you, what products will actually work, and what steps to take next,” Amelia says. “You’ll walk away with clarity and confidence, knowing exactly what your skin needs and why & how to support it. No more guessing, overwhelm, or wasting time and money on purchasing products that don’t work. Or, are just not suited to what your skin really needs.”

If you’re wondering whether 15 minutes really can make a difference, the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, Amelia’s team has already helped thousands of women avoid common skin care mistakes in less time than it takes to boil an egg.

“The most common mistakes I see are a combination of doing too much, impatience and lack of knowledge around the skins true needs. This could be – Layering multiple active ingredients, switching products too often – without giving the skin time to properly respond or trying to ‘fix’ the skin quickly, rather than support its needs which can take time. We also see a lot of people using harsh exfoliants or stripping cleansers. These can damage the skin barrier and lead to long-term sensitivity and inflammation,” she says.

And, protecting the skin barrier is a big deal for Amelia and her team. “The skin barrier is your skin’s natural defence system,” she says. “Therefore,when the barrier is damaged, tiny cracks can form, letting moisture out and irritants in; which leads to dryness, inflammation, breakouts, and premature ageing. We focus on barrier health because it’s the foundation of strong, resilient skin, long term.”

So, if TikTok trends or beauty retail sales advice have tempted you, think twice. Amelia warns, “We totally understand the temptation. A skin journey is emotional and skin care trends are everywhere, often promising instant results. But, viral advice isn’t personalised. What works for someone else’s skin might not work for yours and in some cases, it can do serious harm… Skin care isn’t one-size-fits-all and relying on unqualified advice can lead to permanent damage to your skin’s health.”

What’s refreshing about Fresh Face Skin is that it isn’t about quick fixes or complicated routines. Instead, Amelia’s team focuses on simple, barrier-safe, effective skin care that lasts. They back their product range with science and power it with nature, using ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, kakadu plum, green tea, and bakuchiol. “This offers a gentle, plant-based alternative to retinol,” says Amelia.

“We prioritise ingredients that feed the skin… These ingredients are chosen for their ability to calm inflammation, hydrate, brighten, and repair without irritation. It’s about giving the skin what it truly needs – nutrients that restore and protect – while being non-toxic – so the skin and body can thrive on its own, long term,” Amelia says.

As for results? “Clients typically start to see visible improvements like calmer skin, more hydration, and reduced sensitivity within four to six weeks of following their recommended routine. But, the real transformation happens over time. With consistency, clients experience stronger, more resilient skin, fewer breakouts and a natural reduction in the appearance of fine lines and pigmentation.”

So, yes, a 15-minute digital consultation really can make a difference – saving you time, money, and the stress of trying to navigate skin care alone. When you’re ready to stop guessing and start glowing, Amelia and her Fresh Face Skin team will help you put your best face forward. Without the fluff.

To book your consult or explore the Fresh Face Skin range, head to freshfaceskin.com.au.

The post How a 15-Minute Online Consultation Can Reduce the Appearance of Wrinkles first appeared on Women Love Tech.

On first impressions, this purple air fryer might catch your eye for a few superficial reasons. Namely, that adorable OPI-esque mauvey shade that matches your mani. But, don’t let its pretty colour fool you. This kitchen creation by Crumble isn’t just another cute countertop appliance. In fact, it’s a seriously clever piece of cooking kit that makes your life easier, your meals healthier and your food prep fresher.

Unlike most air fryers which rely heavily on plastic and sometimes leave you battling that dreaded, lingering plastic smell, the Crumble Air Fryer breaks the mould. Crafted from carbon steel – both inside and out – it means you can say goodbye to those nasty burning plastic odours that sneak up on you mid-cooking. Its steel body not only promises cleaner, fresher cooking but also makes cleanup a total breeze. A simple wipe down is all it takes to keep it gleaming, no scrubbing required.

The Crumble Air Fryer also lets you enjoy your favourite dishes with up to 95% less oil than traditional frying. That means all the crispy, golden goodness you crave. But, way kinder to your waistline and heart. And, with a generous six-litre capacity, you can roast an entire chicken or whip up a feast for the family in one go. Say goodbye to juggling batches or overcrowding the basket.

But, the Crumble Air Fryer really shines with its smart tech. Equipped with a dual heating element and a Sensitive Temperature Sensor, it keeps the cooking temperature remarkably steady. While most air fryers let the heat fluctuate wildly – by as much as 40 to 50% – the Crumble stays within a tight 10% range. This means consistent, even cooking every single time, so your meals come out tasting just right. Perfectly cooked on the inside with that signature crunch on the outside. No more guessing or overcooked mishaps!

Versatility is another ace up the Crumble’s sleeve. Not only can you fry and bake, but you can also steam with it, opening up a whole new world of textures and meal options. Whether it’s fluffy steamed veggies or crispy fries, you’ve got it all covered without cluttering your kitchen with multiple appliances.

And, (in case you hadn’t noticed) the Crumble Air Fryer isn’t an eyesore of an appliance you need to hide away in a cupboard. Its sleek, unique design shows off as a vibrant, stylish companion that elevates your countertop’s look.. Because who says your appliances can’t be both functional and fabulous?

And, here’s a final feel-good bonus: with every purchase of the Crumble Air Fryer, you’re helping fight hunger across Australia. The brand proudly partners with Foodbank Australia, the nation’s largest food relief charity, which rescues and redistributes millions of kilograms of food annually to those in need. For every Crumble Air Fryer sold, five meals are donated to support hungry Aussies. So your kitchen upgrade isn’t just good for you – it’s good for the community too.

In short, the Crumble purple Air Fryer is so much more than a pretty pastel face. (That incidentally also comes in several other hues) It’s a powerhouse of thoughtful engineering, health-conscious design, and real-world practicality. Say goodbye to plastic smells, uneven cooking, and complicated cleanup. Say hello to effortless, delicious, and healthier meals. Served up with a side of style and a whole lot of heart.

The post Don’t Be Fooled … This Purple Air Fryer is Smarter Than it Looks first appeared on Women Love Tech.

Llamando a todas las creativas, desarrolladoras y soñadoras de grandes ideas: hay una nueva herramienta en el mercado que viene a revolucionar tu forma de trabajar, y está impulsada por inteligencia artificial. Figma ha lanzado oficialmente Figma Make en Australia, y está diseñada para ayudarte a pasar del concepto al prototipo funcional más rápido de lo que puedes decir “inteligencia artificial”.

Ya seas una profesional del diseño, una product manager o simplemente alguien con una gran idea de app garabateada en una servilleta, Figma Make está a punto de convertirse en tu nueva aliada creativa. Forma parte de la plataforma de diseño colaborativa todo-en-uno de Figma, y ya está disponible para las usuarias australianas en todos los planes, incluido el plan gratuito Starter. Todas están invitadas a esta fiesta del diseño.

Entonces, ¿qué es Figma Make?

Figma Make es una herramienta impulsada por IA que transforma una indicación escrita (o un diseño existente) en un prototipo funcional. Le dices lo que quieres —como “una app de compras con un estilo limpio y minimalista”— y te genera una aplicación interactiva que no solo se ve bien, sino que parece lista para lanzarse. Piensa en ChatGPT, pero en lugar de párrafos, obtienes prototipos de apps perfectamente diseñados.

Y si ya tienes una guía de estilo de marca o un sistema de diseño guardado en tu biblioteca de Figma, aún mejor. Figma Make puede tomar ese contexto —colores, tipografías, reglas de diseño— y aplicarlo automáticamente a tu nuevo diseño, para que todo se mantenga alineado con tu marca. Se acabó luchar con códigos hexadecimales o darte cuenta a mitad del proyecto de que usaste el botón equivocado (otra vez).

¿Quién lo está usando?

Las diseñadoras ya están poniendo a prueba Figma Make, creando desde elegantes plataformas de ecommerce hasta herramientas de productividad con solo unas cuantas indicaciones. Y gracias a las integraciones existentes de Figma, una vez que tienes tu diseño, tu equipo de desarrollo puede comenzar a trabajar de inmediato con entregables compatibles con el sistema de diseño.

Figma Make también se integra perfectamente con el resto del ecosistema Figma. Eso significa que puedes esbozar ideas en FigJam, pulirlas en Figma Design, perfeccionar visuales con Figma Draw e incluso presentar tu concepto usando Figma Slides. Es como si todo tu flujo de trabajo creativo recibiera una actualización turbo impulsada por IA.

Pero eso no es todo

Figma también ha sacado de beta algunas de sus otras funciones impulsadas por IA. Herramientas como Renombrar Capas (¡sí, por favor!), Editar Imágenes y Reemplazar Contenido ya están disponibles en todos los planes pagos. Y para desarrolladoras, el nuevo Dev Mode MCP Server de Figma ayuda a cerrar la brecha entre diseño y código integrándose con herramientas como Copilot, Cursor y Claude Code.

Además, con la oficina de Figma en Sídney en funcionamiento desde finales de 2024 y el alojamiento de datos local previsto para el cuarto trimestre, las usuarias australianas están obteniendo más potencia, más privacidad y más formas de colaborar sin compromisos. Empresas locales como NAB, Atlassian y SafetyCulture ya están a bordo —y podemos decir con seguridad que el nivel del diseño acaba de subir.

¿Versión resumida?

Si alguna vez deseaste poder saltar del concepto al prototipo con un botón mágico, Figma Make es ese botón. Es elegante, inteligente y potenciado por IA, lo que facilita más que nunca llevar tu visión del papel a la realidad (y hasta las manos de desarrolladoras y usuarias). Ya sea que estés construyendo una marca, resolviendo un problema de usuario o simplemente quieras ver tu idea cobrar vida, Figma Make será tu nueva mejor amiga.

¿Lista para ver la magia por ti misma? Explora Figma Make aquí y empieza a crear.

La entrada Una nueva app que está usando inteligencia artificial para cambiar todo lo que sabes sobre desarrollo apareció primero en Women Love Tech.

Desde monitores de cantos de aves impulsados por IA hasta trampas para sapos basadas en feromonas y aplicaciones móviles que ayudan a identificar micro-murciélagos, estas cuatro mujeres inspiradoras están aprovechando tecnología de vanguardia para proteger los valiosos ecosistemas de Australia. Cada una de ellas ha sido seleccionada para hablar en la Conferencia Nacional de Landcare 2025 en Gold Coast este septiembre. Este reconocimiento destaca su compromiso con la conservación y su capacidad para pensar de forma creativa, actuar a nivel local y liderar a nivel nacional en asuntos de tecnología para la naturaleza.

Dra. Elia Pirtle: Creando conexiones biológicas con inteligencia artificial y ciencia ciudadana

Como facilitadora local de Landcare en Upper Wimmera, en el oeste de Victoria, la Dra. Elia Pirtle está ayudando a las comunidades regionales a conectar paisajes y personas.

“Mi trabajo consiste en apoyar a cada grupo local de voluntarios de Landcare para que colaboren entre sí y logren un mayor impacto en nuestro paisaje compartido”, explica.
“Me enfoco especialmente en ayudarlos a adoptar métodos más científicos y nuevas tecnologías que maximicen los beneficios ecológicos de sus proyectos.”

Elia ha presentado a su comunidad herramientas como iNaturalist y estaciones de monitoreo impulsadas por inteligencia artificial que funcionan completamente fuera de red y con transmisión en tiempo real.

“Un hito reciente y emocionante fue instalar nuestras primeras estaciones totalmente automáticas, con IA, fuera de red y con monitoreo en vivo para cantos de aves y mamíferos nocturnos”, comenta.
Estas herramientas de alta tecnología están haciendo que la cartografía de biodiversidad sea más precisa y accesible.

Y lo más importante: esta tecnología permite que personas comunes contribuyan activamente a la conservación.

“Una de las principales ventajas de estas nuevas tecnologías es que permiten que cualquiera pueda participar en la recolección de datos sobre biodiversidad, sin necesidad de tener conocimientos previos sobre aves”, dice Elia.
“Esto demuestra el poder de la tecnología en la conservación: no reemplaza el esfuerzo humano, sino que facilita una participación comunitaria más amplia que nunca antes.”

Kristina Duncombe: Combatiendo a los sapos de caña con química y comunidad

Desde la Sunshine Coast, Kristina Duncombe, de Watergum Community Inc., está logrando avances importantes en el control de especies invasoras. Su presentación en la Conferencia Landcare se enfoca en el uso de trampas para renacuajos basadas en feromonas, una solución mucho más específica que los métodos tradicionales.

“Nuestro programa insignia Cane Toad Challenge es uno de esos proyectos en los que vemos a más de 5,000 personas participar activamente a nivel nacional en el control de especies invasoras”, comenta.

Kristina supervisa iniciativas que combinan tecnología con acción comunitaria.

“Hasta la fecha, hemos eliminado más de un millón de sapos de caña en todas sus etapas de vida desde que comenzó esta iniciativa, incluyendo 199,231 eliminados solo en la temporada más reciente”, señala.
Estos resultados son posibles gracias a eventos organizados por la comunidad, como el Cane Toad Great Bust, y al desarrollo de trampas y señuelos diseñados especialmente por Watergum.

De cara al futuro, Kristina se muestra optimista sobre ampliar el impacto del proyecto.

“Actualmente estamos trabajando en alianzas prometedoras y nuevos proyectos de investigación que esperamos introduzcan nuevas herramientas para el control del sapo de caña”, dice.
“Estas herramientas están diseñadas para complementar los métodos de captura y ayudar a maximizar la eficacia en su erradicación.”

Chantelle Geissler: Capturando gatos ferales con tecnología de punta en Kangaroo Island

Chantelle Geissler: Capturando gatos ferales con tecnología de punta en Kangaroo Island

En Kangaroo Island, en Australia del Sur, los gatos ferales representan una seria amenaza para la biodiversidad. Pero Chantelle Geissler, del Kangaroo Island Landscape Board, está enfrentando a estos depredadores con tecnología inteligente y trabajo en equipo local.

“Llevo un año y medio en mi rol actual, pero he pasado casi cinco años en Kangaroo Island trabajando en programas de control de gatos ferales”, comenta.

Chantelle gestiona la red Celium más grande de Australia, con más de 1,000 trampas conectadas, fundamentales para el Programa de Erradicación de Gatos Ferales en la isla.

“Una gran parte de mi trabajo es coordinar esta red… y también hacer de soporte técnico para el equipo en terreno (‘¿ya intentaron apagarlo y encenderlo de nuevo?’)”, bromea.

Gracias a la colaboración con la comunidad y propietarios comprometidos, su equipo ha logrado resultados notables:

“Hemos alcanzado hitos increíbles, incluyendo la mayor reducción de población de gatos ferales desde que comenzó el programa.”

Y el futuro promete aún más:

“Nos encantaría combinar la tecnología que usamos actualmente con otros mecanismos, para lograr trampas más eficientes, avanzadas y prácticas.”

Luise Manning: Protegiendo la biodiversidad con apps, sonidos y acción

Desde 2017, Luise Manning lidera Springfield Lakes Nature Care en Queensland con pasión y propósito.

“Mi rol principal ha sido educar al público sobre la biodiversidad de nuestra cuenca para asegurar que los cuatro lagos y arroyos locales sigan siendo un ecosistema saludable”, explica.

Su equipo ha documentado desde planeadores australianos hasta micro-murciélagos y ranas que solo se escuchan durante lluvias intensas.

“Las cajas nido han mostrado un aumento significativo en la presencia de planeadores, con las 10 cajas de entrada trasera completamente ocupadas”, señala.
También han identificado ocho especies de microbats gracias a nuevas herramientas de análisis por ecolocación.

Utilizan diversas aplicaciones móviles como FrogID, iNaturalist, Waterbug Blitz y Eye on Water para monitorear la salud ambiental y detectar desde malezas hasta cambios en la calidad del agua.

“Comprender el impacto humano en las poblaciones de vida silvestre es clave para no contribuir a su extinción. Participar en actividades de ciencia ciudadana puede evitar que los problemas lleguen a ecosistemas sensibles.”

Para Luise, la tecnología es una herramienta de empoderamiento:

“Usamos varias apps para documentar biodiversidad, y también nos han sido útiles para identificar malezas invasoras, como la Salvinia gigante. El monitoreo constante de los cursos de agua y hábitats es la única forma de observar si una población está creciendo o disminuyendo.”

Una causa compartida

Más allá de los merecidos reconocimientos, el trabajo de estas mujeres demuestra que el futuro del cuidado del medioambiente no está solo en manos de científicos. También está en manos de todas las personas con un teléfono, una red para conectarse y un propósito común para proteger el planeta.

The post Four Women Using Innovation to Protect Australia’s Environment first appeared on Women Love Tech.