Long before colonisation, fire was shaping the Australian landscape. Burning was deliberately conducted by indigenous people.  But for European Australians, fire quickly became something to fear.

How fire has shaped Australia

Feed your mind. Be provoked. One big idea at a time. Your brain will love you for it. Grab your front row seat to the best live forums and festivals with Natasha Mitchell.

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Forestry is a hotly disputed industry in Australia. Environmentalists want to preserve more valuable habitat to protect endangered species. Developers want to lock away forests as off-sets for their projects and at the same time want to clear forests to make space for said projects. Corporations want to buy rights to carbon sequestration. And then there are the landholders trying to make a living from timber. How do we navigate all these competing factors? How valuable are trees as an alternative crop? And what's the role of agroforestry in the future of sustainable farming?

Trees as an alternative crop — the future of forestry in Australia?

They use of shark nets to protect us from sharks is highly controversial. Do they work, what do they do to marine life, are there alternatives, and why are sharks so political?  Join Natasha Mitchell and guests at the 2024 Ocean Lovers Festival for a robust interrogation of of an issue that ignites passions.

The shark net controversy — hear the debate at Bondi's Ocean Lovers Festival

It's a question that has focused the minds of astronauts, scientists, space entrepreneurs and enthusiasts alike – is there, could there be, life on Mars? The race is on to find out, with NASA hoping to land astronauts there by the late 2030s.

Life on Mars – and beyond

Folk legend Eric Bogle is opening up and talks about his life, his thoughts about death, friendship and love and why having a deeper message for writing songs is so much more important than money and fame. It's a rare opportunity to share a conversation with one of the best and most prolific songwriters of the last several decades. His songs have become Australian classics – like The Band Played Waltzing Matilda or No Man's Land. And as a very special treat – you'll hear the world premiere of his latest song … finished on the way to this event.

A heart-to-heart with Eric Bogle — his songs and his life

What is the future of Israelis and Palestinians in the Gaza strip and surrounding region? Can the past help us understand the tumultuous, horrifying present? And is a two-state solution a realistic response to the war in Gaza or not? Walkley Award-winning Australian journalist John Lyons, Israeli historian and political scientist Ilan Pappé, American essayist and author Nathan Thrall, and American political advisor Bruce Wolpe share their perspectives.

How fire has shaped Australia

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