In 2010, Australians will commemorate the iconic 150th anniversary of the first North-South crossing of Australia by Burke and Wills. Believing the Anniversary can be used for great effect, The Royal Society of Victoria, sponsor of the expedition in 1860, is coordinating a program of events and initiatives to mark the 150th Anniversary.

This program will focus on science as well as environmental issues, history and culture, and key features will involve the Indigenous peoples and rural communities along the path of the expedition, and also the involvement of students as part of The Royal Society of Victoria’s Young Science Ambassadors program.

The Royal Society of Victoria believes that the legendary nature of the Burke and Wills story provides opportunities to focus on a number of issues critical to Australia including, promotion of tourism in outback Australia; generating economic benefits (uplift) for rural and outback communities; addressing environmental and conservation issues, particularly land use and water use; developing relationships with indigenous Australians and promoting science education. Once again the RSV looks forward to working with the community for the advancement of science.

Professor Graham Burrows AO KCSJ
President, Royal Society of Victoria