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Dr Anita Chalmers

Honorary Lecturer

School of Environmental and Life Sciences (Environmental Science and Management)

Career Summary

Biography

Dr Anita Chalmers has an honorary position as a plant ecologist/botanist within the School of Environmental and Life Sciences. Her research aims to improve the conservation and management of vegetation by understanding its response to natural and human disturbances. She has experience in a number of different terrestrial ecosystems (rainforest, grassland, heath, riverine and freshwater wetlands, saltmarsh) and has worked on many different threatened plant species and endangered communities.

Please see "Projects" to get an idea of previous research projects and collaborators.

Research Expertise Summary

  • Threatened wetland plant communities and threatened species - e.g. Endangered Ecological Communities (Saltmarsh, Swamp Sclerophyll Forest, Parramatta Red Gum woodland, Montane Peatland & Swamp), Prostanthera junonis, Darwinia glaucophylla, Grevillea shiressii and Tasmannia glaucifolia.
  • Ecology of riparian & floodplain plants and their role in river recovery, i.e. interaction between riparian plants, floods, water-table, sediment deposition.
  • Fire disturbance - e.g. effects on tree hollows, Wallum Heath (dominated by Banksia aemula), Flannel flower (Actinotis helianthi), Hanging Swamps, Darwinia glaucophylla.

Scientific/Community Service

Dr Anita Chalmers has contributed to environmental policy by being a member of the following committees:

  • NSW Scientific Committee (Ministerial Appointment) (2014 – 2016)
  • Expert panel - Australian Government Bioregional Assessment (Gloucester subregion - 2016)
  • Central Coast Regional Vegetation Committee (Ministerial Appointment) (2001-2003)

Teaching Expertise
Dr Anita Chalmers retired in Feb 2023 after teaching in the disciplines of Sustainable Resource Management and Environmental Science and Management since 1999. She taught a wide range of courses resulting in a broad interdisciplinary understanding of ecosystems and their management. Her teaching experience includes:

  • Vegetation ecology, assessment, botany and plant identification (ENVS2005 & SRMT3010)
  • Sustainable agriculture and forestry (SRMT3050)
  • Land/vegetation degradation (ENVS2005 & SRMT3050)- including threatened plant species and communities
  • Restoration ecology (SRMT3060)
  • Freshwater ecosystems (SRMT2030)
  • Environmental values and attitudes (SRMT2010)

Collaborations (see "Projects" for further information)

  • Conservation/vegetation managers - investigating ecology & management of threatened species.
  • Fluvial geomorphologists - investigating the links between vegetation and river processes.
  • Landcare/bushcare groups - improving on-ground outcomes for restoration projects.

Qualifications

  • PhD, University of New England
  • Bachelor of Science, University of Newcastle
  • Bachelor of Science (Honours), University of Newcastle

Keywords

  • Flora
  • conservation biology
  • plant ecology
  • restoration
  • rivers
  • threatened species
  • wetlands

Fields of Research

Code Description Percentage
410404 Environmental management 40
410206 Landscape ecology 60

Professional Experience

UON Appointment

Title Organisation / Department
Lecturer University of Newcastle
School of Environmental and Life Sciences
Australia

Academic appointment

Dates Title Organisation / Department
1/2/2014 -  Committee Member (Ministerial Appointment) NSW Scientific Committee
Australia
1/1/2001 - 1/12/2003 Committee Member (NSW Ministerial Appointment) Central Coast Regional Vegetation Committee
Australia

Membership

Dates Title Organisation / Department
Member - Hunter/Central Coast Region National Parks and Wildlife Services Research Committee Hunter/Central Coast Region National Parks and Wildlife Services Research Committee
Australia
1/1/2010 -  Member - Australian Ecological Society Australian Ecological Society
Australia

Professional appointment

Dates Title Organisation / Department
1/3/1997 - 1/3/1999 Project Manager/Research Assistant John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle
Newcastle Environmental Toxicology Research Unit
Australia
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Publications

For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.


Chapter (1 outputs)

Year Citation Altmetrics Link
2022 Hossain MF, Momtaz S, Chalmers A, 'Community Perceptions of Climate Change Governance Practices', Climate Change and Risk in South and Southeast Asia, Routledge 59-83 (2022)
DOI 10.4324/9781003216476-5

Journal article (37 outputs)

Year Citation Altmetrics Link
2023 Rankin C, Gaston T, Sadat-Noori M, Glamore W, Morton J, Chalmers A, 'Innovative tidal control successfully promotes saltmarsh restoration', RESTORATION ECOLOGY, 31 (2023) [C1]
DOI 10.1111/rec.13774
Citations Scopus - 6Web of Science - 5
Co-authors Troy Gaston
2022 Killen C, McIntyre K, Drabsch B, Cassin A, Chalmers A, Callen A, et al., 'Communicating as Community: Examining power and authority in community focused environmental communication through participatory action research in the Ourimbah Creek Valley.', Platform: journal of media and communication, 9.2 6-21 (2022) [C1]
Co-authors Andrea Cassin, Alex Callen, Phillip Mcintyre, Chloe Killen
2022 Voigt J, Chalmers A, 'Environmental factors affecting the abundance of the threatened shrub Tasmannia glaucifolia (Winteraceae) in Barrington Tops National Park', Cunninghamia, 22 1-10 (2022) [C1]
DOI 10.7751/cunninghamia.2022.001
2021 Sadat-Noori M, Rankin C, Rayner D, Heimhuber V, Gaston T, Drummond C, et al., 'Coastal wetlands can be saved from sea level rise by recreating past tidal regimes', Scientific Reports, 11 (2021) [C1]

Climate change driven Sea Level Rise (SLR) is creating a major global environmental crisis in coastal ecosystems, however, limited practical solutions are provided to prevent or m... [more]

Climate change driven Sea Level Rise (SLR) is creating a major global environmental crisis in coastal ecosystems, however, limited practical solutions are provided to prevent or mitigate the impacts. Here, we propose a novel eco-engineering solution to protect highly valued vegetated intertidal ecosystems. The new ¿Tidal Replicate Method¿ involves the creation of a synthetic tidal regime that mimics the desired hydroperiod for intertidal wetlands. This synthetic tidal regime can then be applied via automated tidal control systems, ¿SmartGates¿, at suitable locations. As a proof of concept study, this method was applied at an intertidal wetland with the aim of restabilising saltmarsh vegetation at a location representative of SLR. Results from aerial drone surveys and on-ground vegetation sampling indicated that the Tidal Replicate Method effectively established saltmarsh onsite over a 3-year period of post-restoration, showing the method is able to protect endangered intertidal ecosystems from submersion. If applied globally, this method can protect high value coastal wetlands with similar environmental settings, including over 1,184,000¿ha of Ramsar coastal wetlands. This equates to a saving of US$230 billion in ecosystem services per year. This solution can play an important role in the global effort to conserve coastal wetlands under accelerating SLR.

DOI 10.1038/s41598-021-80977-3
Citations Scopus - 28Web of Science - 27
Co-authors Troy Gaston
2020 Turner A, Bond DR, Vuong QV, Chalmers A, Beckett EL, Weidenhofer J, Scarlett CJ, 'Elaeocarpus reticulatus fruit extracts reduce viability and induce apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells in vitro', Molecular Biology Reports, 47 2073-2084 (2020) [C1]
DOI 10.1007/s11033-020-05307-8
Citations Scopus - 5Web of Science - 3
Co-authors Emma Beckett, Danielle Bond, C Scarlett, Vanquan Vuong, Judith Weidenhofer
2019 Hayward MW, Jachowski D, Bugir CK, Clulow J, Krishnamurthy R, Griffin AS, et al., 'The search for novelty continues for rewilding', BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION, 236 584-585 (2019)
DOI 10.1016/j.biocon.2019.05.041
Citations Scopus - 2Web of Science - 1
Co-authors Andrea Griffin, Matthew Hayward, John Clulow, Rose Upton, Alex Callen
2019 Hayward MW, Scanlon RJ, Callen A, Howell LG, Klop-Toker KL, Di Blanco Y, et al., 'Reintroducing rewilding to restoration Rejecting the search for novelty', Biological Conservation, 233 255-259 (2019) [C1]
DOI 10.1016/j.biocon.2019.03.011
Citations Scopus - 49Web of Science - 34
Co-authors Matthew Hayward, Simon Clulow, John Clulow, John Gould, Andrea Griffin, Kaya Klop-Toker, John Rodger, Rose Upton, Alex Callen
2018 Vuong QV, Hong NTP, Vu HT, Trung TD, Thanh VN, Chalmers AC, 'Fruit characteristics, phytochemical and antioxidant properties of blueberry ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus)', HELIYON, 4 (2018) [C1]
DOI 10.1016/j.heliyon.2018.e00834
Citations Scopus - 11Web of Science - 3
Co-authors Vanquan Vuong
2018 Bhuyan DJ, Vuong QV, Chalmers AC, Bowyer MC, Scarlett CJ, 'An array of bioactive compounds from Australian eucalypts and their relevance in pancreatic cancer therapeutics', Pancreas, 47 690-707 (2018) [C1]
DOI 10.1097/MPA.0000000000001074
Citations Scopus - 4Web of Science - 4
Co-authors C Scarlett, Vanquan Vuong, Michael Bowyer
2018 Bhuyan DJ, Vuong QV, Bond DR, Chalmers AC, Bowyer MC, Scarlett CJ, 'Eucalyptus microcorys leaf extract derived HPLC-fraction reduces the viability of MIA PaCa-2 cells by inducing apoptosis and arresting cell cycle', Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy, 105 449-460 (2018) [C1]
DOI 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.05.150
Citations Scopus - 16Web of Science - 10
Co-authors C Scarlett, Vanquan Vuong, Michael Bowyer, Danielle Bond
2017 Bhuyan DJ, Vuong QV, Chalmers AC, van Altena IA, Bowyer MC, Scarlett CJ, 'Development of the ultrasonic conditions as an advanced technique for extraction of phenolic compounds from Eucalyptus robusta', SEPARATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, 52 100-112 (2017) [C1]
DOI 10.1080/01496395.2016.1250777
Citations Scopus - 15Web of Science - 10
Co-authors Ian Vanaltena, Vanquan Vuong, Michael Bowyer, C Scarlett
2017 Ngoc MQP, Chalmers AC, Vuong QV, Bowyer MC, Scarlett CJ, 'Characterising the Physical, Phytochemical and Antioxidant Properties of the Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides) Fruit', TECHNOLOGIES, 5 (2017) [C1]
DOI 10.3390/technologies5030057
Citations Scopus - 5Web of Science - 5
Co-authors C Scarlett, Michael Bowyer, Vanquan Vuong
2017 Bhuyan DJ, Sakoff J, Bond DR, Predebon M, Vuong QV, Chalmers AC, et al., 'In vitro anticancer properties of selected Eucalyptus species', IN VITRO CELLULAR & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY-ANIMAL, 53 604-615 (2017) [C1]
DOI 10.1007/s11626-017-0149-y
Citations Scopus - 20Web of Science - 18
Co-authors Ian Vanaltena, Danielle Bond, Michael Bowyer, C Scarlett, Vanquan Vuong
2017 Bhuyan DJ, Vuong QV, Bond DR, Chalmers AC, van Altena IA, Bowyer MC, Scarlett CJ, 'Exploring the Least Studied Australian Eucalypt Genera: Corymbia and Angophora for Phytochemicals with Anticancer Activity against Pancreatic Malignancies', CHEMISTRY & BIODIVERSITY, 14 (2017) [C1]
DOI 10.1002/cbdv.201600291
Citations Scopus - 11Web of Science - 7
Co-authors C Scarlett, Ian Vanaltena, Vanquan Vuong, Danielle Bond, Michael Bowyer
2017 Bhuyan DJ, Vuong QV, Chalmers AC, Bowyer MC, van Altena IA, Scarlett CJ, 'Phytochemical, antibacterial and antifungal properties of an aqueous extract of Eucalyptus microcorys leaves', SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY, 112 180-185 (2017) [C1]
DOI 10.1016/j.sajb.2017.05.030
Citations Scopus - 38Web of Science - 22
Co-authors C Scarlett, Vanquan Vuong, Michael Bowyer, Ian Vanaltena
2016 Tozer M, Chalmers AC, 'Hunter Valley Weeping Myall Woodland in the Sydney Basin Bioregion should remain listed as a Threatened Ecological Community until strong evidence emerges in support of delisting', Cunninghamia, 16 31-34 (2016) [C1]
DOI 10.7751/cunninghamia.2016.16.004
2016 Bhuyan D, Vuong QV, Chalmers A, van Altena I, Bowyer M, Scarlett C, 'Investigation of phytochemicals and antioxidant capacity of selected Eucalyptus species using conventional extraction', Chemical Papers, 70 567-575 (2016) [C1]
DOI 10.1515/chempap-2015-0237
Citations Scopus - 22Web of Science - 15
Co-authors Ian Vanaltena, Michael Bowyer, Vanquan Vuong, C Scarlett
2015 Vuong QV, Hirun S, Chuen TLK, Goldsmith CD, Munro B, Bowyer MC, et al., 'Physicochemical, antioxidant and anti-cancer activity of a
DOI 10.1016/j.indcrop.2014.10.061
Citations Scopus - 32Web of Science - 23
Co-authors C Scarlett, Vanquan Vuong, Michael Bowyer
2015 Tozer M, Chalmers AC, 'Should Hunter Valley Weeping Myall Woodland in the Sydney Basin Bioregion be listed as a Threatened Ecological Community?', Cunninghamia, 15 201-201 (2015)
DOI 10.7751/cunninghamia.2015.15.011
2015 Munro B, Vuong QV, Chalmers AC, Goldsmith CD, Bowyer MC, Scarlett CJ, 'Phytochemical, Antioxidant and Anti-Cancer Properties of Euphorbia tirucalli Methanolic and Aqueous Extracts.', Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 4 647-661 (2015) [C1]
DOI 10.3390/antiox4040647
Citations Scopus - 50Web of Science - 44
Co-authors Michael Bowyer, C Scarlett, Vanquan Vuong
2015 Bhuyan DJ, Quan VV, Chalmers AC, van Altena IA, Bowyer MC, Scarlett CJ, 'Microwave-assisted extraction of
DOI 10.1016/j.indcrop.2015.02.044
Citations Scopus - 104Web of Science - 87
Co-authors C Scarlett, Vanquan Vuong, Michael Bowyer, Ian Vanaltena
2015 Chalmers AC, Bakewell G, Taggart A, 'Comparison of long-stem and standard tube-stock performance five years after planting in a rainforest edge on the Central Coast of NSW', Ecological Management and Restoration, 16 236-238 (2015) [C1]
DOI 10.1111/emr.12175
2014 Vuong QV, Hirun S, Chuen TLK, Goldsmith CD, Bowyer MC, Chalmers AC, et al., 'Physicochemical composition, antioxidant and anti-proliferative capacity of a lilly pilly (Syzygium paniculatum) extract', Journal of Herbal Medicine, 4 134-140 (2014) [C1]

Lilly pilly (LP) fruit (Syzygium paniculatum Gaertn.) is widely grown in eastern Australia and has been used as food by indigenous Australians. However, there is limited informati... [more]

Lilly pilly (LP) fruit (Syzygium paniculatum Gaertn.) is widely grown in eastern Australia and has been used as food by indigenous Australians. However, there is limited information on its bioactivity. This study investigated the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of the crude fruit extract, identified its bioactive compounds and also assessed its potential anti-proliferative effect on pancreatic cancer cells. Our data showed that the LP extract was water-soluble and possessed a total phenolic content of 96 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g, flavonoid levels of 52 mg catechin equivalents (CAE)/g, proanthocyanidin levels of 29 mg CAE/g. Several phenolic compounds such as gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, catechin and epicatechin were identified in the LP extract with levels of 0.39, 2.35, 0.47 and 2.9 mg/g, respectively. Results from six different antioxidant assays revealed that the LP extract pocessed potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging capacity. Although antioxidant capacity of the extract was lower than that of vitamin E, vitamin C and BHT, it could be significantly improved if the extract was to be further purified. We also showed that the LP extract (200 µg/mL) significantly reduced the viability of MiaPaCa-2 and ASPC-1 pancreatic cancer cells to levels comparable to that of the chemotherapeutic agent gemcitabine. For this reason lilly pilly should be further investigated for its health promoting and potential anti-cancer benefits, particularly for pancreatic cancer. © 2014 Elsevier GmbH.

DOI 10.1016/j.hermed.2014.04.003
Citations Scopus - 37Web of Science - 32
Co-authors Michael Bowyer, Vanquan Vuong, C Scarlett
2014 Booyens C, Chalmers AC, Beckers D, 'The effect of disturbance regime on Darwinia glaucophylla (Myrtaceae) and its habitat.', Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, 136 231-244 (2014) [C1]
2013 Erskine F, Chalmers AC, Erskine WD, 'Survival of Casuarina cunninghamiana on a recovering sand-bed stream in the Wollombi Valley of coastal New South Wales', Cunninghamia, 13 295-304 (2013) [C1]
DOI 10.7751/cunninghamia.2013.007
2012 Chalmers A, Erskine WD, Erskine F, 'Partial geomorphic and floristic recovery of an incised channel over the last twenty years on dairy arm, hunter valley, Australia 101-130 (2012)

Dairy Arm is a small sand-bed stream whose channel and flood plain were essentially cleared of woody vegetation by early European settlers in the 1820s to 1880s for agriculture. C... [more]

Dairy Arm is a small sand-bed stream whose channel and flood plain were essentially cleared of woody vegetation by early European settlers in the 1820s to 1880s for agriculture. Channel incision of Dairy Arm was initiated on 17-18 June 1949 by a catastrophic flood and resulted in substantial erosion of the channel in the upstream part of the channel network and massive deposition in downstream reaches. River training works carried out in the depositional zone between 1982 and 1991 predominately involved the installation of cylindrical wire mesh barriers for bank protection, stockproof fencing and the planting of exotic poplars and willows and native river she-oaks. Thirteen permanently marked valley-floor cross sections were surveyed on three occasions between 1981 and 2009. Quantitative data from the cross sections show that the incision cycle initiated by the 1949 flood essentially finished in the early 1990s. Recovery from incision is now well advanced and, in the former incised zone, involves channel contraction, bank revegetation (predominately grasses) and spatially discontinuous bed erosion. Bed erosion involves the creation of a pool-riffle sequence or chain of ponds, and is also very active in the former depositional zone. Channel width has contracted by the construction of a new bench and flood plain in the bed of the former incised channel. In 2009/2010, the vegetation on the bar/bed, bench and flood plain at six cross sections was sampled and the abundance of plant functional types examined. Floristic recovery on Dairy Arm is evidenced by the diversity of plant functional types present on fluvial landforms, by native and exotic species being evenly represented, and by the presence of species indicative of the reference plant community. A lack of catastrophic floods, the exclusion of livestock by river training works, presence of remnant vegetation in the upstream reaches of Dairy Arm (as well as where the channel abuts steep valley slopes), scattered shade trees retained on the flood plain, burial of introduced pasture by substantial sand deposition and the resulting reduction in stocking rates have all played a role in this recovery. Whilst the abundance and diversity of herbaceous plants is good and they have played a crucial role in channel contraction, the same is not the case for woody species. Woody plants are present on the benches, banks and flood plain, but their abundance appears to be limited by grazing and the lack of supply of propagules. The absence of overstorey vegetation is hindering the recovery of important ecological functions, such as the regulation of stream temperature and the supply of large wood for further pool development. Full recovery of both the geomorphic processes and floristic diversity on Dairy Arm will take a long time yet because of the substantial lag time in natural recruitment from planted or remnant vegetation and the production of large wood from overstorey vegetation. This study shows that partial geomorphic and floristic recovery of an incised channel is possible in an agricultural setting, where grazing has been intermittent and stocking densities are low. However, progression to full recovery would be greatly enhanced by protecting the woody vegetation regenerating on the benches, banks and flood plain from livestock. © 2012 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.

Citations Scopus - 1
2012 Erskine WD, Keene A, Bush R, Cheetham M, Chalmers AC, 'Influence of riparian vegetation on channel widening and subsequent contraction on a sand-bed stream since European settlement: Widden Brook, Australia', Geomorphology, 147-148 102-114 (2012) [C1]
Citations Scopus - 31Web of Science - 31
2012 Chalmers AC, Erskine WD, Keene AF, Bush RT, 'Relationship between vegetation, hydrology and fluvial landforms on an unregulated sand-bed stream in the Hunter Valley, Australia', Austral Ecology, 37 193-203 (2012) [C1]
Citations Scopus - 7Web of Science - 7
2012 Erskine WD, Saynor MJ, Chalmers AC, Riley SJ, 'Water, wind, wood, and trees: Interactions, spatial variations, temporal dynamics, and their potential role in river rehabilitation', Geographical Research, 50 60-74 (2012) [C1]
Citations Scopus - 12Web of Science - 13
2012 Payne R, Chalmers AC, Laxton J, 'Understanding the characteristics of a groundwater-dependent ecosystem: Eucalyptus parramattensis Woodland at Porters Creek Wetland, NSW', Cunninghamia, 12 191-211 (2012) [C1]
DOI 10.7751/cunninghamia.2012.12.016
2009 Erskine WD, Chalmers AC, Keene A, Cheetham M, Bush R, 'Role of a rheophyte in bench development on a sand-bed river in southeast Australia', Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 34 941-953 (2009) [C1]
DOI 10.1002/esp.1778
Citations Scopus - 35Web of Science - 32
2007 Todarello P, Chalmers AC, 'The characteristics of five species of hollow-bearing trees on the New South Wales Central Coast', Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, 128 1-14 (2007) [C1]
Citations Scopus - 7Web of Science - 4
2007 Chalmers AC, Bakewell G, Taggart A, 'Improved growth and survival of deep-planted long-stem tube-stock within a rainforest edge on the Central Coast of New South Wales: Preliminary results', Ecological Management & Restoration, 8 151-154 (2007) [C1]
DOI 10.1111/j.1442-8903.2007.00355.x
Citations Scopus - 1
2005 Chalmers AC, McIntyre S, Whalley RDB, Reid N, 'Grassland species response to soil disturbance and nutrient enrichment on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales', Australian Journal of Botany, 53 485-499 (2005) [C1]
DOI 10.1071/BT04211
Citations Scopus - 13Web of Science - 11
2003 Hensley MJ, Chalmers AC, Clover K, Gibson PG, Toneguzzi R, Lewis PR, 'Symptoms of Asthma: Comparison of a Parent-Completed Retrospective Questionnaire With a Prospective Daily Symptom Diary', Pediatric Pulmonology, 36 509-513 (2003) [C1]
DOI 10.1002/ppul.10360
Citations Scopus - 24Web of Science - 22
Co-authors Michael Hensley
2001 Gibson PG, Simpson J, Chalmers AC, Toneguzzi R, Wark PA, Wilson AJ, Hensley MJ, 'Airway Eosinophilia is associated with Wheeze but is uncommon in Children with Persistent Cough and Frequent Chest Colds', American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 164 977-981 (2001) [C1]
Citations Scopus - 52Web of Science - 42
Co-authors Jodie Simpson, Michael Hensley
1994 Chalmers AC, Turner JC, 'Climbing plants in relation to their supports in a stand of dry rainforest in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales.', Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W, 114 73-90 (1994) [C1]
Show 34 more journal articles

Conference (11 outputs)

Year Citation Altmetrics Link
2022 Killen C, McIntyre K, Foster L, Ransom L, Mulcahy A, Drabsch B, et al., 'Communicating as Community: An action research approach to environmental communication in the Ourimbah Creek Valley.', Ourimbah (2022)
Co-authors Andrea Cassin, Alex Callen, Chloe Killen, Phillip Mcintyre
2021 Killen C, McIntyre K, Foster L, Ransom L, Mulcahy A, Drabsch B, et al., 'Communicating as Community: Examining power and authority in community focused environmental communication through participatory action research in the Ourimbah Creek Valley.', Melbourne, VIC (2021)
Co-authors Phillip Mcintyre, Alex Callen, Andrea Cassin, Chloe Killen
2019 Uddin MN, Momtaz S, Chalmers A, 'Community perception of impacts of protected area governance on local livelihoods: a case study of the Lawachara National Park, Bangladesh', Proceedings of the 2019 International Conference on Climate Change, Disaster Management and Environmental Sustainability, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan (2019) [E1]
Co-authors Salim Momtaz
2015 Bond D, Turner A, Richmond R, Sadeqzadeh E, Vuong Q, Bhuyan D, et al., 'THE SEARCH FOR NOVEL TREATMENT AGENTS FOR PANCREATIC CANCER: TALES FROM THE LAND AND SEA', ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY (2015) [E3]
Co-authors Troy Gaston, Michael Bowyer, Judith Weidenhofer, Vanquan Vuong, Ian Vanaltena, Danielle Bond, C Scarlett
2014 Sadeqzadeh E, Vuong QV, Goldsmith CD, Nguyen VT, Bhuyan DJ, Trung TD, et al., 'A NATURAL PRODUCT DRUG DISCOVERY PIPELINE FOR NOVEL PANCREATIC CANCER THERAPIES: A NEW CANCER RESEARCH HUB FOR THE HUNTER REGION OF NSW', ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY (2014) [E3]
Co-authors Michael Bowyer, Troy Gaston, Ian Vanaltena, Judith Weidenhofer, C Scarlett, Vanquan Vuong
2010 Erskine WD, Chalmers AC, Townley-Jones ME, 'The importance of sediment control for recovery of incised channels', Sediment Dynamics for a Changing Future, Warsaw, Poland (2010) [E1]
Citations Scopus - 4Web of Science - 1
Co-authors Maureen Townley-Jones
2009 Chalmers AC, Erskine WD, Keene A, Bush R, 'Flow regimes influencing riparian vegetation on an unregulated sand-bed stream in the Hunter Valley, NSW', H2009: Proceedings of H2009, the 32nd Hydrology and Water Resources Symposium, Newcastle, NSW (2009) [E1]
2009 Keene A, Erskine WD, Chalmers AC, Bush R, Cheetham M, 'Riparian revegetation and creation of a pool-riffle sequence by river restoration works on the sand-bedded Widden Brook, Australia', The 7th International Symposium on Ecohydraulics: The International Conference of Science and Information Technologies for Sustainable Management of Aquatic Ecosystems CD-ROM, Concepcion, Chile (2009) [E1]
2009 Erskine WD, Chalmers AC, 'Natural river recovery from catastrophic channel changes by vegetation invasion of the sand-bedded Wollombi Brook, Australia', The 7th International Symposium on Ecohydraulics: The International Conference of Science and Information Technologies for Sustainable Management of Aquatic Ecosystems CD-ROM, Concepcion, Chile (2009) [E1]
2006 Chalmers AC, 'Trait differences between exotic and native species within a long-grazed temperate grassland on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales', Proceedings of the 15th Australian Weeds Conference, Adelaide, SA (2006) [E1]
1999 Chalmers A, Hensley MJ, Gibson P, Toneguzzi R, Lewis P, Ray C, 'Indoor air quality and the respiratory health of children living in Newcastle, Australia.', AMERICAN JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY AND CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE (1999)
Co-authors Michael Hensley
Show 8 more conferences
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Grants and Funding

Summary

Number of grants 11
Total funding $159,525

Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.


20182 grants / $39,200

Nutrient Cycling in Restored Ecosystems$30,000

Funding body: Mt Owen Pty Limited

Funding body Mt Owen Pty Limited
Project Team Doctor Carmen Castor, Doctor Anita Chalmers, Professor Megh Mallavarapu, Doctor Suresh Subashchandrabose, Mr Robert Scanlon
Scheme Research Grant
Role Investigator
Funding Start 2018
Funding Finish 2018
GNo G1800639
Type Of Funding C3100 – Aust For Profit
Category 3100
UON Y

Identifying indicators of restoration success in saltmarshes$9,200

Funding body: Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group (NCIG)

Funding body Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group (NCIG)
Project Team Associate Professor Troy Gaston, Doctor Anita Chalmers
Scheme Research Grant
Role Investigator
Funding Start 2018
Funding Finish 2019
GNo G1800844
Type Of Funding C3100 – Aust For Profit
Category 3100
UON Y

20173 grants / $30,000

Nutrient Cycling in Restored Ecosystems$15,000

Funding body: Ravensworth Operations Pty Limited

Funding body Ravensworth Operations Pty Limited
Project Team Doctor Carmen Castor, Doctor Anita Chalmers, Professor Megh Mallavarapu, Doctor Suresh Subashchandrabose, Mr Robert Scanlon
Scheme Research Grant
Role Investigator
Funding Start 2017
Funding Finish 2017
GNo G1701594
Type Of Funding C3100 – Aust For Profit
Category 3100
UON Y

Identifying indicators of restoration success in saltmarshes$10,000

Funding body: NSW Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries)

Funding body NSW Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries)
Project Team Associate Professor Troy Gaston, Doctor Anita Chalmers, Kylie Russell, Craig Copeland, Dr Matt Taylor
Scheme Research Grant
Role Investigator
Funding Start 2017
Funding Finish 2017
GNo G1701111
Type Of Funding C2400 – Aust StateTerritoryLocal – Other
Category 2400
UON Y

Nutrient Cycling in Restored Ecosystems$5,000

Funding body: Eastern Creek Operations Pty limited

Funding body Eastern Creek Operations Pty limited
Project Team Doctor Carmen Castor, Doctor Anita Chalmers, Professor Megh Mallavarapu, Doctor Suresh Subashchandrabose, Mr Robert Scanlon
Scheme Research Grant
Role Investigator
Funding Start 2017
Funding Finish 2017
GNo G1701589
Type Of Funding C3100 – Aust For Profit
Category 3100
UON Y

20151 grants / $49,128

Williams River Catchment Improvement Program$49,128

Funding body: Hunter Water Corporation

Funding body Hunter Water Corporation
Project Team Associate Professor Troy Gaston, Conjoint Professor Natalie Moltschaniwskyj, Doctor Anita Chalmers, Debashish Mazumder
Scheme Research Consultancy
Role Investigator
Funding Start 2015
Funding Finish 2015
GNo G1501235
Type Of Funding C2300 – Aust StateTerritoryLocal – Own Purpose
Category 2300
UON Y

20111 grants / $1,000

What factors influence the habitat, distribution and population structure of Grevillea shiressii Blakely (Proteaceae) a threatened species of the Central Coast of New South Wales?$1,000

Funding body: Australian Plants Society

Funding body Australian Plants Society
Project Team Doctor Anita Chalmers, Ms Diane Warman
Scheme Valette Williams Scholarship in Botany
Role Lead
Funding Start 2011
Funding Finish 2012
GNo G1200762
Type Of Funding Grant - Aust Non Government
Category 3AFG
UON Y

20061 grants / $29,197

Equity Research Fellowship Semester 1, 2006$29,197

Funding body: University of Newcastle

Funding body University of Newcastle
Project Team Doctor Anita Chalmers
Scheme Equity Research Fellowship
Role Lead
Funding Start 2006
Funding Finish 2006
GNo G0185992
Type Of Funding Internal
Category INTE
UON Y

20051 grants / $1,000

Hanging swamps of the Central Coast Plateau$1,000

Funding body: Central Coast Community Environment Network Inc.

Funding body Central Coast Community Environment Network Inc.
Project Team Doctor Anita Chalmers
Scheme Research Grant
Role Lead
Funding Start 2005
Funding Finish 2005
GNo G0185192
Type Of Funding Contract - Aust Non Government
Category 3AFC
UON Y

20021 grants / $5,000

Factors influencing the population dynamics of Prostathera Junonis.$5,000

Funding body: Gosford City Council

Funding body Gosford City Council
Project Team Ms Robin Stanger, Doctor Anita Chalmers
Scheme Postgraduate Research Scholarship
Role Investigator
Funding Start 2002
Funding Finish 2002
GNo G0181648
Type Of Funding Other Public Sector - Local
Category 2OPL
UON Y

20001 grants / $5,000

Disturbance and the Integrity of Vegetation Remnants along Streambanks: The Wingello Creek Pilot Study.$5,000

Funding body: University of Newcastle

Funding body University of Newcastle
Project Team Doctor Anita Chalmers
Scheme Early Career Researcher Grant
Role Lead
Funding Start 2000
Funding Finish 2000
GNo G0179322
Type Of Funding Internal
Category INTE
UON Y
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Research Supervision

Number of supervisions

Completed8
Current0

Past Supervision

Year Level of Study Research Title Program Supervisor Type
2023 PhD An Evaluation of the Use of Ecological Indicators in a Novel Saltmarsh Restoration Project in the Hunter River, New South Wales, Australia PhD (Marine Science), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle Co-Supervisor
2021 PhD Examining Accelerated Ecosystem Development in the Ecological Restoration of Mined Land PhD (Environmental Sc), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle Principal Supervisor
2021 PhD Evaluating Climate Change Governance in Bangladesh—Perspectives of Governmental and Non-governmental Organisations PhD (Sustainable Res Mngt), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle Co-Supervisor
2020 PhD Impact of Environmental Governance on Local Livelihoods in Forest Protected Areas of Bangladesh: A Study of Lawachara National Park PhD (Sustainable Res Mngt), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle Co-Supervisor
2017 PhD Processes, Rates and Pathways to Recovering River Channel Functions Through Geomorphically Effective Floods: A Case Study of the Highly Regulated Snowy River Downstream of Jindabyne Dam, Australia PhD (Sustainable Res Mngt), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle Principal Supervisor
2011 Masters The Effect of Disturbance Regimes (Fire and Slashing) on Populations of Darwinia Glaucophylla on the Central Coast of NSW, Australia M Philosophy (SustainResMngt), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle Principal Supervisor
2011 Masters Attitudes, Values, and Knowledge Relating to Australian Native Wildlife M Philosophy (Psychology), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle Co-Supervisor
2006 PhD Response of Frog Populations to Habitat Attributes and Riparian Zone Rehabilitation Across an Urban-Rural Gradient in the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia PhD (Sustainable Res Mngt), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle Co-Supervisor
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Research Projects

Long-stem planting 2005 - 2010

In this project Anita collaborated with the Australian Plants Society (Central Coast Group) and Gosford City Council on a field experiment established in the edge of a rainforest at Katandra Reserve near Gosford. The experiment tested how useful the long-stem planting technique (developed by Bill Hicks for riparian zones) is for rainforest restoration. We found no significant benefit of the technique in this particular location, but we need further study in other locations and over a longer time-scale.

Publications

Chalmers AC, Bakewell G, Taggart A, 'Improved growth and survival of deep-planted long-stem tube-stock within a rainforest edge on the Central Coast of New South Wales: Preliminary results', Ecological Management & Restoration, 8 151-154 (2007) [C1]

Chalmers AC, Bakewell G, Taggart A, 'Comparison of long-stem and standard tube-stock performance five years after planting in a rainforest edge on the Central Coast of NSW', Ecological Management and Restoration, 16 236-238 (2015) [C1]


Plant Conservation Projects 2002 - 2019


Anita has supervised numerous Honours & RHD research projects that will assist government agencies and landowners to manage endangered ecological communities, threatened plant species and fauna that depend on plant resources such as tree hollows. This type of ecological research benefiting the whole of society by reducing the risks in environmental decision-making.

Year Research Topic Theme End-user benefits
 
2002 Response of a Eucalyptus robusta (Swamp Mahogany) forest community to an environmental gradient at Porter’s Creek wetland. Endangered Ecological Community Council Reserve management, environmental decision making
2002 Factors influencing the population dynamics of the endangered plant: Prostanthera junonis. Threatened Species National Park management
Council - environmental decision making
2004 Response of Actinotus helianthi (Flannel Flower) populations to fire and soil type. Fire Ecology National Park management
2004 Number and types of cavities in eucalypt species on the Central Coast of NSW. Fauna Conservation National Park management
Council - environmental decision making
2004 Effect of fire frequency on the Wallum heath vegetation communities of Bouddi National Park. Fire Ecology National Park management
2005 Plant diversity in the rocky Hawkesbury sandstone landscapes of Brisbane Water National Park Fire Ecology National Park management
2006 Defining Hanging Swamps on the Somersby Plateau, NSW. An examination of floristics, structure and influence of fire. Endangered Ecological Community Landowners & National Parks - wetland management
Council - environmental decision making
2006 The effect of fragment size and disturbance on population structure and health of Eucalyptus robusta (Swamp Mahogany) within the Lower Dora Creek Catchment. Endangered Ecological Community Council - environmental decision making
Landowners - wetland management
2008 The effects of fire frequency on tree hollow resources within coastal woodlands on the Central Coast of NSW Fauna Conservation National Park management
2010 The effect of disturbance regimes (fire and slashing) on populations of Darwinia glaucophylla on the Central Coast of NSW Threatened Species National Park management
& environmental decision making
2011 The efficacy of different sampling methods in saltmarsh vegetation within the Brisbane Water estuary on the Central Coast of NSW Endangered Ecological Community National Park management
Council - environmental decision making
2011 The regeneration of Casuarina cunninghamiana: a major riparian species on sand bed streams River Ecology Landowners - wetland management
Council - environmental decision making
2012 Distribution, habitat and population structure of the rare Grevillea shiressii in relation to flooding and fire disturbance. Threatened Species National Park management
Landowners - wetland management
2018 Tree hollows and arboreal marsupial food plants within floodplain and footslope communities in the Central Coast of NSW Fauna Conservation National Park management
Council - environmental decision making
2019 Environmental factors affecting the distribution of threatened shrub Tasmannia glaucifolia  (Fragrant Pepperbush) in the Barrington Tops National Park.Threatened Species National Park management

Publications

Todarello P, Chalmers AC, 'The characteristics of five species of hollow-bearing trees on the New South Wales Central Coast', Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, 128 1-14 (2007) [C1]

Erskine F, Chalmers AC, Erskine WD, 'Survival of Casuarina cunninghamiana on a recovering sand-bed stream in the Wollombi Valley of coastal New South Wales', Cunninghamia, 13 295-304 (2013) [C1]

Booyens C, Chalmers AC, Beckers D, 'The effect of disturbance regime on Darwinia glaucophylla (Myrtaceae) and its habitat.', Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, 136 231-244 (2014) [C1]


Riverine vegetation in the Hunter Valley of NSW 2005 - 2019

A productive research partnership with Professor Wayne Erskine (fluvial geomorphologist), since 2004, has contributed to the UoN research strength in geosciences. At Widden Brook and Wollombi Brook in the Hunter Valley of NSW we investigated the links between vegetation and channel contraction after historical over-widening of a sand-bed stream. We demonstrated the important role that River She-oak (Casuarina cunninghamiana) plays in the formation of fluvial landforms. Anita also established the flow regimes typically experienced by River Oaks at Widden Brook.
Other locations on Wollombi Brook are under study and I am now looking for suitable sites on the Hunter River. This research benefits the Australian community by helping government agencies and landowners reduce risks when managing freshwater wetlands.

Publications

Erskine WD, Chalmers AC, Keene A, Cheetham M, Bush R, 'Role of a rheophyte in bench development on a sand-bed river in southeast Australia', Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 34 941-953 (2009) [C1]

Erskine WD, Chalmers AC, 'Natural river recovery from catastrophic channel changes by vegetation invasion of the sand-bedded Wollombi Brook, Australia', The 7th International Symposium on Ecohydraulics: The International Conference of Science and Information Technologies for Sustainable Management of Aquatic Ecosystems CD-ROM, Concepcion, Chile (2009) [E1]

Keene A, Erskine WD, Chalmers AC, Bush R, Cheetham M, 'Riparian revegetation and creation of a pool-riffle sequence by river restoration works on the sand-bedded Widden Brook, Australia', The 7th International Symposium on Ecohydraulics: The International Conference of Science and Information Technologies for Sustainable Management of Aquatic Ecosystems CD-ROM, Concepcion, Chile (2009) [E1]

Chalmers AC, Erskine WD, Keene A, Bush R, 'Flow regimes influencing riparian vegetation on an unregulated sand-bed stream in the Hunter Valley, NSW', H2009: Proceedings of H2009, the 32nd Hydrology and Water Resources Symposium, Newcastle, NSW (2009) [E1]

Erskine WD, Chalmers AC, Townley-Jones ME, 'The importance of sediment control for recovery of incised channels', Sediment Dynamics for a Changing Future, Warsaw, Poland (2010) [E1]

Erskine WD, Keene A, Bush R, Cheetham M, Chalmers AC, 'Influence of riparian vegetation on channel widening and subsequent contraction on a sand-bed stream since European settlement: Widden Brook, Australia', Geomorphology, 147-148 102-114 (2012) [C1]

Erskine WD, Saynor MJ, Chalmers AC, Riley SJ, 'Water, wind, wood, and trees: Interactions, spatial variations, temporal dynamics, and their potential role in river rehabilitation', Geographical Research, 50 60-74 (2012) [C1]

Chalmers AC, Erskine WD, Keene AF, Bush RT, 'Relationship between vegetation, hydrology and fluvial landforms on an unregulated sand-bed stream in the Hunter Valley, Australia', Austral Ecology, 37 193-203 (2012) [C1]

Chalmers A, Erskine WD, Erskine F, 'Partial geomorphic and floristic recovery of an incised channel over the last twenty years on dairy arm, hunter valley, Australia 101-130 (2012)


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Dr Anita Chalmers

Position

Honorary Lecturer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences
College of Engineering, Science and Environment

Focus area

Environmental Science and Management

Contact Details

Email anita.chalmers@newcastle.edu.au
Phone (02) 4349 4462
Fax (02) 4348 4145

Office

Building Science Offices.
Location Ourimbah
10 Chittaway Road
Ourimbah, NSW 2258
Australia
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