Explore a Western Australian treasure trove with award-winning journalist and author Victoria Laurie when she presents The Southwest: Australia’s biodiversity hotspot at the Western Australian Museum – Geraldton on Thursday 29 October.

A fragile ecology that is home to over 150,000 species, the southwest area of Australia is one of only 34 such hotspots in the world and the only one on this continent.

This lecture is a call to all Western Australians to familiarise themselves with their own natural assets as Ms Laurie shares her passion for Australia’s wilderness.

“The cryptic nature of the region's extraordinary fauna and flora often makes it hard to see and harder to grasp,” Ms Laurie said.

“Unless new generations grow up with an empathy for the natural world on their doorstep, there will be few advocates for its conservation.”

WA Museum – Geraldton Regional Manager Catherine Belcher is delighted that Ms Laurie is able to share her passion and extensive knowledge of the Southwest with Geraldton residents, who may not be aware of the natural wonder within their own State.

“The Midwest region is a beautiful place and is also part of the biodiversity hotspot, so locals will have the opportunity to explore their own region as well as learn about another, special part of Western Australia and to find out what makes this area truly amazing,” Ms Belcher said. 

“With one third of all known Australian plant species found growing in this zone it is a fascinating and rich resource that we need to understand, respect and protect as Western Australians.”

Ms Laurie has published a book by the same name and will be available for book sales and signing on Thursday in the Museum Shop from 10am – 10:45am.

The Southwest: Australia’s biodiversity hotspot lecture will take place at the Western Australian Museum – Geraldton at 7pm on Thursday 29 October. Bookings are essential, call 9921 5080.

Jane Mitchell
Media and Publicity Officer
Western Australian Museum
(08) 6552 7897 / 0402 995 175
jane.mitchell@museum.wa.gov.au