Pedder Unplugged

This is a special episode in memory of our great friend, mentor and giant of wisdom Distinguished Professor Jamie Kirkpatirck. 

In late 2023 this interview of Jamie was captured in his tiny office, crammed with ecology books, many written by Jamie himself. The interview was for the Pedder film released earlier this year. 

Jamie passed away a few days ago leaving behind a generation of inspired and educated students who will continue to protect and restore the extraordinary ecosystems of Lutruwita/Tasmania. 

Produced and edited by Tabatha Badger. Interview recorded by Dan Broun. Music, Blackwater by Loving Calibre, sources through Epidemic Sound license. 

Pedder Film; https://youtu.be/hOwsQParX6k?si=uBVlswb1C_Zjh-zo

LakePedder.org 

LakePedder.org

A prolific bushwalker and campaigner, Bob Graham has been a fundamental part of the Tasmanian Wilderness Society, since day one. It was he and his late wife, Helen Gee, who were responsible for the protection of the Douglas Apsley National Park, on Tasmania’s East Coast. Bobs a tremendous story teller, and depicts Pedder in a way, even those of us who were never privileged enough to visit can feel as though we are standing on the pink quartzite beach ourselves. 

LakePedder.org

[Host Tabatha Badger. Special guest Bob Graham. Cover art image, the original Lake Pedder by Don Weston. SoundTrack ‘Talking Trees’ from Max Kershaw. Greg French’s book Wild Heart is available at https://Malbena.com] 

LakePedder.org

Former Chair of Bush Heritage Australia, Campaign Manager of the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), and founder of WELA (Womens Environmental Leadership Australia), Karen Alexander is one of Australia’s leading environmental activists and inspirational mentor for young women. You’ve possibly caught sight of Karen, or heard her voice in the numerous Franklin River films and podcasts around in the past 12 months. She plays an integral role in saving the River through her crucial role as a lead campaign organiser and establishing the Victorian branch of the Wilderness Society. And, as Karen shares, the driving factor in stopping the dam proceeding, flowed from the loss of Lake Pedder. 

LakePedder.org

[Host Tabatha Badger. Special guest Karen Alexander. Cover art image, the original Lake Pedder by Don Weston. SoundTrack ‘Talking Trees’ from Max Kershaw.] 

LakePedder.org

David Neilson was a member of the first party to successfully climb Blade Ridge, on Federation Peak. The expedition concluded by walking out of the south west, via Lake Pedder. This was Davids first visit. He conceived the idea to publish a book with images of Lake Pedder to assist the campaign to save the natural wonder. South West Tasmania: A Land of the Wild highlighted the threatened wilderness in Tasmania, but by the time it went to print, Pedder has been inundated. Still, one of David's images is today playing a role in saving Lake Pedder! The photograph became an iconic poster for the Pedder 2000 campaign, and most recently was produced as a Puzzle through the water[shed] exhibition marathon, and its inspiring a young cohort to campaign for the restoration of Lake Pedder. 

David’s latest book ‘Chasing the Mountain light’ is available here; https://www.snowgumpress.com.au/Chasing%203%20no%20PP.html

LakePedder.org

[Host Tabatha Badger. Special guest David Neilson. Cover art image, the original Lake Pedder by Don Weston. Sound Track ‘Pause” by PC-1 from the album ‘Wilderness’. Tasmanian native birds recorded at Lake St Clair.] 

LakePedder.org

What is the value of wilderness? It's a complex and enthralling question that, practically and philosophically, Martin Hawes discusses in the context of Lake Pedder.

Martin is a researcher, wilderness consultant and photographer, who recalls his teenage trip to the original Lake Pedder, he explains why you won't see the Pedder Impoundment in his photographs, and we scratch the surface on the wilderness impacts and value of Pedder, impounded today and restored in the near future. 

‘Unexplored’ is Martin’s new book. You can grab yourself a copy of the book and see some of Martin's work via his website; https://martinhawes.info/unexplored.html

LakePedder.org

[Host Tabatha Badger. Special guest Martin Hawes. Cover art image, the original Lake Pedder by Don Weston. Sound Track ‘Pause” by PC-1 from the album ‘Wilderness’. Tasmanian native birds recorded at Lake St Clair.]

LakePedder.org

In 1955 Stuart Lester landed a light aircraft on Lake Pedder's vast beach. He was one of the very early pilots to do so. Candidly, Stuart recalls flying into Tasmania's south west. At one stage he even flew the very Tiger Moth that activist Brenda Hean and pilot Max Price were to tragically disappear in, en route to Canberra in an attempt to save Lake Pedder from flooding. 

LakePedder.org

Host Tabatha Badger. Special guest Stuart Lester. Cover art image, the original Lake Pedder by Don Weston. Sound Track ‘Pause” by PC-1 from the album ‘Wilderness’. Tasmanian native birds recorded at Lake St Clair. 

LakePedder.org

Retired doctor Craig Brown is spending time defending Tassie’s precious forests. As a 16 years old, he and a few mates walked into Lake Pedder, unsupervised! But Craig's connection to Pedder and conservation extended to his wonderful family too, his Mother, Rosemary, was one of the United Tasmania Groups, very first candidates and was later arrested in the Franklin River blockade. 

LakePedder.org

Launceston Walking Clubs Ian Ross, shares his memories of the original Lake Pedder, we discuss restoration, environmental destruction, and bushwalking adventures in Tasmania. This episode is another for those who love a yarn about quintessential Tassie scrub epics! 

Host Tabatha Badger. Cover art image by Don Weston. Sound Track ‘Pause” by PC-1 from the album ‘Wilderness’. Native birds recorded at Lake St Clair. 

LakePedder.org

Niece of legendary activist Brenda Hean, today’s guest is Celia Watchorn. Enjoy Celia’s dulcet tones reciting some of her writing on Pedder, sharing her precious stories of her aunt Brenda and the impact of her tragic disappearance for the family. Celia has been an integral part of ensuring the legacy of Brenda, and Pilot Max price, lives on and continues to inspire in perpetuity. 

If you don't know the story of Brenda, or want to learn more, we recommend listening the Episode one with Richard Friend. 

We are stoked to bring you this podcast, but creating pod’s does come at a cost, so if you’re enjoying hearing the precious stories of the Pedder people please rate and share the Podcast and consider donating to the Lake Pedder Restoration Inc today. 

LakePedder.org

LakePedder.org

Geoff Mosley is a highly respected academic who has played major roles in all of the Federal enquiries into restoring Lake Pedder, he’s a wonderful protector of Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area and the intrinsic, intangible wild values which characterise the ‘wilderness’ experience. We discuss how Geoff accidentally found out the Tasmanian government and HECs plan to flood Pedder 2 years prior to the public announcement, tells of when he flew over the flooding Pedder with Prince Phillip, and the academic history in the Pedder campaign.  

LakePedder.org