Meet the Student Fighting for WA’s Black Cockatoos
“I met Professor Dixon at a College dinner and ended up helping save endangered birds.”
Joe, a UWA student, found more than just a place to live at St Cat’s. His passion for conservation led him to work alongside one of WA’s top ecologists, starting right from the College Dining Hall.
High Table guests, including Joe Noble (fourth from left) and guest speaker Professor Kingsley Dixon (sixth from left) attend the Conservation Formal Hall at St Catherine’s College, UWA.
What motivated you to get involved with Professor Kingsley Dixon’s conservation research?
I felt driven to lend some of my previous conservation experience in Kenya to help with research on a dwindling native bird species. That motivation only grew when I discovered how endangered the Carnaby’s black cockatoo had become. That’s what led me to working with Kingsley, learning from his expertise and helping to conserve these incredible birds.
How has being a St Cat’s resident connected you with opportunities like this?
St Cat’s was vital in connecting me to Kingsley. Whether through Faculty and Industry (F&I) Dinners, guest speakers at Formal Hall, or club dinners hosted by the College, the number of opportunities here feels endless.
Beyond those structured events, there’s a strong social network. Staff and students are always happy to mentor, support and connect you with people in your field.
At the most recent Conservation Formal Hall, Professor Dixon was the guest of honour. Was there a moment in his talk that really resonated with you?
Kingsley described a recent spike in starving birds and then contrasted that with the feast we were all enjoying at the time. That moment really struck me. It brought a clear emotional weight to what’s happening and reminded everyone just how serious the situation is for Carnaby’s black cockatoos.
And beyond the talk itself, what was the atmosphere like in the Dining Hall that evening?
Formal Hall is always friendly and lively. It’s a chance to catch up with friends and feel part of the community. Good food and a shared experience make it something to look forward to every time.
What have you learned so far from working on the Carnaby’s Crusaders project?
Two things stand out. First, just how rare these birds are. The Baudin cockatoo, an almost identical species also native to South West WA, has only about 3,000 left in the wild and numbers are still falling.
Second, I’ve been blown away by the community response. People here have given countless volunteer hours distributing vital food sources and installing more nesting boxes, all with the generous support of local property owners.
How does life at St Cat’s support your growth outside the classroom?
College life is always full on, but that’s part of what makes it special. Balancing uni with all the events here builds time management and independence.
There’s also a huge range of volunteering opportunities that let you give back, plus leadership roles that help grow your communication and decision-making skills.
What would you say to someone who’s thinking of joining St Cat’s but isn’t sure they will find their niche?
Give it a try. I found the community here incredibly supportive and welcoming. There are more than 20 clubs, from early morning swimming to movie nights, and new ones start every semester.
With so many residents from different backgrounds, there’s something for everyone. You’ll discover new interests and find your place in no time.
Looking ahead, what’s your hope for conservation and for future residents who’ll follow?
I hope the regional government steps in with stronger conservation support. Funding and initiatives could really shift the tide. These birds are endemic to WA and we should be doing more to protect them.
I’d love to see future residents embracing conservation in their own way. Whether you study engineering, arts or science, there’s always a role for you, and I’m sure the College will back any campus-wide initiatives that come from it.
Author note: Joe Noble is a current resident at St Catherine’s College, UWA.
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