On 21st June 2017, Dr Jane Goodall and the Roots & Shoots Australia National Youth Leadership Council delivered a Distinguished Visiting Fellow Lecture entitled 'Hope to Action: Empowering Young People to Build a Sustainable Future' from the Macquarie Theatre.
The lecture was also live-streamed to viewing hubs across the country, including parallel events at the University of Queensland, University of Melbourne, and Murdoch University.
“What inspired me on the night was seeing young people from Macquarie University and JGIA working together: our National Youth Leaders, Centre for Environmental Law volunteers, and Media PACE interns. They are exceptional individuals who are continuing Dr Goodall’s legacy in the spirit of her most beloved initiative, Roots & Shoots,” said Associate Lecturer and JGIA Board Director Zara Bending.
The Centre for Environmental Law (CEL) Roots & Shoots group, coordinated by student volunteers Ashley Avci and Alia Viswalingam, met with Dr Goodall prior to proceedings to discuss how they are using their university training to promote positive change on campus and in their everyday lives. Group members Jasmine Logaraj and Shannon Peters also did their bit for sustainability by developing a digital program for the event to save energy and prevent waste.
Centre Director, Professor Shawkat Alam acknowledged the contribution of Dr Goodall's Roots & Shoots within the embedded student volunteer program run by Deputy Director Dr Shireen Daft, and closed out the evening’s proceedings by referencing one of Dr Goodall’s favourite childhood books: ‘… just like the bridge of apes in The Story of Dr Doolittle’. I am hopeful that inspired by what we have heard tonight, we can all support each other and be that bridge towards a sustainable future together.'
Dr Jane Goodall DBE and the Roots & Shoots Australia NYLC University Lecture, ‘Hope to Action: Empowering Young 
People to Build a Sustainable Future’ was hosted by Macquarie University and the Centre for Environmental Law through the 2017 Distinguished Visiting Fellow Scheme. The Centre is grateful for the support of Deputy Vice-Chancellor - Research, Professor Sakkie Pretorius and Executive Dean, Faculty of Arts, Professor Martina Mollering.
Learn more
About the NYLC or their campaign: contact Macquarie University Law School’s own Danielle Mizrahi nsw.nylc@janegoodall.org.au
About Roots & Shoots in New South Wales, contact Dr K-Lynn Smith at: nsw@janegoodall.org.au
Visit the Centre for Environmental Law (CEL) Website
What Dr Jane Goodall DBE noticed about Professor Sakkie Pretorius