Students, Science and Sustainability

Wednesday, July 26, 1995 - 10:00

By Susie Brown

From September 26 to 30, hundreds of tertiary students from all over Australia will be meeting in Adelaide to develop practical strategies for the ecologically sustainable reconstruction of our communities, economy, industry and education systems.

Students will come from a broad range of disciplines, and there will be discussion on theoretical issues in the sciences and the humanities. Speakers will include Senator John Coulter, Dr Mike Bossley and David Wotton.

The Students, Science and Sustainability conference is an annual event. It will be held at Flinders University and proudly presented by the Universities of the Tandanya Bio Region (the three Adelaide Universities). The theme is "Think Globally, Act Locally, Start Tertiary".

Issues to be presented include permaculture, sustainable social structures, alternative energies, ecocities, genetic engineering and green politics.

Some of the skills which participants can share and acquire at the conference include setting up active groups, implementing environmental reforms and campaigning and lobbying. It will also be an opportunity to set up a network of students with a passion for environmental issues.

The format will include speakers, workshops, field trips, music and theatre, a secondary schools' day and a fair day. There will also be a great debate with a number of high profile speakers, a movie night, band night and a conference dinner with an organic smorgasbord and theatrical performance.

Registration is $65 (which may be reduced depending on sponsorship), with a $10 discount per student for groups of five or more. Train travel for interstate students will be subsidised, and accommodation will be arranged.

Anyone interested in presenting a paper or attending can contact Amanda Allen, USASA Central, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide SA 5000; ph (08) 303 3436, fax (08) 303 4392.

Come and join us for an exciting and informative week in Adelaide!

[Susie Brown is Adelaide Uni environment officer.]