Wilhelm Philipp

Dinosaur Dreaming

Unbeknownst to a majority of the general public, Australia is home to a thriving palaeontology scene. In fact, the current record rate of discovery of new fossils and dinosaurs has the country in a “dinosaur boom.”

For Dr Thomas Rich & Patricia Vickers-Rich this “boom” started many decades ago. Since the 1970’s the couple have led a major effort to locate new fossil localities in Victoria, more specifically along the coast at the Dinosaur Cove site in Inverloch. Together, along with the help of their team of volunteers, the couple found and described the Leaellynasaura and Timimus dinosaurs at Dinosaur Cove, named after their son and daughter.

Patricia has a decorated list of published books, curated international exhibitions and literary awards. In 2009 and 2010, he was involved in producing a documentary with David Attenborough titled Rise of Animals, based on her book of the same name. Tom remains the Curator of Vertebrate Palaeontology at Museum Victoria, a title which he has held for over four decades.

Pat and Tom have been immensely involved within the palaeontology world spreading the word of its purpose and value, leading the charge as major advocates for passing on their knowledge and wisdom to other aspiring palaeontologists and school students of all ages eager to learn about these fascinating creatures and the environment they lived in.