REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW OPEN: Friday 26 November, University of the Sunshine Coast - Fraser Coast Campus

The University of the Sunshine Coast is currently planning the 2021 K’gari Research Symposium with the support of the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation. It will focus on future-proofing K’gari for 2050. The Symposium will identify key research questions, opportunities and collaborations aligning with USC’s vision – to enrich our region, connect with our communities and create opportunities for all. The Symposium also supports the BAC’s vision – to empower Butchulla people under their traditional laws/lores to care for K’gari and build strong partnerships to maintain K’gari’s unique cultural and natural values.

The day will be split across two sessions. During the first session, the State of K’gari, keynote presenters Chrissy Grant (Chair of the World Heritage Committee’s Indigenous Peoples Forum), Jade Gould (Ecologist and Chair of the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation) and Dr Peter Corcoran (Professor Emeritus of Environmental Studies and Environmental Education at Florida Gulf Coast University) and will cover issues specific to World Heritage sites and First Nations People.

A series of short, scene-setting, plenary presentations will follow, focused on topics specific to K’gari, including cultural heritage, ecology, physical processes, tourism, and the cross-cutting threat of climate change. This session aims to identify issues for K’gari and provoke new ways of thinking about the island in the broader context of World Heritage and First Nations knowledge.

The afternoon session, Future-proofing K’gari for 2050, will be led with a scenario exercise for participants to raise K’gari issues (threats) and knowledge gaps. Given COVID-19 room restrictions, there will be a limited number of registrations available. Bookings open in August. Tickets will cost $90, including lunch, morning and afternoon tea.

For more information, please contact Dr Kim Walker, kwalker4@usc.edu.au or to register, please click on this link.