Stories
In Pictures: Desert Knowledge Precinct Tour
Sept 07, 2020
Services: DKA Solar Centre, Desert Knowledge Precinct
The Desert Knowledge Precinct hosted dozens of visitors as part of desertSMART EcoFair, Central Australia’s premier science and sustainability event organised by the Arid Lands Environment Centre!
Around 45 visitors engaged in a guided walking tour of the Precinct on 8 August 2020, exploring science and culture on Arrernte country as part of National Science Week.
The three-part tour was delivered by the four organisations based at the Desert Knowledge Precinct. Knowledge relating to renewable energy, satellite communications and local culture was shared by Ekistica, the Centre for Appropriate Technology, DKA, and Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education.
The tour began at the DKA Solar Centre with a Welcome to Precinct by Harold Furber, the Precinct’s Elder-in-Residence.
Attendees were then guided through the Solar Centre by Paul Rodden, Senior Project Manager (Renewables) at Ekistica. Rodden shared his expertise in renewable energy and photovoltaic technology with the enthused group.
Photo credits: Andre Sawenko / Arid Lands Environment Centre
After exploring the Solar Centre, the group trooped over to a vantage point of the satellite ground stations at the CfAT area of the Precinct.
Photo credits: Andre Sawenko / Arid Lands Environment Centre
At the site, they were greeted by CfAT CEO Peter Renehan, who described the site’s function and capabilities. Renehan explained how the site significantly improved Australia’s capability in environmental monitoring and disaster management, citing swifter responses to bushfire management stemming from instantaneous data procurement as an example of a key application of the technology.
Photo credits: Andre Sawenko / Arid Lands Environment Centre
The group then made their way over to the Precinct café, where the final presentations from DKA and Batchelor Institute were delivered. DKA CEO Dan Tyson spoke of DKA and the Precinct’s purpose; and BIITE Project Manager Angela Harrison shared information about campus facilities, and the Languages and Linguistics department’s work.
Photo credits: Andre Sawenko / Arid Lands Environment Centre
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