Invitation – The Wilderness Society Tasmania, 27 June 2023
40th Anniversary of Franklin Dam Decision
Forty years ago Australia’s High Court handed down one of the most monumental environmental decisions it has ever made—its decision to save the Franklin River from being drowned by the Gordon-below-Franklin dam.
This decision did more than save the life of a river—it changed Australians’ relationships with nature and made clear the Commonwealth government’s role in nature stewardship.
Saturday, 1 July marks the 40th anniversary of the decision. You’re invited to celebrate this landmark event at Stanley Burbury Theatre, University of Tasmania in Sandy Bay from 6pm.
Themed ‘Then, Now and Tomorrow’, this celebration will be an opportunity to hear from Bob Brown, Christine Milne, Geoff Law, Tabatha Badger and others, about how the Franklin campaign continues to inspire new generations of people to protect nature. We’re also pleased to announce that palawa leader, Michael Mansell will be the guest of honour.
Tickets are free but limited; please reserve yours now.
WHEN: Saturday, 1 July | 6pm
WHERE: Stanley Burbury Theatre, University of Tasmania in Sandy Bay
The formation of the Tasmanian Wilderness Society in 1976, the World Heritage listing of the South West of Lutruwita / Tasmania in 1982, and the thousands of people taking to the streets and the Franklin Blockade; all were part of a chain of events that led to the High Court decision to protect the Franklin and its World Heritage values in 1983.
This decision, following the election commitments of the Hawke federal government 1983 to protect this gorgeous and special stretch of winding river, upheld the integrity of the globe’s highest ranked World Heritage Area—the Tasmanian Wilderness.
