Terri Freemantle, NGIS

The world is in turmoil. Climate change, global conflict, natural disasters, and rapid increases in urban development all necessitate a more complete knowledge of how our world is changing. As earth observation scientists, we study the ways the world is changing every day, and these changes are part of our work. However, the public and the global media also have a thirst to better understand events occurring across the globe. Advancements in technology, global earth observation programs providing free access to satellite imagery, and an increased awareness of satellite imagery have all enabled it’s use for storytelling to a wider audience. Satellite imagery offers an ever-increasing array of storytelling opportunities: garnering sympathy and anger about environmental destruction; increasing awareness of the ravages of climate change; offering use as a tool for open-source intelligence in areas of conflict; assisting in the distribution of humanitarian aid; and inspiring the next generation through education. There has been a notable rise in the use of satellite imagery by the world’s media. This talk will share stories of the impact satellite imagery is having on the global media stage.

Bio: Terri is passionate about finding innovative applications for earth observation data with the aim to create positive impact worldwide, helping those who do not currently realise the potential of earth observation, to incorporate it's use into their research or business processes. Having multidisciplinary expertise, Terri has worked in EO and geospatial for a wide range of applications areas ranging from humanitarian response and international development, sustainable environmental management, climate change impacts, disaster risk resilience and conservation. As a keen science communicator, Terri believe in the power of sharing knowledge and adopting evidence-based decision making to help us move towards a sustainable future.

Please note: If you have registered to attend the lecture via Zoom, the lecture link will be emailed to all registrants closer to the lecture date. This lecture may be recorded. If you have any questions, please email us at info@rgsq.org.au.

Presenters: Vanessa Beenders, Executive General Manager, Public Policy & Professionalism - Actuaries Institute of Australia and Emma Vitz, Finity

Vanessa leads the Actuaries Institute’s thought leadership program, working closely with actuaries across a wide range of areas to deliver insights on key societal issues in major reports, papers and submissions. She is also responsible for delivery of Institute support to its Practice Committees, providing technical and professional support to its members. Before joining the Institute, Vanessa worked across government, financial services and education, in both public and private sectors.

Emma is an actuary and a consultant at Finity. She advises insurers and banks on personal lines pricing and natural perils and climate risk assessment. Emma compiles the Australian Actuaries Climate Index on a quarterly basis, which quantifies the changes in the frequency of extreme weather in Australia.  She coordinates communication on the index with a variety of audiences, including the actuarial community and the wider public.

Vanessa and Emma will be joined in conversation by Christopher Zinn. Christopher has used a geographical perspective throughout his journalistic career in print, radio and television. He graduated with a Geography MA from Oxford and, after training in newspapers, left the UK to report from Asia and the Pacific. For the ABC, he covered the Royal Geographical Society's expedition for the Kimberley Research Project in WA in 1988. He has reported for Channel Nine, ABC Radio and TV as well as various newspapers in Australia and overseas. He recently moved to Brisbane and is intent on exploring Queensland and its people with a geographer's eye.

Vanessa and Emma will present the Institute’s Home Insurance Affordability Index and the Australian Actuaries Climate Index (AACI), key contributions which have received extensive coverage in the media and public policy discussions.

The most recent analysis of the AACI shows that once-extreme weather events have become increasingly common, highlighting the long-term trend of more frequent severe weather conditions. This shift significantly impacts insurance affordability.

The 2024 report on home insurance affordability finds that 15% of households are now "affordability-stressed", facing premiums of more than four weeks of gross household income. Recognising the broader implications of this stress on the financial system and society, the report includes a discussion about what this could mean for residential mortgages.

These analyses provide valuable insights into the complex relationship between climate change, extreme weather events and the insurance industry, offering a nuanced understanding of critical issues affecting Australia's environmental and financial future.

When: 13 November 2024    PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS DATE IS A WEDNESDAY

Time: 7:30 PM - 8:30 pm AEST  

            8:00 – 9:00 pm ACDT

            8:30 – 9:30 pm AEDT

Location: Zoom Only

Please note: The ZOOM link for this event is included in the confirmation email which you will receive once you have registered. You will find it at the bottom of the notice Please keep this in a place where you can find it when needed. A reminder email will be sent with the link on the day of the event close to Close of Business hours.

This event may be recorded. If you have any questions, please email us at info@rgsq.org.au

Visit to Moreton Bay Environmental Education Centre, including Boat Trip

This exciting trip includes a visit to the Moreton Bay Environmental Education Centre (MBEEC) in Wynnum followed by a boat trip to examine scientific experiments in the Ramsar protected Moreton Bay Marine Park.

Time: Self drive to Wynnum for a 10am Start at the MBEEC, 162 Stradbroke Avenue, Wynnum.

The easiest approach from Brisbane and the Gateway Motorway is via Wynnum Road (Sat navs may direct you along the  Port of Brisbane Motorway with confusing further instructions). Ample car parking is available along Stradbroke Avenue which is off Wynnum Road.

Morning: We will be welcomed with a provided morning tea at the Centre.

Dianne Aylward is MBEEC Principal who participated in the Geography in Conversation talk on Coastal Erosion Eco-Systems in Moreton Bay at the end of last year. She and other members of her staff will talk  about the Centre, the  main activities and their contribution to scientific studies of the bay. We shall also have a walk around the Centre and its eco-friendly gardens.

Afternoon. We will carpool and transfer to the Manly Jetty around noon. Lunch is BYO which we will have on the MBEEC boat.

The staff will demonstrate various scientific based experiments including trawling for plankton, demonstration of underwater drones and quality of water issues. We may moor at the St Helena Island Jetty.

We aim to return to Manly at about 3.00pm  for the drive home.

Participants please note: The outing involves minimal walking and a boat trip. Wear appropriate shoes and clothing, use sun tan lotion and bring a hat, camera and water.

Cost: Members $35 and non-members $45, includes, morning tea, the boat trip and a donation to the Centre. Register and pay by Monday 11th November.

Limit 25 participants. If the trip is fully booked, please use the waitlist. There is often a good chance of late places being available, or even a repeat of the trip.

Coordinator: Chris Spriggs 0400 908 378

Map Group's Show N' Tell

Map Group's end of year event will follow a “tried and tested” formula where members will present a 5 minute segment on an interesting item they have collected.  The item could have some geographical connection or be as broad as you wish.  Some suggestions to get you thinking; the item can be a book, holiday souvenir, piece of equipment, some photographs or maps.  It is surprising how entertaining this segment of our program can be and it usually creates much laughter.  This will be followed by a special morning tea and the usual camaraderie.

Cost:-  $5.00.  Morning tea provided

Limit:- 30.  Registration on the website required.

Coordinator:-  Kay, Neville and Len

The RGSQ Traveller Committee welcomes you to the 2024 Christmas Party to be held in our premises at Gregory Place, Level 1/28 Fortescue St, Spring Hill, on Tuesday 3rd December at 7.15pm.

The formal part of the evening will start at 7.30 with short presentations and slides, covering the the Society's  events during 2024, as well as the results of the Photo Competition.

This is a free event for members and $10 for non-members and guests, including supper and drinks.

Everyone is very welcome.