Inspiring Australia Expert Working Group on Inspiration from the Deserts: Science Engagement in and About Australia’s Desert Regions (DIISRTE, 2013)is focussed on the importance of deserts in Australia, stating that
Australia is unique in the way that much of our national identity is based on romantic notions of the vast outback and the demands of a harsh and remote environment, while the political and economic powers of the country are located on the coast (p. 2)
Deserts comprise over 70 per cent of the country, generating ‘$90 billion in annual export incomes – more per capita than any other region of the continent’ (p. 5). The authors sought to dispel the romantic notions of Australian deserts by reframing why a strategy for desert
communication is important. Not only is it the most productive region in export income per capita in Australia, the opportunities within this region are ‘essential to creating both inspiration and driving prosperity’ (p. vii). The desert communities are also important to achieving the goals of a SEA as they are ‘predominantly populated by Aboriginal Australians, who experience significantly poorer health outcomes and higher rates of chronic illness...than the non-
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander population’ (p. 5).
This report builds on the recommendations of the IA report, in particular recommendation 8 – engaging Australian communities; recommendation 9 – building partnerships – using networks; and recommendation 12 – unlocking Australia’s full potential. The authors outlined a strategy that is considerate of the dichotomy present in that there are two distinct audiences when it comes to Australian deserts: those who are desert dwellers, and those who travel to the desert. This report aims to bring together the ‘perspectives of people living in the desert and people
with experience of science communication in desert regions of Australia to improving strategies, coordination, practice and results in this field’ (p. viii).
Through a survey of more than 100 organisations and individuals involved in desert science communications, this EWG report sought to ‘gather expert views on how science engagement can be enhanced in and for the desert regions of Australia’ (p. viii), in addition to their views on the constraints and opportunities in this area. From this survey the authors proposed
recommendations aimed at improving the nature, strategy and delivery of communication activities across the desert regions of Australia, guided by the IA principles.
From the survey data, the EWG identified overarching key principles to guide future science communication projects in the desert in order to maximise their effectiveness. The
communication principles are separate to the report’s recommendations in that they provided an action-based approach for practitioners to maximise the outcomes of science communication in the desert. All projects should have the ‘aim of transforming the desert economy, environment or society in ways that improve wellbeing, prosperity and sustainability’ (p. 13). Projects that follow these key principles should use existing networks, harness existing activities, knowledge, skills and resources, and where possible use two-way communication methods of
communication providing opportunity for dialogue and participation. Despite the preference for two-way communication, due to the diversity and remote nature of desert communities the authors recommended a balance between face-to-face communication and the use of broad-scale mass communication models be found. Effective communication would include considerations of the diversity of languages in the desert communities and activities would ideally incorporate an evaluation process to demonstrate impact.
In addition to the key principles driving the communication activities the study highlighted key communication themes that are ‘regarded as critical to the survival and prosperity of desert communities industries and people’ (p. 13). These themes in no particular order are; water, energy, heath, biodiversity, Aboriginal knowledge and intercultural links, climate change, ‘Desert syndrome’ and the isolation of economic, political and social decision making on the deserts, mineral and mining operations, food and medicines in particular native plants, and improving ICT and the use of appropriate technologies in remote communities. The
identification of these key communication themes by the authors enables a strategic approach to communication to occur.
The EWG retained motivations of dissemination of information where the authors stated that the public will ‘benefit from more effective dissemination and use of scientific and technical knowledge’ (p. 2). Yet, the authors discussed not only the importance of local knowledge, but
also the need for two-way communication and not just the ‘one-way “science-push”’ activities (p. 6). The authors discussed that this is of particular importance when dealing with the
Aboriginal communities and their local knowledge. They state that ‘effective communication is a two-way street involving interaction, dialogue, participation and exchange of knowledge and insights between desert people and those involved in science’ (p. 6).
The survey reported on the current use of the usual broad variety of science communication activities, ranging from one-way communication activities of public lectures, radio programs, websites, newsletters and fact sheets to two-way methods of ‘awareness’ activities, workshops, school visits and field trips. The authors outlined mechanisms to improve the effectiveness of science communication in the desert, stating that from the findings of the study that face-to-face interaction is the most effective way to communicate science, noting its logistical limitations. An equally strong case for the use of mass communications was put forward in order to reach the widely dispersed audience. However, social media was noted as the least effective method, chiefly due to the low access of remote communities.
In response to concerns raised in the study of lack of ‘cohesion, consistency, strategy, cooperation and clear direction for science communication in the deserts’ (p. 11), the authors proposed the formation of a national network of those bodies that are engaged in science communication in the deserts – the Deserts Science Network (DSN). The DSN will work with those individuals and organisations already involved in desert communication. The authors proposed that ‘desert regions be treated as a whole rather than state-by-state or via individual organisations’ (p. viii), due to the breadth of activities and organisations that are currently undertaken in relation to the deserts.
This report identified the importance of desert Australia due to the Aboriginal population and the role of deserts in the nation’s economy. It clearly outlined a way forward for science communication informed by consultations with the relevant stakeholders currently involved in science communication in the deserts. The authors proposed a method for selecting and prioritising science communication activities. The consultations highlighted the limitations of current activities, informed the development of key communication themes to guide future activity and compiled an extensive list of potential future activities across the deserts and beyond – the latter being identified as requiring further work to prioritise these activities.
The disconnect between the appeal of using digital technologies, as having great potential as it has the ability to cover great distances, and its limitations in reaching remote communities was a key feature of this report. Another key feature of the report was the importance of local
environmentally, culturally, economically and physically. Their people depend critically on local knowledge and on relationships for their survival and prosperity – so it essential to engage them in the conversation about what knowledge they need and how best to apply it (p. 5).
The emphasis on the inclusion of local knowledge and dialogue with the community in this EWG report is reflective of the language of the IA strategy, but unlike IA is clearly grounded in actions to move forward. Through this report the authors presented a framework with the aim of developing a national strategy, facilitating stakeholder collaboration and identifying opportunities to improve and encourage science communication in the desert regions. Overall the report provides an informed strategy for future desert science communication, clearly articulating the goals, priorities and difficulties of what SEA Australia would look like with respect to the Australian desert.
Report 12: Inspiring Australia Expert Working Group on Indigenous Engagement with