Oceans of Hope
David Ritter | Aaron Fa’Aoso | Rebecca Huntley
Australians are a proud oceanic people. None more so than Indigenous Australians who have always nourished Country and lived in balance with nature. But whether it’s swimming, surfing, snorkelling, fishing, exploring the tide pools, walking along the coastline or enjoying the view, Aussies love spending time in and around their big blue backyard.
With the signing of the Global Ocean Treaty, 2026 marks a turning point in protecting our oceans from the ongoing impacts of climate change, overfishing and pollution.
Join Greenpeace CEO David Ritter and Torres Strait Islander actor, screenwriter and producer Aaron Fa’Aoso with author and social researcher, Rebecca Huntley as host. This will be an evening of set talks and conversation that will inspire, motivate and outline a clear path forward for protecting our ocean home.
From David’s pitch for how Australia could have the best protected oceans on the planet, to Aaron’s lived experience and storytelling from the Torres Strait, to their conversation with Rebecca on collective action, one thing is already clear: there is an ocean of hope to help make change.
LIVE EVENT & VENUE INFORMATION
The Science Theatre is located at UNSW Sydney's Kensington Campus. Please note this is a live event only, and will not be available via livestream.
TICKETS
ACCESS
Wheelchair Access
The Science Theatre is located at UNSW Sydney's Kensington campus (highlighted red on this map). The closest accessible drop-off point to the Science Theatre is towards the rear of the building, with access via Gate 2, High Street. Vehicles can drop off patrons directly adjacent to the Business School west wing which is then a 200 metre walk approximately. More information on getting there can be found via our interactive accessibility map available here.
Assisted Listening
The Science Theatre has hearing assistive technology available. Patrons wishing to utilise this service must collect a Roger™ inductive neck-loop receiver from the venue staff, and this system can be used with a hearing aid or cochlear implant with a T-coil, or with headphones.
Auslan & Captioning
Auslan interpreting services and/or live captioning can be provided for selected talks upon request.
Contact
To book and discuss access services, please call the Centre for Ideas on 02 9065 0485 or email centreforideas@unsw.edu.au.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT & PARKING
The Science Theatre is easily accessible via public transport and the closest light rail stop is UNSW Anzac Parade (L3 line). The closest bus stop is UNSW Gate 2, High Street (348, 370). For more information please call the Transport Infoline on 131 500 or visit transportnsw.info.
Free parking is also available in the Barker St Car Park (Gate 14) from 5.30pm. For access to free parking, event patrons must park in the UNSW Permit Holder bays, available on all levels. The Barker St Car Park (Gate 14) parking station is located here.
Paid casual and visitor parking is offered via the CellOPark App and ‘pay by plate meters’ in all other UNSW car parks. For more information head here.
PROGRESS FOR ALL
Climate change is arguably the most urgent issue of our time, with enormous ramifications for future generations.
UNSW will continue our trajectory as a leader in responses to climate change and impact mitigation from increasing natural disasters. We will enhance our expertise in climate science, environmental sustainability, disaster response and resilience, and many other related disciplines across all our faculties to influence policy and create innovative solutions with real-world impact. We will collaborate across all disciplines, faculties, sectors and borders to optimise the impact of our teaching, research and thought leadership to help create a liveable world for generations to come.
We will lead by example in working to be a climate-resilient, nature-positive and net zero emissions University.
You can read more about our objectives in our UNSW Strategy: Progress for All.
CONTACT
For all enquiries, please email centreforideas@unsw.edu.au or call the Centre for Ideas on 02 9065 0485.
The Centre for Ideas is happy to receive phone calls via the National Relay Service. TTY users, phone 133 677, then ask for 02 9065 0485. Speak and Listen users, phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 02 9065 0485. For more information on all other relay calls visit here.
David Ritter
David Ritter is Greenpeace Australia Pacific’s Chief Executive Officer. A lifelong environmentalist, David joined the campaign staff of Greenpeace in 2007 in London before returning to Australia to become CEO of Greenpeace Australia Pacific in 2012. David has written three books, and his work has featured in Guardian Australia, The Australian, Griffith Review and numerous other outlets. Prior to joining Greenpeace, David was one of Australia’s leading Indigenous rights lawyers and worked as an academic in the Faculty of Law at the University of Western Australia.
Aaron Fa’Aoso
Aaron Fa’Aoso is an award-winning Torres Strait Islander filmmaker, actor, and creative executive, and the Founder and Managing Director of Lonestar Entertainment Company, a Cairns-based production company developing premium film and television from Northern Australia for global audiences. Beyond the screen industry, Aaron is a respected national leader in cultural governance and public policy. He currently serves on the boards of SBS, Screen Queensland and Supply Nation, and sits on the National Film and Sound Archive’s Indigenous Advisory Committee. A proud Torres Strait Islander man of the Koedal (Crocodile) and Samu (Cassowary) clans of Saibai, Aaron is driven by a mission to bring underrepresented voices to the global stage and position Northern Australia as a powerful hub for world-class storytelling.
Rebecca Huntley
Dr Rebecca Huntley is one of Australians foremost researchers on social trends. She holds degrees in law and film studies and a PhD in Gender Studies. For a number of years, she ran her own research and consultancy firm working closely with climate and environment NGOs, government and business on climate change strategy and communication. She is now Director of Research at the agency 89DegreesEast. She is the author of numerous books including How to Talk About Climate Change in a Way that Makes a Difference. She is a member of the Advisory Group for the Climate Solutions Centre at the Australian Museum and a board member of the Dusseldorp Forum.
