There was plenty of environmental food for thought at a recent event held at IndigiScapes Centre to mark the United Nations International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
Redland City Acting Mayor Julie Talty said the fifth annual breakfast was an opportunity to encourage future participation of women and girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) careers, particularly within the environmental sector.
“The event is also about highlighting achievements in the field and driving behavioural change to protect and enhance the natural assets on Redlands Coast,” Cr Talty said.
“This all aligns with one of the key initiatives within Council’s current Corporate Plan – working with the community to provide education opportunities to support and encourage environmental understanding and grow environmental connections.”
This year’s event included a group discussion led by Council’s Principal Adviser – Community Education Stacey Thomson, featuring guest panellists including Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Kerrie Wilson, University of Queensland Senior Lecturer and Marine Mammal researcher Dr Janet M Lanyon, and Principal Project Officer with the Queensland Chief Scientist, Coordination and Engagement, Melina Gillespie.
The discussion highlighted measures to reduce the gender gap and shape a more inclusive future in STEM, as well as the value attached to protecting natural assets and ways to act to protect the natural environment.
There was also a discussion on topics specific to Redlands Coast including the bay and islands, mangroves, heathlands, curlews, koalas and dugongs.
Speakers at previous events have covered topics such as koala conservation, green living, sustainability, climate resilience, biosecurity, community and environmental education, waterways, wetlands and catchment management.
Division 7 Councillor Rowanne McKenzie said the breakfast was a popular event on the IndigiScapes environmental calendar, attracting students and teachers from schools and universities alongside community members and businesspeople.
“IndigiScapes is an obvious venue for this event on Redlands Coast,” Cr McKenzie said.
“The Council-owned environment centre plays an important role in the community, offering a discovery centre with interactive environmental education areas, an environmental education schools program, nature tracks and botanic gardens, nature inspired café, native nursery and quarterly eco markets.”
For more information on IndigiScapes visit Council’s website.
