The story of the Burke and Wills Expedition is a powerful and harrowing story of Australia’s early history of exploration and European settlement. 150 years later, this story still touches something deep in the Australian soul, mingling themes of the harshness of the Australian outback, the vast distances across our continent, the combination of courage and foolhardiness of early explorers, and the relationship between colonial Australians and our Indigenous peoples.

Despite its tragic ending, the Expedition’s legacy has also been a growing scientific knowledge of and respect for the Australian continent and its natural environment. This was a key reason for The Royal Society of Victoria’s original support of the Expedition and it remains a central part of the celebrations of the Expedition’s 150th Anniversary.

Scientific research is essential for understanding the complexities of the Australian environment and developing more sustainable uses of water and land. Research relating to water and land conservation will be a key objective of The Royal Society of Victoria’s program to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Burke and Wills Expedition. I would therefore encourage participation in the Society’s program and send my very best wishes to everyone involved in this significant historical commemoration.

The Hon Kevin Rudd

Prime Minister of Australia