Connecting with Our Coast Talks

To inform our development of the Eastern Beaches Coastal Management Program, Waverley Council is hosting a series of talks and activities to explore coastal values and issues that matter to our community.

Join us on 20 November to hear geoscientist Professor Bruce Thom, social researcher Rebecca Olive, and indigenous curator and researcher Matt Poll as they deep dive into the fascinating world of Waverley’s beaches and coastline. Journey into the Aboriginal and geological past, examine our current recreational activities and consider how we can protect and preserve our coastline as the climate changes. Talks will be followed up by a Q&A opportunity.

About Bruce:

Founding member of the Wentworth Group of Concerned scientists and the Australian Coastal Society, Bruce Thom, Emeritus Professor at the University of Sydney, is a recognised expert in the Australian coast and was instrumental in shaping the NSW Coastal Policy and NSW Coastal Management Act (2016). In 2010, Bruce was awarded a member of the Order of Australia for his significant contribution to the ecological management of the coastal zone and as a contributor to a public debate on natural resource policy.

About Matt:

Indigenous Programs manager at the Australian National Maritime Museum, Matt Poll is a South Sea and Torres Strait Islander curator and researcher. His most recent exhibition, Shaped by the Sea, is a permanent gallery at the Australian National Maritime Museum exploring our vast continent's deep-time history. Matt is also a member of the Reimagining the British Museum working group. His curatorial and publications work is centred on prioritising First Nations voices across Australian and international museum collections and exhibitions.

About Rebecca:

Focusing on areas of sport and leisure, human-environmental health and wellbeing, Rebecca Olive’s research explores how every day, recreational sport and leisure activities are experienced through cultural, ecological and social encounters and relationships. She is Associate Director at RMIT’s Centre for Urban Research, where she leads the Regenerative Environments and Climate Action theme, and co-convenes their Ocean Research and Climate Action (ORCA) network.

Image by Brandon Bailey

Ticket charge of $5 will be refunded to all attendees. Non-attendees will not be eligible for this refund. Bookings / transaction fees are non-refundable.

Age Suitability: Children under 16yrs must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.