FemBots began in 2018 at La Trobe University, Bundoora, Melbourne, with a small group of dedicated postgraduate women studying botany and ecology. We met over casual dinners every month or so to connect, share experiences, and support one other in our studies. 

As the group grew in popularity, we formed The Women in Botany & Ecology Society, the FemBots in 2018 at La Trobe University, Bundoora, Melbourne. Becoming a formalised student society opened access to funding that expanded our professional development and social activities—including training in chainsaw and bush skills and trailer reversing, public speaking workshops, conference grants, International Women’s Day events, countless networking dinners and our always fun end-of-year party. 

As our founding members graduated, they became ineligible for membership of a student society at LTU.  By then, our network had expanded well beyond La Trobe, with members gaining research positions in other universities, or employment in the government sector, private consultancies, and in land management. Many were keen to revive their FemBots connections, so in August 2025, we held the Inaugural General Meeting of FemBots Australia as a non-profit society under the auspices of Safe Transport Australia. FemBots LTU (La Trobe University) continues, and is affiliated with FemBots Australia.

FemBots Australia takes a position that is unashamedly feminist and environmentalist, recognising that gender intersects with race, class, sexuality, ability, and other identities. We believe that to overcome current environmental and social challenges, diverse representation is essential.