Guest Speakers

Monday, 2nd November, 2026 - Great Barrier Reef Foundation

In 1998, the first mass coral bleaching event devastated the Great Barrier Reef, killing one in 12 of the world’s corals. In response, we created the Great Barrier Reef Foundation to find and grow the best solutions to protect the world’s greatest reef. The Great Barrier Reef Foundation is creating a future for the world’s coral reefs by protecting ocean habitats, restoring coralreefs and helping them adapt to the impacts of climate change. We’ve built a collaborative organisation to raise funds, invest in innovative ideas and design real-world, scalable conservation programs that are delivering breakthroughs in marine and terrestrial restoration.

Monday, 1st February 2027 - Spencer Howson

Spencer Howson describes himself as a tirelessly curious storyteller. His career began in 1990 at Reading Radio 4RPH. But he’s best known for his 26 years with the ABC, including 15 years presenting the top-rating 612 ABC Brisbane Breakfast show.

He has also held the position of ABC Program Advisor, and has taught at both the University of Southern Queensland and Griffith University. From 2021-2023, Spencer tasted the world of commercial radio, hosting Weekends on 4BC.

Spencer is a PhD candidate at Griffith University, researching the value of local radio to regional Australia.

In the past eight months, he’s travelled to Mount Isa, Mildura, Mackay, Albury-Wodonga, and Fitzroy Crossing (four hours east of Broome) in search of answers.