To celebrate National Science Week, the EnviroCentre at Hobsons Bay Libraries welcomes Zena Cumpston who will be discussing many of the topics covered in the co-authored book Plants. Past, present and future, published in 2022 as part of the highly popular First Knowledges series.

Zena will explore in detail some of the many ways her Aboriginal community has utilised plants for foods, medicines and technologies over time. Zena will discuss historical perceptions of Indigenous knowledge of plants and how this knowledge is being recognised and utilised today – from regeneration projects to the bush foods industry. Zena will discuss the importance of indigenous plants for biodiversity and the ways in which we can all play our part in keeping Country healthy. 

Zena Cumpston is a Barkandji woman with family and ancestral connection to Wilcannia, Broken Hill and Menindee in western New South Wales. Zena is a writer, curator, researcher and artist. She is passionate about plants and particularly the many ways they elucidate the ingenuity and scientific knowledge of her people.

Participants will receive a free indigenous plant and information on its usage and how to care for it.

This event is part of the Nature for Health and Wellbeing Program brought to you by the EnviroCentre - Hobsons Bay Libraries, Hobsons Bay City Council and Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre. This program is possible thanks to the Libraries for Health and Wellbeing Innovation Grant, awarded by the State Library of Victoria and Public Libraries Victoria.