NSW House @ SXSW Sydney 2024: Australia’s First Scientists: Deep Knowledge and Understanding in Managing Our Natural World

Story and art are intrinsic to communicating science, collective knowledge and practices of Caring for Country. Explore how Aboriginal peoples’ longstanding connection to Country, deep traditional knowledge and continued customary practices are integral to response and recovery and understanding of environmental events. The incorporation of this knowledge into land management practices will build a more sustainable and resilient future. Featuring a film of Elders discussing the fish deaths in the Darling Baaka River and incorporation of indigenous knowledge and leadership.  

SXSW Track: Tech & Innovation | Energy Climate & Sustainability

Moderator:
Dr Darren Saunders, NSW Deputy Chief Scientist 
NSW Deputy Chief Scientist & Engineer and Eureka Prize-winning scientist and communicator, with over 20 years' academic and industry experience, Darren led the 2023 Fish Deaths Independent Review, undertaking multiple visits to Menindee to consult with community on the impacts of the fish deaths and provide recommendations to Government.

Panellists:
Courtney Marsh, Curator, The Australian Museum
Courtney is a Minyungbal – South Sea Islander mibiny. Through her work at the Australian Museum she has facilitated the amplification of First Nations voices and knowledges through exhibitions, programs, and digital content. This has included the curatorial projects Barka: the Forgotten River, Burra Learning Space, MAHN, and GADI.

Professor Bradley Moggridge, Researcher Indigenous Water Science, UTS
Prof. Bradley Moggridge is a Murri from the Kamilaroi Nation living on Ngunnawal Country (Canberra) and is a researcher at UTS in Indigenous Water Science. He has deep knowledge in Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge and finding commonalities between Traditional Science and Western Science to influence policy and managing the Australian landscape.

Oliver Costello, Founding Director, Jagun Alliance Aboriginal Corporation
Oliver Costello is a Bundjalung man leading a variety of cultural land management projects, instrumental in establishing the Firesticks Initiative, promoting the use of cultural fire for landscape management across southeast Australia. The founding director for the Jagun Alliance Aboriginal Corporation he believes strongly in the role of Aboriginal culture as a keystone to maintaining livelihoods, supporting identity and enabling healthy and regenerative communities to care for country.

Bilyara Bates, Senior Project Officer, Aboriginal Affairs 

Bilyara Bates, is a Kurnu Barkandji Wiimpatja and is a senior project officer in the Murdi Paaki Regional Team at Aboriginal Affairs. Bilyara, as previous director of the Barkandi Native Land Title has a passion for Aboriginal culture, people and environment and as a musician believes the Barkindji people hold history and culture for thousands of years through song.

Register your interest to attend today!


If you'd like to learn more about NSW House and our program at SXSW Sydney visit www.nsw.gov.au/sxsw-sydney

Please note: priority access into NSW House will be given to SXSW Sydney 2024 badge and wristband holders.  Registration to this session does not guarantee entry.