On the 11th of May, crowds filled the Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre to hear Dr Jane speak at her ‘Rewind the Future’ event. The Victorian Roots & Shoots Volunteers and members of the National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC) were lucky enough to sit in among the members of the public as Dr Jane greeted us with a pant-hoot.
We were then taken on a journey of Dr Jane’s life; from growing up as a little girl, reading Tarzan and dreaming of living among the wild animals. Then moving to Tanzania and after many months, eventually gaining the chimpanzees’ trust and being able to take an intimate glimpse into their little-known world, to finally becoming the activist she is today. Dr Jane inspires so many people around the world to fight for the incredible planet we live on.
Dr Jane expressed her views on the dilemma of introduced species; asking us all to treat them with respect and compassion, whilst removing them from the environment. She spoke about her reasons for hope; the indomitable human spirit and the many young people around the world creating change. Lastly, she encouraged us all to be the instigators of change by participating in small, every day actions which amount to create a collective impact. Together we can. Together we will.
Asha Mortel | QLD NYLC
Photo Credits: Phil Hines
JGIA acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this nation. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands and pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present.