Wilson History Oration: 'Inundated' by Dr Margaret Cook

At the second annual Wilson History Oration, 'Inundated: Floods, History and High Water' eminent environmental historian Dr Margaret Cook will explore the ways historians can engage with the public, the media, other professions, and policy makers. In discussing her work on floods, she will highlight how her role and training as a public historian shapes her scholarship and historical practice. Join us for this online event, as we consider these themes during one of our greatest crises in history: the climate emergency.

Dr Margaret Cook is one of Australia’s experts on the history of water, rivers and ‘natural’ disasters. Her recent books include the acclaimed A River with a City Problem: a history of Brisbane floods; a co-edited collection Disasters in Australia and New Zealand, and a co-authored book Cities in a Sunburnt Country.

Margaret is a Research Fellow in the Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University and at La Trobe University and is currently undertaking work on histories of the Murray Darling Basin, while continuing to work on floods. She is a long-standing member of the Professional Historians Association (Qld).

The Wilson History Oration was established in memory of Dr Bill Wilson OAM (1942-2021). 

Bill’s contribution to our profession was inspiring. After retiring from an illustrious career in law enforcement, Bill established a second career as a historian. He was a founder of PHA (NT), president of Professional Historians Australia (2004-2007) and - after moving to Victoria in 2008 - vice president of PHA (Vic & Tas). His commitment to our organisation, as well as to the field of public history in Australia, was immense.

Throughout his career in history Bill was a diplomatic and personable leader, and an innovative administrator. Above all, he was a friend and colleague to many, with a great love and respect for the discipline of history.