Peter Garrett visits SEBE

Deakin University's Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment (SEBE) and School of Life and Environmental Sciences ran their annual Deakin Enviro Seminar recently, hosting a presentation by Mr Peter Garrett AM – environmental activist, Midnight Oil frontman and former government minister.

Dr Kelly Miller, a senior lecturer in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences and organiser of the event, says more than 400 university and secondary school students, staff, industry partners, alumni, friends and family registered for Mr Garrett's presentation entitled This is our beautiful world: elevating protection of the environment – now.

Dr Miller says Mr Garrett reflected on our loss of connection with nature and how "we need nature more than nature needs us".

'He spoke about a "new kind of citizenship", "people's tribunals" and a "new economy", and suggested that those concerned about environmental protection can all initiate "little campaigns" to make a difference,' Dr Miller says.

'He also spoke of the need to have a "box of reasons" to explain to others why it is so important to elevate protection of our environment now.

'Mr Garrett kindly posed for photographs after his presentation, chatted with guests and signed a few CDs! It was a pleasure to welcome him to Deakin.'

The seminar was held at the University's Melbourne Burwood Campus on Tuesday 28 April 2015. Further information about Mr Peter Garrett is available at his website.