I’m trying to think of ways to best convince you of how good Jane Rawson’s book is.

Jane has an interesting backstory (see below) and much of her recent output has been fiction. In the case of Human/Nature, however, she presents a series of linked essays that delve, in a very idiosyncratic and personal way, into the many ways we interact with Nature.

In deceptively simple language she prises open the fault lines between what we hope or wish those relationships might be, and the facts on the ground, presenting irrefutable arguments only to subtly pull the rug out from beneath them. She discusses, in no particular order, evolution and extinction, minds and exceptionalism, conservation and killing, and much much more, drawing in ideas from across the spectrum. The quality and - there’s that word again - the nature, of her prose means that the questions she asks have the capacity to pierce our complacencies, if only because she admits, from the start, that they are also hers.

Jane began her career as a writer by working for Lonely Planet, travelling to places as different as Prague and Phnom Penh, but eventually settled in Melbourne, taking up the position of editor of the environment and energy section of The Conversation. Almost a decade ago she moved to Tasmania where she now works for a conservation organisation. In the meantime she has found the time to write four novels, including the Aurealis winning From The Wreck, as well as the non-fiction work, The Handbook: surviving and living with climate change.

‘I love this book. I love this writer – her brilliance, wit, tenderness, and keen eyes (and ears and mind). The pages of Human/Nature are threaded with delight and grief, wonder and questions, joy and love. Read this beautiful book and remember your nature.’ – Sarah Sentilles, author of Stranger Care

In a break with tradition (the event falling within an election campaign) we’ll open with a conversation with

Dr Barry Traill am.

Dr Barry Traill (BJ) a long-term resident of Maleny, is one of Australia’s most successful environmental advocates. He is the former Director of Pew Charitable Trusts’ Australian Outback Program and now leads the Solutions for Climate Australia project, working towards creating enduring bipartisanship in federal politics to achieve decisive action on climate.

He's an ecologist by training, with a particular interest and expertise in the ecology of terrestrial birds and mammals. He has led many major environmental campaigns, including working with Indigenous peoples to protect Outback landscapes, and greatly expanding Australia’s marine park network.

In 2023 he was awarded an Order of Australia (AM) for his services to conservation and the environment.

In this critical time he will be discussing the state of environmental politics in Australia and the world.

We are extremely grateful for the support of the Sunshine Coast Arts Foundation