The Attenborough Effect Panel

A panel of experts discuss their connection to Sir David Attenborough and the lasting impact of his work.

The 'Godfather of Coral' Charlie Veron joins internationally acclaimed cinematographer Michael Haluwana, and marine ecologist Todd Bond in a discussion facilitated by professional science and technology communicator, Commander Kat. All of these panel members have worked with or been influenced by Sir David Attenborough during their varied careers. 

Join us under Otto the Blue Whale in Hackett Hall as our panel shares personal anecdotes of their times with Sir David Attenborough as well as the lasting impact he has had on their work and how he has inspired them.

Arrive from 5.30pm to grab a drink and a snack and watch video tributes from children across Western Australia. The panel begins at 6pm.

Meet the Speakers 

Charlie Veron Head Shot

Tristan Bayer

Charlie Veron

Charlie was the first full-time researcher on the Great Barrier Reef and the first scientist employed by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS). He became Chief Scientist of that organisation in 1997, a position he held for 7 years. He left AIMS in 2007 to work on corals, climate change and reef conservation. He has been interviewed more than 300 times and has had a central role in 34 video productions the best known being Australian Story (ABC, 2021), The Reef (HBO, 2020), The Magnitude of All things (2020), Chasing Coral (2017). Has about 100 publications including 16 books and monographs on almost anything to do with corals from palaeontology, taxonomy and biogeography to physiology and molecular science. He has also published widely on other subjects notably evolution, mass extinctions, and most importantly, the website www.coralsoftheworld.org, (2016 and 2026). His most influential reviews are his memoire A Life Underwater (Penguin 2017) and Review of coral taxonomy, evolution and diversity (4 authors, 2025)

Dr Todd Bond Head shot

Todd Bond

Dr. Todd Bond 

Dr. Todd Bond is the Deputy Director of the Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre at The University of Western Australia. A marine ecologist with over 15 years of experience, his research focuses on the ecology of fishes, particularly in hadal and abyssal environments. He is an expert in underwater video technology and deep-sea ecology, investigating the distribution of organisms across vast oceanic regions, including within Australia's marine parks. Dr. Bond is a passionate communicator and advocate for ocean stewardship and is a WA Science Ambassador. His research is awarded at international conferences and saw him receive a Premier’s Science Award in 2020.

Michael Haluwana

Michael Haluwana is an internationally acclaimed cinematographer, photographer, and aerial videographer with over 20 years of experience. Specialising in wildlife, landscape, and night sky cinematography, his work has been featured by National Geographic, BBC, Australian Antarctic Division, Virgin Galactic, Sony, and Canon. Contributing to Planet Earth II and Planet Earth III, Michael has collaborated with Sir David Attenborough and leading global productions. As the founder of Aeroture, Michael pushes the boundaries of visual storytelling, combining cutting-edge technology with artistic vision. His work continues to inspire and captivate audiences.

Commander Kat 

Commander Kat is the on‑air persona of Dr Kat O’Mara, a science communicator, environmental sustainability expert, and academic leader known for making complex scientific ideas accessible, engaging, and relevant to everyday life. With a background spanning physics, environmental science, and climate change, Kat brings together rigour, curiosity, and a deep respect for evidence‑based storytelling. Alongside her public communication work, Kat is the Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) and a Senior Lecturer in Environmental Management and Sustainability at Edith Cowan University. Outside the university sector, Kat has advised governments and major projects across Australia and New Zealand on sustainability and climate action.