Geography has been much in the news lately. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has highlighted the interconnectedness of our world and the fragile web of dependence that sustains modern life.....

Newsletter - June 2026

From the President

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Geography has been much in the news lately. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has highlighted the interconnectedness of our world and the fragile web of dependence that sustains modern life. While government intervention has so far helped shield Australians from the worst impacts of global energy supplies, many poorer countries have not been so fortunate. Pakistan, Bangladesh, parts of sub-Saharan Africa and the Philippines have been hit hard. For Australia, if this keeps going it is predicted that we will see higher prices for airfares, food, building materials, insurance, and pharmaceuticals.

These events also raise important environmental questions. As many of you may know, the 5^th of June it is World Environment Day. This year’s event comes at an interesting time, as there are some striking parallels with another period of global uncertainty.

The first World Environment Day was held 54 years ago in 1973. That same year saw the first global oil crisis, an event that reshaped economies and lifestyles around the world. Some readers might remember the many changes that followed, including the push for smaller, more fuel-efficient cars in Australia and the United States, for example. Today’s disruption in the Strait of Hormuz is once again prompting serious discussion about reducing dependence on fossil fuels, accelerating the transition to renewable energy, and increasing the uptake of electric cars.

Whether these changes will prove more enduring than those that followed the 1973 crisis remains to be seen. What has endured however, is the annual observance of the United Nations World Environment Day. More than five decades later, it continues to encourage individuals, communities, and organisations to take action for a sustainable future.

You will find below information about World Environment Day events and activities. I encourage you all to get involved in this important global initiative.

I hope you enjoy this edition of our newsletter and find inspiration in this month’s listed events, stories, and opportunities to engage with geography.

Professor Ian Rutherfurd
President, Geography Victoria

Geography Victoria June Event : Free Screening: Ocean by David Attenborough

In celebration of David Attenborough’s 100^th birthday and World Ocean Day

Date: Sunday 14 June
1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
The Royal Society of Victoria

Presented by Geography Victoria in partnership with The Royal Society of Victoria and Emerging Scientists Network. The film offers a powerful exploration of the ocean’s vitality, fragility, and the urgent need for its protection. Following the screening, guests are warmly invited to stay for afternoon tea and a panel discussion featuring emerging researchers from The University of Melbourne working in marine and environmental fields.

Bookings Essential

Coming Up in July

Geography Victoria – Going Places! Unknown Melbourne

Date: Monday 6 July 2026
Time: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Join us for another wonderful evening at The Royal Society of Victoria where you will have the opportunity to discover the hidden corners of Melbourne.

Geographers love maps and our next Going Places event features the launch of the “Unknown Melbourne Map”, created by award-winning Australian designer, educator, comedian and digital storyteller Julian O’Shea. (YouTube, Instagram and TikTok channels - @julianoshea).

The evening will begin with fun, interactive games, followed by Julian’s story of the creation of the “Unknown Melbourne Map” -a hand-drawn guide to Melbourne’s quirky places and the stories behind them. The night will finish with a light supper.

A little bit about Julian. He is the creator of the popular Unknown Melbourne video series. Revealing the hidden stories behind the city, which received over 20 million views and saw him named the Australian YouTube Breakout Creator of the Year.

Julian has such a huge following, the event is bound to be popular, so book early to ensure a place.

Bookings open soon.

This Month’s Map

Our feature map for June is the largest known early map of the world, created by Urbano Monte in 1587. The digitally joined 60 sheet map image is the first time the hand drawn map has been seen as one unified map. The assembled map, just over 3 metres in diameter, is one of the largest world maps made in the 16^thcentury. Monte made his map to serve not only as a geographical tool but also to show climate, customs, length of day and distances within regions. The degree of detail and decoration is stunning.

From other State Geographical Societies

Flinders Ranges and Barossa Walks - Royal Geographical Society of South Australia

Following on from our Bushwalking 101 Event, those heading to South Australia and interested in some hiking, the Royal Geographical Society of South Australia website can point you to some Apps which provide some notes for walkers with details about the landscapes they are walking through. The walks are for the average walker and can be accomplished in a day. The trails were established by the RGSSA members and members of the Walking Trails Support Group.

Geography Victoria Newsletter

Newsletter - June 2026

From the President