The Berwick Mechanics’ Institute and Free Library invite you to a talk – The Indomitable Ellis Rowan – presented by Paula Taylor.

This presentation describes the life and work of Ellis Rowan (1848-1922), the multi-award winning artist, writer and adventurer. Ellis went to extraordinary lengths during the late 19th and early 20th centuries to hunt out, observe and draw Australian and New Guinean flora, birds and insects. She had a strong professional relationship with Baron Ferdinand von Mueller, inaugural director of the Royal Botanic Gardens and founder of the National Herbarium of Victoria. She was a well known public figure, her adventures being reported in the press. This presentation aims to help bring Ellis’s name and work back into the limelight, where they well and truly deserve to be.

Paula Taylor has tertiary qualifications in science, education and international development. She has worked in various environments, including scientific laboratories, educational settings, television production, the humanitarian sector and publishing. Paula is semi-retired and volunteers in the local community.

When: Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 2.00pm – 4.00pm. Where: Berwick Mechanics’ Institute and Free Library, 15 High Street, Berwick.

All welcome, free event. Light refreshments will follow the talk. Enquiries contact 9707 3519.

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