Royal Geographical Society of South Australia

31/05/2026

Coming soon: another fascinating event in the RGSSA evening lecture program.

# geotrails

31/05/2026

Thanks to everyone who came along to GeoNext's Geography Drinks at Adelaide Uni Bar last week. It was a fun evening meeting other geography students, early career geographers & people interested in geography!

Keep an eye out - GeoNext have more fun events coming up soon.

GeoNext supports emerging geographers or geographically passionate professionals wishing to connect with like-minded peers. You can find out more about GeoNext on the RGSSA website.

20/05/2026

Our Acting Chief Executive, Hassan Mekawy, recently attended the Royal Geographical Society of South Australia, Inc. SA Award Ceremony at the Mortlock Wing of the State Library.

It was an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the outstanding work of geography students, and to hear about their fieldwork and projects - highlighting the depth of talent and commitment across the discipline.

Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia and Mr. Rod Bunton, patrons of the Society, were also in attendance to present awards.

19/05/2026

At last week’s (RGSSA) 2026 Awards Night, we celebrated the brilliant minds who will shape the future of geography in our state—and more broadly.

While we honoured this next generation of geographers, the evening was also a powerful reminder of the community of educators and champions who have spent decades driving geography education forward – locally, nationally and internationally.

The RGSSA and its Director Iain Hay were delighted to share the evening with key members of this dedicated community: (L-R) AM, , (Acting CEO of the SACE Board), and .

Adelaide Uni Geography & Development Society

19/05/2026

A Night of Excellence: The 2026 RGSSA Awards

On Tuesday evening last week, the Royal Geographical Society of South Australia gathered for one of the most anticipated highlights of our calendar—the annual Awards Night. This year the event was held in the magnificent Mortlock Wing of the State Library of South Australia.

It was a truly special occasion as we celebrated the brilliant minds of those who will shape the future of geography in our state – and beyond. We were honoured to welcome our Society patrons, Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, and Mr. Bunten, to the ceremony.

Some Highlights of the Evening:
• Governor’s Address: Her Excellency delivered a thoughtful and inspiring address, reflecting on the vital importance of geographical education.
• Celebrating Achievement: Both the Governor and Mr. Bunten presented certificates and medals to some of South Australia’s most dedicated students from our local schools and universities.
• Community Spirit: It was a wonderful opportunity for members, educators, and families to connect and share their passion for the world around us. And all of this was made possible by the very hard-working and dedicated volunteers of the Society.

A huge congratulations to all our 2026 award recipients! Your hard work and curiosity continue to inspire the Society and the wider community.

14/05/2026

RGSSA members and friends may be interested to know that applications for the US Library of Congress Philip Lee Phillips Society Fellowship are now open for 2026!

Fellows will be awarded an eight-week research residency in the Geography & Map Division at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, supported by an $11,500 research stipend.

Applications are due by September 15, 2026.

For full details on fellowship requirements and application process, please see: https://www.loc.gov/programs/john-w-kluge-center/chairs-fellowships/fellowships/philip-lee-phillips/

06/05/2026

'Critical' Minerals, Mining and Sustainable Futures Symposium

RGSSA members may be interested in the half-day symposium (available virtually) on Mining and critical minerals being organised and hosted by the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences at Victoria University of Wellington on the 20th May. A wide range of perspectives will be thrown into the conversation - as one of the participants noted: "I genuinely don't know what happens when you put an iwi Chief Executive, a geologist, two materials scientists, a geography professor, a mining industry advocate, a freshwater scientist and a social risk and geopolitics nerd in the same room... But I suspect it won't be boring!"

It is a free event (and there is a virtual option) but registration is required at:

A half-day symposium exploring the socio-environmental and economic implications of critical mineral mining in Aotearoa New Zealand.

05/05/2026

Join us for a social event hosted by the RGSSA young geographers' group GeoNext!

- Meet like-minded people
- Find out about GeoNext, volunteering opportunities & upcoming events
- Join our community of early career geographers & geography students
- Snacks & drinks provided!

Book your free ticket here: https://events.humanitix.com/geography-drinks-geonext

05/05/2026

Another excellent RGSSA lecture is on the way! Biogeographer Professor Michael-Shawn Fletcher promises an excellent and thought-provoking lecture. on 21 May We look forward to seeing you there!