Professor Richard Kingsford at NCV Formal Dinner

On 22nd August the NCV community gathered for the 2012 Winter Formal Dinner.  Formal Dinners are an important part of life at NCV, where the community hears from a distinguished person in the university or wider community. Earlier in the year we had heard from barrister Ms Angela Pearman. In August our speaker was Professor Richard Kingsford, prominent Australian biologist who is currently Professor of Environmental Science in the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, and Director of the Australian Wetlands, Rivers and Landscapes Centre at UNSW. Before taking up his appointment at UNSW, Richard served as Principal Research Scientist with the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service and Department of Environment and Conservation. He is frequently sought out by various media outlets for expert opinion in water and environmental management. Richard has received numerous awards for his research, including the Australian Museum’s 2001 Eureka Prize for Environmental Research. 

For his presentation, Richard told the story of two Australian river systems: the Murray Darling Basin and the Lake Eyre Basin. Richard identified the Murray-Darling basin as being in need of significant reform to water allocations, and reflected on the importance of science to good public policy outcomes. Richard cited the Lake Eyre Basin as an example of at river system where effective environmental management has led to excellent outcomes in terms of conservation and biodiversity. After his address, Erin Hauer, Master of Conservation Biology student moved an excellent vote of thanks to Richard for sharing his wisdom with the NCV community. 

The Murray River

During the evening attendees were also able to hear a beautiful piano recital by resident Joni Mok. Joni is currently completing her Bachelor of Building and Construction Management at UNSW, but continues to play piano at a high level in addition to her studies. At the dinner Joni played Chopin’s Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2. It was a delightful performance.

Professor Richard Kingsford at NCV Formal Dinner