Not many details get past Dr Jane Goodall DBE, a lesson Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Sakkie Pretorius learned when the world-renowned conservationist visited campus last week.

For the occasion, Professor Pretorius chose a tie from his native Africa, one he hasn’t worn in more than 15 years.

“She is a person who observes everything.  It took her only half a second to say, ‘you are wearing an African tie,’” Professor Pretorius said.

After a photo op, the pair made their way to Macquarie Theatre for Dr Goodall’s lecture on how people – particularly youth – can help contribute to a more sustainable future.

As she greeted the sold-out crowd of nearly 500 guests, Dr Goodall spoke in a language very familiar to her – that of the chimpanzee. Luckily for the audience, she also provided the translation of the traditional greeting shared among the animals with whom she is so familiar.

“This is me. This is Jane.”

 

The world-renowned activist now travels 300 days a year at 83 years old to speak to audiences around the world with her message of conservation and hope.

“If there was one person who has had an impact on people worldwide – millions if not billions of people – it is Dr Jane Goodall,” said Professor Pretorius. “It must be very rewarding to have that kind of career and positive impact worldwide. It’s an honour to have her on the Macquarie University campus – we share the same goal of contributing to a more secure planet and resilient society.”

Staff and students at Macquarie were thrilled to see Dr Goodall in person, and many participated in the competition to win free tickets for the lecture. Five staff members and 10 students received tickets for their winning responses about what conservation means to them.

Winning staff members included Georgette Roumanos, Elaine Ren, Kathryn Whittingham, Stephney Whillier and Shelley Broadbridge.

“Jane Goodall is such an amazing person with the most interesting life experiences. Her humble and inspiring approach to nature and nurture and conservation is so grabbing. The crowd was so encapsulated by her and the discussions,” says Georgette from Professional and Community Engagement (PACE).

“She was wonderful to listen to – I could have sat there all evening listening to her experiences. The world needs more Jane Goodall’s fighting for it, and the Roots & Shoots program gives me hope that the foundation is being set for a whole generation of passionate, engaged environmental warriors to continue her work,” added Shelley from the University’s City Campus.

The lecture was also live-streamed to university viewing hubs around Australia to engage university supporters across the continent – a first for the Jane Goodall Institute Australia (JGIA) and an innovation for the Jane Goodall Institute worldwide.

“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.

How to get involved

• Start a Roots & Shoots project by emailing Dr K-Lynn Smith, a researcher at Macquarie.
• Learn more about the Jane Goodall Institute Australia.
• Follow Roots & Shoots Australia on Facebook.