Science and culture two ways of walking together 2021

Wayne Brennan - Archaeologist | An illustrated talk on Wayne's personal experience.

This year's Tom Austen Brown Lecture will investigate the nexus between science and culture, and examine the relationship between the Aboriginal community and scientists - specifically in relation to field work and reports conducted on rock art in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (GBMWHA) and Arnhem Land (Northern Territory) over the last 30 years.

Wayne will be introduced by Dr Amy Way (Department of Archaeology and the Australian Museum) who will also facilitate questions after the lecture.

Wayne is an Archaeologist of Gamilaraay decent and has lived and conducted research in the Blue Mountains for over 35 years. He has also worked extensively in western Arnhem land NT, with Professor Paul Taçon and his team in cooperation with the local indigenous people from the Wellington Range.

About Wayne Brennan

Wayne has a long-term interest in rock art, both as a rock art specialist and cultural knowledge holder for the Blue Mountains. He also has been a long-term former employee of NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, leading Aboriginal Ranger training programmes and has significant experience in rock art monitoring, rock art conservation, interpretation, ecological education and, wildfire management.

He is currently a visiting research fellow with the Australian Museum, Sydney, and a Heritage consultant. Wayne has a passion for rock art conservation, ecology and is strongly committed to his personal growth and the well being of others through connection with country and culture.

Hosted by the Tom Austen Brown Endowment in the School of Philosophical and Historical Inquiry (SOPHI) at the University of Sydney.