CENTRAL COAST BRANCH NEWS

Activities for 2011

All meetings are held at the Central Coast Leagues Club Gosford from 2.00pm. Reception will advise venue of Committee meetings.

Dates for these are: Saturdays, 13 August, 8 October

Coffee & Conversation Afternoons, again from 2.00pm, Coffee Shop Central Coast Leagues Club.

Dates for these are: Saturdays 12 November, 10 December 2011.

ABC's Robyn Williams & Assoc Prof Natalie Moltschaniwskyj talk to FABC Central Coast Branch

On Friday 19th August the Central Coast Branch of the Friends of the ABC hosted an evening with the ABC’s eminent science broadcaster and journalist, Robyn Williams. This particular evening was something of a departure for us in the sense that it was not exclusively devoted to the promotion of the ABC. With the theme of science in mind we also invited a marine scientist, Associate Professor Natalie Moltschaniwskyj, who specialises in the study of molluscs, in particular cephalopods, to describe her research into squid, cuttlefish, octopus and nautilus. Furthermore, we decided upon a venue specifically designed for scientific education and research, the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre in Terrigal (see picture below).

In his presentation, Robyn described his long career with the ABC beginning in 1975 and the development of a science unit within the organisation. In this he stressed the importance of maintaining critical mass. This referred to the establishment of a team of long standing, who possess the expertise, time and resources necessary for the development of effective science programs. Together with this expertise and experience, Robyn also searches for new and exciting innovations in science to include in his programs, hoping to attract younger scientists currently involved in ground breaking research. In future he hopes to develop programs which provide young scientists and science students with more opportunities to present their research. He mentioned that recently he has spent less time broadcasting on the science of climate change simply because of the immense amount of material that is already broadcast on the topic.

Robyn emphasised that the technology we regard as essential to modern life exists as a result of science and scientific research. He reflected that technology such as television, the telephone, the computer, and internet technology were either scarce or had not been invented at the time he was growing up in Britain. They are now of course widespread and being developed at bewildering speed with profound effects upon society. Our branch received a very positive response from Robyn’s presentation with many well informed questions from devoted listeners to his program including some younger Australians who hopefully will tune into the Science Show and Ockham’s Razor in future, or perhaps represent our next generation of scientists.

Following the question and answer session, Associate Professor Natalie Moltschaniwskyj presented Live fast, die young, life in the fast lane for a squid. This was a fascinating insight into the characteristics and behaviour of cephalopods. Her talk also focussed on issues relevant to the development of aquaculture projects for these creatures. Judging from the feedback at the conclusion of the evening our branch felt that we had not only assisted in the promotion of science programming within the ABC but also in the work of scientists and the nature of science as a whole.