Beyond the Bleach

A conversation reimagining the story of the Great Barrier Reef.
About this Event

Presented as part of Vivid Sydney 2026.

The Great Barrier Reef’s demise is widely seen as a foregone conclusion – but is that framing limiting our imagination of what comes next?

Combatting despair, Beyond The Bleach considers how we can best look after the Great Barrier Reef, incorporating Indigenous knowledge of the seas alongside Camp’s leading research of coral reef recovery, and how art and storytelling like Robinson’s can shift perspectives.

After the panel, stay for the Sea Citizens After Party – a chance to connect with the panellists and other ocean advocates, with drinks and hands-on activities.

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Emily Jateff, museum curator of Ocean Futures will moderate a conversation between panellists:

• Adam Spencer - Comedian and Author
• Emma Camp - Marine Biologist
• Brian Robinson - Torres Strait Artist
• Ben Fitzpatrick - Coral Reef Ecologist

This talk is presented as part of , a series from the Australian National Maritime Museum in partnership with , through their Perpetual Planet initiative.

The Perpetual Planet Initiative supports three major fields of action: ocean conservation, wilderness protection and the preservation of the living world. Rolex is committed to supporting explorers, scientists and organizations across the globe working in the field to better understand and protect our planet.

Agenda

🕑: 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
After-hours access to the museum's galleries
🕑: 06:00 PM - 06:30 PM
Complimentary drink

Info: Cash in your Big Blue Bevvy token for a beer or wine.

🕑: 06:30 PM - 07:30 PM
Panel conversation
🕑: 07:30 PM - 08:30 PM
Sea Citizens After Party

Info: After the panel, stay for a boardwalk gathering with drinks, hands-on activities, and the chance to connect directly with speakers and fellow ocean advocates.