Past lectures
2011:Community conversation
Unlike previous years, this lecture was delivered by individual speakers adopting a ‘community conversation’ format. This allowed key experts, stakeholders and audience members to be involved in a serious consideration of the central issues associated with water resource management in the Murray-Darling Basin.
Moderated by eminent journalist Kerry O’Brien, the conversation included:
- Dr Arlene Harriss-Buchan (Healthy Rivers Campaigner, Australian Conservation Foundation)
- Mr Danny O’Brien (Chief Executive Officer, National Irrigators Council)
- Professor Ben Gawne (Director, The Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre)
- Dr Neil Byron (Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists)
- Professor Barry Hart (Murray Darling Basin Authority)
2010: Here on Earth
Professor Tim Flannery (Macquarie University, 2007 Australian of the Year)
The subject of sustainability lies where humanity and the planet intersect. But what, exactly, is our planet? And how has evolution shaped us? Tim Flannery discussed the concept of sustainability in the context of the Earth system, and the human evolutionary path that is part of it.
2009: Changing ways for changing times - engaging Indigenous expertise in Australia's response to climate change
Joe Ross (Chairperson of the Indigenous Water Policy Group, Member of the Bunuba people in the Kimberley region of WA, and Chair of the Northern Land and Water Taskforce)
This presentation focused on the ways in which Indigenous Australians have been contributing to sustainable land use and ecosystem management over many years. It explored the idea that Indigenous knowledge of Australia is an imperative part of helping to restore the health of our country.
The lecture was followed by a panel discussion with Gary Murray (Victorian Tribal Council) and Gary Foley (Indigenous Australian activist, academic, writer and actor).
2008: The Murray-Darling: A flawed vision
John Doyle (actor and comedian)
In 2006 John Doyle and Dr Tim Flannery took a ‘tinnie’ from the headwaters of the Darling River in South-West Queensland to the mouth of the Murray in South Australia. The resulting documentary, Two Men In A Tinnie, won the 2006 Screen Producers Association of Australia Award for best documentary. In this lecture, John Doyle shared his observations of the state of the river and its environs.
2007 and earlier
2007: When the planet and economy collide
Presented by Mr Mick Burke, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Environment Protection Authority, Victoria
2006: Tales of the River
Presented by Stefano de Pieri
2005: Managing the Environmental health of the River Murray: An economic perspective
Presented by Professor Jeff Bennett, Professor of Environmental Management, Australian National University
2004: The Living Murray: A Healthy Working River?
Presented by Dr Ben Gawne, Director, Murray Darling Freshwater Research Centre
2003: Managing the Murray - Acknowledging the Sadim Touch and Moving Towards Redemption
Presented by Dr Roger Croome, Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Management and Ecology, La Trobe University, Albury-Wodonga Campus
2002: One Life, One River, One Future - Environmental Education for Youth and Community
Presented by Mr Arron Wood, 2001 Young Australian of the Year (National Environment Winner)
2001: Can Integrated Catchment Management Save the River Murray?
Presented by Dr Don Blackmore, Chief Executive, Murray-Darling Basin Commission.
2000: From Mungo to the Murray: Ice Ages, Ancient Rivers and Earliest Human Occupation
Presented by Professor Jim N Bowler, Professorial Associate, School of Earth Sciences, University of Melbourne
1999: Murray River People: Aboriginal Archaeology/Aboriginal History
Presented by Professor Tim Murray, Head of School, Archaeological and Historical Studies, La Trobe University
1998: Sharing The Murray Sustainably
Presented by Mr Denis Flett, Chief Executive, Goulburn-Murray Water
1997: Confronting Utopia: re-examining our approach to the environment
Presented by Professor Roger Parish, Head, Division of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering, La Trobe University
1996: Imperatives for Australia: Our Environment and Economy
Presented by Senator Robert Hill, Minister for the Environment.
1995: Managing the Murray-Darling: Hydrology and the Ecosystem
Presented by Dr Terry Hillman, Director, The Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre.
1994: Landcare: Community Action For Change
Presented by Mr Brian Scarsbrick, Chief Executive, Landcare Australia
1994: The Murray River - The Source Of Our Wealth
Presented by Dr D.S. Mitchell, Chief Research Scientist, The Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre