Protecting koalas and encouraging people to embrace classic icons, such as the Big Pineapple and the Big Golden Gumboot, are the hot topics for USC’s next Lounge Bar Lecture at Noosa Heads.

The informal event, with the theme ‘Protecting our Aussie Icons’, will be held from 4.30pm-6.30pm on Thursday 19 July at Rococo Bistro and Bar, 42 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads.

The lecture has been designed to get the creative juices flowing and provide a chance for the community to connect with USC guest speakers over drinks.

Senior Research Fellow in animal behaviour Dr Celine Frere will share how her research team is working with detection dogs to protect Queensland’s threatened koalas.

And Lecturer in History Dr Amy Clarke will discuss how people can best appreciate the quirky big roadside attractions across the Australian landscape.

USC Associate Dean of Research Dr Brent Moyle said the event would be a great opportunity for the researchers to engage with the community and ensure their work was relevant and accessible to everyone.

“It’s a great way to break down the barriers for people without having them visit campus, and what better environment to do that in than at one of Australia’s favourite habitats – the Aussie pub,” Dr Moyle said.

People can register online (search for ‘Lounge Bar Lecture’). For further inquiries email engagement@usc.edu.au

— Michelle French