Utopian vision to be explored
An annual Wimmera Biodiversity Seminar in the region’s west on September 6 will explore the concept of ‘utopian vision’ surrounding biodiversity.
The 21st event, which involves a unique gathering of ecologists, conservation-land experts, scientists and environmental commentators, as well as everyday people, will be based in Nhill district.
Day sessions will be at Nhill Memorial Community Centre and evening sessions, including dinner, will be at Little Desert Nature Lodge at nearby Winiam.
Organising committee member La Vergne Lehmann said the theme of ‘what is your utopia, when it comes to biodiversity?’ posed a question for everyone.
“We live in a country that has been dramatically altered by European settlement during the past 230 years and returning the landscape to pre-european settlement isn’t likely,” she said.
“What is the utopian vision for the Wimmera landscape that includes people and associated development and biodiversity?”
Ms Lehmann said there had been a marked change in the community attitude to the environment in recent years.
“Appreciation for the role that biodiversity plays in maintaining the environment has been recognised as an important reason why so many of us choose to live in the Wimmera,” she said.
One of the first major environmental battles in Australia occurred in the Wimmera in the 1960s, culminating in the establishment of the Little Desert National Park. Libby Robin, who wrote the book ‘Defending the Little Desert’ is a keynote speaker at the seminar this year.
Ms Lehmann said the seminar would also feature an ‘exciting’ range of speakers who would challenge the audience on their special topics and their thoughts about a biodiversity utopia.
Speakers include Chris Mccormack from Remember the Wild, Peter Monkhorst, Arthur Rylah Institute, Ben Holmes from Rewilding Australia, Zeb Tomkin, who will discuss a Victorian environmental fishing map, vertebrate palaeontologist Dr Liz Reed, and Craig Whiteford from Zoos Victoria.
The seminar will also include an afternoon tour of Kiata Flora and Fauna Reserve.
Nhill district’s Karen community is also involved in the event and will perform traditional dances and talk about experiences of moving to the Wimmera.
Pauline Rudolph, a Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning representative on the committee, said organisers were keen to hear people’s ideas about a biodiversity ‘utopia’. “So come prepared,” she said. Wimmera Catchment Management Authority, DELWP, Bank Australia, Trust for Nature, Hindmarsh Landcare Network, Gwmwater, Parks Victoria and Grampians Central West Waste and Resource Recovery Group are providing support for the seminar.
Tickets are $99 for the day and evening sessions, $65 for the day only and $50 for the evening only. Tickets are available online at wimmerabiodiversityseminar2018. eventbrite.com.au.