Eureka Talks Series: Black Summer

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Ages: Recommended for ages 14+

Celebrate Science Month by joining us for the first event in our 2024 Eureka Talks Series, a free panel discussion focussing on the devastating Black Summer bushfires of 2019/2020. Eureka Prize Winning author and journalist Dr Jonica Newby will explore what led to these catastrophic, nation-wide fires, as well as the long-standing impacts on the environment and local communities. Members of the NSW Bushfire Hub and recipients of the 2021 Eureka Prize for Applied Environmental Research, Dr Rachael Nolan and Dr Hamish Clarke, join the panel to discuss how learnings from Black Summer helped us to forecast and respond more effectively to future climate events. Also joining the panel is the Australian Museum’s First Nations Country Advocate Researcher, Rachael Cavanagh, providing insights on how First Nation's communities across the country have been affected, along with award-winning photojournalist, Tracey Nearmy, detailing the role of photographers in documenting the environmental crisis.

The Australian Museum Eureka Prizes were established in 1990 to celebrate the work of Australian scientists, and their contributions to producing world-leading results that can influence the lives of many across the globe. The Eureka Talk Series shines a light on the research and innovations changing the fields of climate, health and science communication. Hear from Australian Museum Eureka Prize winners, finalists and other science leaders as they share their experiences, challenges and discoveries in their particular fields of research.

Dr Jonica Newby is an award-winning science reporter, writer, TV presenter and director, best known for her two decades on ABC TV’s weekly science program, Catalyst.  Her latest book Beyond Climate Grief: A Journey of Love, Snow, Fire and an Enchanted Beer Can, charts her struggles navigating the emotional turmoil of climate change, and provides guidance and emotional sustenance to help us face the uncertainties ahead. 

Her most recent writing explores the brain changes that occur during and after a disasters such as bushfires - a phenomenon she’s dubbed “Disaster Brain”. Jonica is a dual recipient of the 2021 Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Science Journalism.

Associate Prof. Rachael Nolan was a member of the NSW Bushfire Hub- recipients of the 2021 Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Applied Environmental Research. Rachael works at the intersection of plant ecophysiology, fire ecology and forest fire management and is a leading researcher in the new discipline of “pyro-ecophysiology”.

Rachael is based at the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, and is the Director of the NSW Bushfire and Natural Hazards Research Centre. She has received the Association for Fire Ecology Early Career Award, (2023) and Excellence in Research Impact, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research, Enterprise and International) Research Award, as part of the Hawkesbuty Institute for the Environment Bushfire Research Group, Western Sydney University, (2023).

Dr Hamish Clarke researches bushfire risk, fire management and climate change at the University of Melbourne. He is currently a Westpac Research Fellow and was recently awarded an ARC Mid-Career Industry Fellowship to support climate-adapted bushfire risk management. Hamish was previously based at the University of Wollongong, Western Sydney University and the NSW Environment Department.

He is committed to public interest science and effective engagement with fire managers, policy makers and the community. Hamish writes at the Future Fire substack and is inaugural chair of Natural Hazards Research Australia’s new Early and Mid-Career Academics and Practitioners Network. In 2021 Hamish was part of the NSW Bushfire Hub, recipients of the Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Applied Environmental Research.

Rachael Cavanagh, a Minyungbal Wajung from the Yugambeh nation, serves as the Australian Museum’s First Nations Country Advocate Researcher. She is dedicated to creating culturally informed solutions for climate change, land, and water health. A respected community member, cultural fire practitioner, and firefighter, Rachael has extensive experience in partnership building, strategic planning, community consultation, and policy development. Her broad network spans all levels of government, community, and business, underscoring her commitment and expertise in these fields.

Australian photojournalist Tracey Nearmy has worked for numerous publications throughout Australia and overseas over the past 24 years. She is currently based in Canberra working at the Australian National University, as well as working in the media covering news, politics and sports.

Tracey is a member of Australian photojournalism collective AUSWIP. In 2012, she won the Head On Portrait Prize and has exhibited in group and solo exhibitions throughout her career.