“More than a word. Reconciliation takes action.”
Find out more here about lectures, exhibitions and other events on during National Reconciliation Week.

The advancement of knowledge
Find out more here about lectures, exhibitions and other events on during National Reconciliation Week.
We are calling for applications from suitably qualified persons for a new part-time Office Manager position with the RST.
The Royal Society of Tasmania (RST) is the oldest scientific society in Australia. Its mission is the advancement of knowledge mainly through monthly lectures, publication of the Papers and Proceedings of the RST and books, awarding RST medals to outstanding scholars, and sponsoring or promoting educational and scholarly activities. The Society currently has 350 members and is based in the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Davey Street, Hobart. Further information about the Society is available from our website: rst.org.au
A new part-time casual position of up to 8 hours per week has been created. The Office Manager will be responsible for the smooth running of our office where professionalism, initiative and wide experience in office management tasks will be required.
You will perform a full range of office management duties including:
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
DESIRABLE
Experience in an accounting package would be an advantage.
Please submit applications outlining qualifications and demonstrating how your experience and skills match the selection criteria by cob Friday June 4, 2021. Please include the names and contact details of two referees.
A full position description is available from secretary@rst.org.au
Send your resume and cover letter by email to: secretary@rst.org.au
The Royal Society of Tasmania’s is honoured to have Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC launch its most recent publication “Australian Mineral Discoverers” at the University Club, Dobson Street, Sandy Bay, on December 15, 4.30 pm for 5 pm.
An absolute limit of 15 may attend the event in person (first come, first served). To attempt a registration click here.
You may find it more convenient to view the event online. Up to 400 places are available. Click here to request an online place.
Copies of the book may be purchased online at the Society’s online shop.
Learn more about the book here.
Published 1st December 2020
Editors: John Hill, Tony Hope, Ross Large, David Royle
Mineral discoveries in the 1950 to 2010 period have been the backbone of wealth creation for all Australians and helped to maintain Australia’s economic position as the “Lucky Country”. However, discovery of buried minerals is an extremely complex science that requires knowledge, innovation, disciplined application of geological principles, teamwork, persistence and an ounce of luck.
In this book you will read 65 exciting and sometimes unbelievable stories of the life and achievements of a cross-section of Australian mineral explorers and educators who have advanced the science of discovery and contributed to the wealth of Australia for all Australians. Without these mineral discoveries, most in remote and inhospitable parts of Australia, many of us would not enjoy the high standards of living achieved in this country.
The stories told in these pages include the discovery of 150 mineral deposits, from the very largest (Olympic Dam of over 6 billion tonnes of copper, gold and uranium ore) to the smallest (the gold-rich Juno deposit in Tennant Creek). Collectively these mineral discoveries amount to many hundreds of billions of in-ground value, that have supported many mines, towns and communities in outback Australia for 50 years and beyond.
Nominations are now open for the RST annual doctoral awards. Two awards are made for excellence in research by recent PhD graduates in any field within the purview of the Society. The value of each award is $1,000 (AUD). Nominations will close on 15th November, 2020. Click here for the guidelines to the awards.
The committee (AEC) has continued to work on two areas of activity in recent weeks, and regular interaction with Council is occurring given the importance of these activities to the Society.
First, the suggested wording for Acknowledgement of Country has been drafted and discussed with the Council, with variations proposed for the Papers and Proceedings and meetings.
Second, we have advanced the discussions with Council on the apology to Tasmanian Aboriginal people, including planning for the apology event.
On Tuesday 22nd September, the Council hosted an extraordinary meeting to discuss the wording of the apology. The Council agreed the wording pending confirmation of the preamble. This historic decision was a result of substantial work by several members of the AEC, particularly in fact-checking the text so that all mentions of “Society” or “Member” activities in the past are traceable to the Society’s minutes, correspondence or other historical documents. We will continue to update members as plans progress.
Prof Matt King, Chair of AEC
By Professor Matt King
Chair, RST Aboriginal Engagement Committee
The RST Aboriginal Engagement Committee (AEC) has continued to assist Council in working toward an apology to Tasmanian Aboriginal people. The wording of the apology has received further attention from Council and it is expected to be finalised in the coming weeks.
We have had positive and constructive discussions with senior staff members of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) regarding their own apology. We are continuing discussions with the plan of offering paired apologies at a shared event. We will inform members further as details are agreed and finalised by TMAG and RST Council.
The AEC has also briefed the incoming members of Council regarding the history of the work of the AEC dating back to 2016 and, especially, the recent proposal that the RST enter into a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) or RAP-like arrangement. Council are currently considering this matter.
Finally, Professor Greg Lehman has stepped down from his role as Co-Chair of the AEC while remaining an active member. The AEC thanks Greg very much for his insight and co-leadership of the AEC and looks forward to ongoing partnership with him.
September 2020.