Renowned scientist and climate change expert
Professor Tim Flannery will deliver the annual Kerferd Oration
in Beechworth, North East Victoria in July 2088.
Professor Flannery, Australian of the Year in
2007, is well known around the world for his position on global
warming and environmental issues. An internationally acclaimed
scientist and conservationist, Professor Flannery has published
more than 130 peer-reviewed scientific papers, but it is his
landmark book The Weather Makers that sets him apart. This
book has received widespread praise for its informed and balanced
approach to climate change and has been translated into more
than 20 languages. In 2006 it won the NSW Premier’s Literary
Prizes for Best Critical Writing and Book of the Year. In
2007 Professor Flannery co-founded and was appointed Chair
of The Copenhagen Climate Council, a coalition
of community, business and political leaders who have come
together to confront climate change.
Professor Flannery will deliver the George Briscoe
Kerferd Oration at 11am on Sunday July 27, at the Beechworth
campus of LaTrobe University.
Past orators at this free community event were
the then Deputy Premier of Victoria John Thwaites (2007); Cathy
McGowan AO (2006); Professor Henry Brodaty AO (2005); Barbara
Holborow OAM (2004) and the then Chief Justice of Victoria
John Phillips AC (2003).
This annual oration, now in its sixth year and
jointly sponsored by Indigo Shire Council, Latrobe University
and corporate sponsor WAW Credit Union, is named after one
of the founding fathers of Beechworth. George Kerferd was a
very public minded man. In 1857, just five years after gold
was discovered at Beechworth, he was a member of the Beechworth
Municipal Council and later its president for some years. He
helped establish the Ovens District Hospital and was involved
with the establishment of the Ovens Benevolent Asylum. In 1864
he entered Victorian Parliament as the Ovens District representative,
holding portfolios in six ministries before becoming Premier
in 1874.
Inquiries: Roberta Baker; M: 0418 962 131; P:
03 5728 1984;
Email: roberta.baker@activ8.net.au