• New lecture series will explore a number of challenges for urban living
• Indigenous peoples have been insightful scholars of urbanisation for hundreds of years
• First lecture will discuss the importance of plant associations and Indigenous ecologies for combating climate change

New lecture series at Charles Sturt University (Charles Sturt) in Dubbo to start on Saturday 18 May will examine how Indigenous peoples have made Australian cities liveable.

Senior lecturer in the Charles Sturt School of Indigenous Australian Studies in Dubbo Dr Holly Randell-Moon said the lecture series is funded by the European Urban Studies Foundation, and will explore a number of challenges for urban living.

“These challenges include climate change, the increase in the youth demographic of Indigenous populations, use of social media in delivering services, Native Title in urban cities and centres, and the future priorities of young Indigenous Australians,” Dr Randell-Moon said.

“The first lecture will be by Auntie Frances Bodkin and will discuss the importance of plant associations and Indigenous ecologies for combating climate change.

“Indigenous peoples have been insightful scholars of urbanisation for hundreds of years.

“And yet, Indigenous contributions to urban planning and infrastructure are not commonly recognised in dominant historical and policy accounts of cities.”

Dr Randell-Moon said the European Urban Studies Foundation funds research of international significance to urban policy.

“The funding of this lecture series demonstrates the importance of Indigenous contributions to global discussions of urban futures,” she said.

“Hosting the series at Charles Sturt University in Dubbo is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the expertise of the region to international debates and research.”

The lecture series will take place on Saturdays for maximum community engagement. The first lecture is at 4.30pm on Saturday 18 May, followed by a reception. The venue is wheelchair accessible.

For more information, please contact Dr Holly Randell-Moon at the Charles Sturt University School of Indigenous Australian Studies via hrandell-moon@csu.edu.au