Print this page Possums, Power, Passion and People - Australia and the Protection of its Environment

Learn about Australia’s history that began with a European mindset that was determined to transform an ancient landscape into a typical English countryside at great costs to its environment and indigenous peoples. Why did some 19th Century citizens raise the alarm at the ‘wanton destruction’ of Australian forests? Why did some 20th Century citizens rally to protect the Great Barrier Reef and the Tasmanian wilderness? Why do ‘jobs and growth’ continue to blind us to the ‘canary in the coal mine’ warning us about the irreversible loss of biodiversity and climate disruption?

This is a Discussion Group course, if you aren’t already part of a group please see ‘Getting Started’ below.

COURSE INFORMATION

Course Author: Janine Kitson

Course Code: D227

Supplied Material: Course Booklet

Units & Pricing: 6 units / $78 per person

GETTING STARTED

Start your Group: Anyone can start a Discussion Group – seek out some like-minded friends or put up a notice in your local library, bookshop or workplace. Please note a minimum of 6 people is required to start a new discussion group.

Arrange the Meetings: New groups need to decide where and when to meet, and for how long – whatever best suits members' particular situations.

Run your Group: Choose a secretary to liaise with WEA and your tutor, a Discussion Leader to chair meetings, a reporter to take discussion notes to send to your tutor, and maybe a librarian to look after the books.

Start the Course: Contact WEA Sydney to enrol. Bookings can be made for one year, divided into two terms – Term 1 commences in February, Term 2 in July (Groups may make forward bookings for popular choices). Please indicate in what order your Group wishes to study the courses, if more than one course is booked.