'The First Inventors: How People Shaped a Continent' | An evening with Larissa Behrendt AO, Billy Griffiths and Sean Ulm

15 Sep 2026
06:30pm - 07:45pm
$10 | We are proud to offer MobTix for First Nations attendees to this event
The Capitol

To celebrate Social Sciences Week, and the research that helps us understand and shape society, RMIT University is proud to present celebrated Eualayai/Gamillaroi author, filmmaker and academic Larissa Behrendt AO, award-winning author and historian Billy Griffiths and one of Australia's leading archaeologists, Sean Ulm, as they discuss their new book 'The First Inventors: How People Shaped a Continent.'

Drawing on the groundbreaking 4-part documentary series of the same name, The First Inventors takes readers on a journey through 65,000 years of innovation, diplomacy and design, challenging long-held assumptions about the deep history of Australia.

Hear from the authors about the Indigenous-led research and relationships underpinning the book, their commitment to best-practice ways of working, and the long-running collaboration that has shaped this creative and authentic research partnership.

The discussion will be hosted by Professor Gary Thomas, Pro Vice Chancellor Indigenous Education, Research & Engagement at RMIT.

Presented in partnership by RMIT University, The Australasian Council of Deans of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities and the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia as part of Social Sciences Week.

Register here

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

Learn more about our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

'The First Inventors: How People Shaped a Continent' | An evening with Larissa Behrendt AO, Billy Griffiths and Sean Ulm