Women of the Reef Forum

The Great Barrier Reef is a national and international icon that supports a diversity of species and habitats and the world’s largest coral reef system. The region is also a global leader in research, resourcing and implementation of evidence-based management and Indigenous-led processes. Examples include the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Zoning Plan, declared in 2004, which continues to be a world leader in large-scale ocean zoning; and the Australian and Queensland government’s overarching framework for protecting and managing the region, the Reef 2050 Plan, which is supported by an unprecedented investment of $3 billion. Despite these achievements, the integrity of the Great Barrier Reef is increasingly threatened by cumulative pressures, especially climate change. The challenges associated with sustainable use of this iconic region illustrate the need to empower Traditional Owners, build adaptive capacity in reef communities, and increase connections between science and practice to support actions for transformative change in reef management. The Women of the Reef Forum begins with a panel discussion featuring five women leaders in research, industry and management with in-depth knowledge on the past, present and future of Australia’s iconic Great Barrier Reef.  Topics to be covered during the discussion include status and trends in reef health, climate change impacts, management opportunities, Indigenous leadership, and careers and networking in reef-associated industries. The panel discussion will be followed by a catered networking event to support the development of new relationships and the trade of information and ideas.

MC: Dr Maxine Newlands Moderator: Associate Professor Alana Grech

Panelists:

• Dr Michelle Dyer, Assistant Director Social Science, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
• Professor Helene Marsh, Emeritus Professor in Environmental Science, James Cook University
• Ms Sheriden Morris, Managing Director of the Cairns-based non-profit Reef and Rainforest Research Centre
• Dr Carly Randall, benthic and restoration ecologist, Australian Institute of Marine Science

Women of the Reef network/Women of the Reef research

Associate Professor Kerrie Foxwell-Norton and Dr Deb Anderson share their research from the project, The Women of the Great Barrier Reef: The Untold Stories of Environmental Conservation in Queensland. Deb and Kerrie’s research shines a light on the stories of women who have been involved in the protection and conservation of the Reef, amplifying their voices and capturing a history of the Reef untold. Their talk is part of a broader Women of the Reef research project that supports a history of women’s contribution to the care and conservation of the Reef since the 1960s. In amplifying the role of women in the story of the Reef, they aim to illuminate the ways discourse on the Reef and its women sit at the intersection of biography, culture, politics and place. Deb and Kerrie are recipients of the Queensland State Library’s John Oxley Fellowship (2020).

This event will be available in-person and on Zoom: Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android here Password: 715587

WoTR members will have an opportunity to continue their informal conversations during a catered afternoon tea.

Location: Board Room, Level 4 Rom 407, James Cook University City Campus, Townsville, QLD Australia

Women of the Reef: SAGE Athena Swan

Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) is a national program promoting gender equity and diversity in science, technology engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM). It is based on the principles of the UK’s Athena SWAN Charter, an evaluation and accreditation framework that addresses the improvement of gender equity policies and practices in STEMM.

James Cook University and AIMS are a member of SAGE, and were both awarded Bronze accreditation in 2020. Our speakers Associate Professor Theresa Petray (JCU) and Sharon Barnwell (AIMS) will provide an overview of the self-assessment process and the tangible actions implemented by their organisations to advance gender equity, diversity and inclusion. WoTR members will have an opportunity to continue their informal conversations during a catered afternoon tea.

Location: Collaborative Learning Area, Level 3 Room 306, James Cook University City Campus, Townsville, QLD Australia