AMANDA STURGEON

Biomimicry & Rewlinding Cities

Thursday, May 8 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM AEST

LULU VIERKÖTTER

Designing for Practivism

Sunday, May 4 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM AEST

BRENDA NAKAFEERO

Permaculture Frontiers

Sunday, May 11 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM AEST

ANDREW MILLISON

SHORT DOCUMENTARY: Great Green Wall

Sunday, May 11 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM AEST

GUY RITANI

Food Sovereignty

Saturday, May 3 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM AEST

DOMINIQUE CHEN

Food Sovereignty

Saturday, May 3 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM AEST

KAKOLI MITRA

EaRTh

Sunday, May 4 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM AEST

RUEBEN PARKER-GREER

Wilding Young Hearts in Gardens

Thursday, May 8 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM AEST

Reuben is the Operations Manager of the Material Institute’s 24 Carrot Gardens program. With a passion for food, nature and education he’s been with the program for 10 years and spent over 15 years connecting Tasmanian children to food, land and healthy futures – focusing on preventative health through the joys of growing and cooking seasonal produce.

With a diverse skill set and experience he’s committed to fostering initiatives that deliver positive outcomes for the people and places that make our island home so special.  

Reuben stewards the program with the approach that combines play-based inquiry, sustainability, and art to engage students—particularly those who feel disconnected from conventional schooling. Under his guidance, 24 Carrot Gardens has flourished into a joyful, practical pathway for young people to cultivate skills in growing food, caring for the land, and fostering wellbeing.

https://24carrotgardens.org.au/

AMELIA CLIFFORD

Wilding Young Hearts in Gardens

Thursday, May 8 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM AEST

Amelia Clifford is an award-winning educator who passionately advocates for young humans, especially those who are experiencing trauma or disadvantage. She is the Relationship Manager with the not-for-profit Material Institute which overseas projects such as the 24 Carrot Gardens program in Tasmania—a vibrant food education initiative founded by MONA artist and curator Kirsha Kaechele. Grounded in permaculture principles, the program uses school gardens to reconnect children with nature, food, and community through creative, hands-on learning.

Through workshops, curriculum design, and community-building, Amelia brings permaculture to life in classrooms and garden beds—nurturing the next generation of changemakers with curiosity, creativity, and care.

www.24carrotgardens.org.au

GIULIA ATTANASIO

GLOBAL PREMIERE: Learning from Sparrows

Sunday, May 11 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM AEST & Monday, May 12 3:00 AM – 5:00 AM AEST

Giulia Attanasio is a filmmaker, participatory art and music facilitator, digital storyteller and trainer. She is the president of AUDRA APS, an organization that works at the crossroads of regenerative cultures and the arts. In 2017, she founded Terra dei Canti, a project that explores and promotes community music as a tool for personal and group development, team building, and well-being. Giulia has extensive experience in the audiovisual and documentary sectors, which she integrates into her group work through an original participatory video methodology. She organizes events and training sessions for young people and adults, collaborating with national and international organizations in both rural and urban contexts. Her documentary Makaria has been selected for various festivals, including DOK Leipzig, RIFF, IsReal Festival and the Brussels Independent Film Festival.

https://www.permacultureforrefugees.org/learning-from-s-p-a-r-r-o-w-s-a-training-course-focusing-on-social-permaculture-as-a-resource-for-regenerative-open-and-welcoming-societies/

DARIO FERRARO

GLOBAL PREMIERE: Learning from Sparrows

Sunday, May 11 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM AEST & Monday, May 12 3:00 AM – 5:00 AM AEST

Dario is a group facilitator, project manager and filmmaker. Since 2022, he has been a project development manager for the European ecovillage network GEN Europe. As a facilitator, he works with several ecovillages in Europe in the development of transformational learning programmes related to project development, group facilitation, participatory documentary and deep ecology. As a filmmaker, he co-directed with Adonella Marena of Lo Sbarco (2011) and was part of the collective film Demonstration (2013) directed by Victor Kossakovsky. He graduated from the UPF creative documentary master in Barcelona and was creative producer and editor of Makaría (2020).

https://www.permacultureforrefugees.org/learning-from-s-p-a-r-r-o-w-s-a-training-course-focusing-on-social-permaculture-as-a-resource-for-regenerative-open-and-welcoming-societies/

SILVIA CORNA

GLOBAL PREMIERE: Learning from Sparrows

Sunday, May 11 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM AEST & Monday, May 12 3:00 AM – 5:00 AM AEST

Silvia Corna is an environmental educator and permaculture designer specialising in traditional ecological practices. With degrees in Natural Resource Management and Intercultural Mediation, she enjoys facilitating people’s connection with themselves, the earth and their communities through music and other creative practices. She has coordinated volunteer and non-formal education projects for the organisations Vagamondo, New Wellness Education, Parco Culturale Alta Langa and Sunseed Desert Technology. She is part of the group of young permaculture designers Consolida – Progetti Rigenerativi.

https://www.permacultureforrefugees.org/learning-from-s-p-a-r-r-o-w-s-a-training-course-focusing-on-social-permaculture-as-a-resource-for-regenerative-open-and-welcoming-societies/

MARGUERITE KAHRL

GLOBAL PREMIERE: Learning from Sparrows

Sunday, May 11 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM AEST & Monday, May 12 3:00 AM – 5:00 AM AEST

Marguerite Kahrl is an artist and designer who employs a wide range of interdisciplinary practices, processes and media to facilitate new forms of inquiry into the relationship between ‘humans’ and ‘nature’. She holds a BFA in sculpture and ceramics from the University of Colorado Boulder and Camberwell College of the Arts in London, and an MA in sculpture from Rhode Island School of Design. Marguerite’s artistic research is influenced by the principles of permaculture and her pioneering work in Permaculture and the Arts has been recognised by the Blue Mountains Permaculture Institute in Australia. Marguerite is a key promoter of the global Permaculture for Refugees network.

https://www.permacultureforrefugees.org/learning-from-s-p-a-r-r-o-w-s-a-training-course-focusing-on-social-permaculture-as-a-resource-for-regenerative-open-and-welcoming-societies/

LUCILLA BORIO

GLOBAL PREMIERE: Learning from Sparrows

Sunday, May 11 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM AEST & Monday, May 12 3:00 AM – 5:00 AM AEST

​Lucilla Borio is a dedicated advocate for social permaculture and community resilience. As a co-founder of the Torri Superiore Ecovillage in Italy, she has been instrumental in transforming a medieval village into a thriving eco-community.​

Lucilla co-facilitated the Erasmus+ training course “Learning from S.P.A.R.R.O.W.S” (Social Permaculture As a Resource for Regenerative Open and Welcoming Societies), bringing together youth workers from 11 countries to explore social permaculture principles. The course emphasized participatory methods to address migratory flows and community dynamics. ​

In collaboration with her partner, Massimo Candela, Lucilla has dedicated over 25 years to the retrofitting and management of Torri Superiore, emphasizing ecological sustainability and social justice. Her work reflects a commitment to creating inclusive and regenerative communities.

https://www.permacultureforrefugees.org/learning-from-s-p-a-r-r-o-w-s-a-training-course-focusing-on-social-permaculture-as-a-resource-for-regenerative-open-and-welcoming-societies/

MASSIMO CANDELA

GLOBAL PREMIERE: Learning from Sparrows

Sunday, May 11 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM AEST & Monday, May 12 3:00 AM – 5:00 AM AEST

Massimo Candela is a permaculture educator, ecovillage co-founder, and sustainable agriculture advocate who has dedicated over 25 years to the transformation of Torri Superiore, a restored medieval village in Italy. As a founding member and current president of the Italian Permaculture Academy, Massimo has played a key role in spreading regenerative design across the country through hands-on courses and community-based projects.

He also serves as vice-president of Le Terre di Confine, a local network supporting ecologically and socially just enterprises. Alongside his partner Lucilla Borio, Massimo co-facilitated the S.P.A.R.R.O.W.S. training—bringing social permaculture tools to support inclusive and resilient communities. His work blends practical skills with a deep commitment to justice, ecology, and community resilience.

https://www.permacultureforrefugees.org/learning-from-s-p-a-r-r-o-w-s-a-training-course-focusing-on-social-permaculture-as-a-resource-for-regenerative-open-and-welcoming-societies/

PELLA THIEL

Rights of Nature and Ecocide Law

Monday, May 5 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM AEST

Pella Thiel is a Swedish ecologist, educator, and advocate for the rights of nature. She co-founded End Ecocide Sweden and Transition Sweden, working to integrate ecological perspectives into legal and societal frameworks. As a UN Harmony with Nature expert and author of Naturlagen, Pella promotes Earth-centered governance and has been instrumental in advancing the recognition of ecocide as an international crime. Her efforts have earned her accolades, including the 2023 Martin Luther King Prize and WWF Sweden’s Environmental Hero of the Year in 2019. Through her work, Pella inspires a shift towards a more harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world.

https://pellathiel.se/

KAI SAWYER

Peace and Permaculture

Friday, May 9 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM AEST

Kai Sawyer is an educator, speaker, and sustainability practitioner based in Chiba, Japan. He is the founder of Tokyo Urban Permaculture, a movement to regenerate the urban ecosystem through growing food and culture in Tokyo.

He teaches sustainable living, Nonviolent Communication (NVC), systems thinking, gift economy, healing depression and trauma, zen/mindfulness at universities, conferences, businesses, and community gatherings around the world since 2005. 

He has been featured in the Japanese media regularly as a leader in sustainability, and advises universities and government on topics regarding sustainability. He resides in Isumi City, Chiba with his family at the Peace and Permaculture Dojo, an educational center for regenerative (sustainable) living and design. 

Books: Urban Permaculture Guide (Japanese) and Our Earth Our Home (Originally Japanese, translated to English, Korean, Taiwanese, and Chinese).

Youtube: Tokyo Urban Permaculture

Kai’s TEDx talk: TEDxTodai (University of Tokyo) An Invitation to Stop

www.tokyourbanpermaculture.com 

https://peaceandpermadojo.wixsite.com/home

ERIN AXELROD

Wilding Business

Wednesday, May 7 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM AEST

Erin Axelrod is a partner and worker-owner at LIFT Economy, where she helps accelerate the spread of enterprises that are regenerative, just, and life-affirming. With a background in permaculture and cooperative economics, Erin works at the intersection of business, ecology, and social equity. She co-founded the Force for Good Fund, a $1.1 million initiative investing in women and BIPOC-led social enterprises, and co-authored The Next Economy MBA: Redesigning Business for the Benefit of All Life—a practical and visionary guide to transforming business for a better world.

At LIFT, Erin also convenes a regenerative agriculture investor network and leads a field-building initiative around restorative ocean economies. Her approach is rooted in systems thinking, deep collaboration, and care for the Earth and future generations.

Outside of her work, Erin finds joy in foraging wild foods, cultivating community, and practicing the values she teaches through everyday acts of regeneration and connection.

https://www.lifteconomy.com/

KAT LAVERS

SHORT FILM: The Plummery Revisited

Tuesday, May 6 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM AEST

Kat Lavers is a small-space food production specialist, permaculture designer, and educator based in Naarm/Melbourne. At her 280-square-metre urban property, known as ‘The Plummery,’ she cultivates an abundant permaculture system that yields nearly all her household’s herbs, vegetables, fruits, and quail eggs—harvesting over 450 kilograms in 2020. ​

Kat is dedicated to reconnecting individuals with the land beneath their feet, emphasizing the joys and ecological benefits of growing food. Beyond her personal gardening endeavors, she collaborates with local councils to implement urban agriculture initiatives, notably contributing to the award-winning My Smart Garden education program. Her teaching portfolio spans 20 years and includes partnerships with esteemed permaculture figures such as Rosemary Morrow, David Jacke, and David Holmgren. Kat’s expertise has been showcased in various media outlets, including Gardening Australia, RetroSuburbia, and ABC Radio National’s Big Ideas.

Through her work, Kat inspires and empowers urban dwellers to transform limited spaces into productive, sustainable food gardens.

MARY GRAHAM

First Nations Law & Earth Law

Monday, May 5 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM AEST

Professor Mary Graham is a respected Kombumerri Elder, philosopher, and academic whose work bridges Aboriginal knowledge systems and contemporary thinking. With wisdom, clarity, and generosity, she has spent decades sharing the profound principles of Aboriginal relationalism—centering connection to Country, the primacy of the land, and the importance of respectful, ethical relationships between all beings.

Her concept of relational accountability offers a transformative framework for understanding governance, ethics, and social cohesion—grounded in thousands of years of First Nations law and philosophy. Mary has taught across universities in Queensland and nationally, and her influence reaches across disciplines, from political science and ethics to ecology and law.

In collaboration with Dr. Michelle Maloney and others, Mary is co-developing the First Law project—bringing together First Nations and Western legal traditions to imagine Earth-centred governance rooted in care, reciprocity, and kinship with the living world. Her voice is a guiding light in conversations about deep belonging, justice, and planetary healing.

https://www.futuredreaming.org.au/about/governance/directors/mary-graham/

https://www.instagram.com/marythecontrarygarden/

MICHELLE MALONEY

First Nations Law & Earth Law

Monday, May 5 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM AEST

Dr. Michelle Maloney is a leading Earth lawyer, systems thinker, and changemaker dedicated to advancing Earth-centred governance and legal frameworks that recognise the rights of nature. As co-founder and National Convenor of the Australian Earth Laws Alliance (AELA), she brings together legal professionals, First Nations leaders, activists, and communities to explore new ways of living in right relationship with the Earth.

A key part of Michelle’s work is her long-standing collaboration with Professor Mary Graham, a renowned Kombumerri philosopher and elder. Together, they are co-creating frameworks for First Law and Earth jurisprudence—blending Indigenous knowledges with ecocentric legal thinking to foster regenerative futures grounded in kinship with Country.

Michelle also co-founded Future Dreaming and the New Economy Network Australia (NENA), and has worked across Australia and internationally on sustainability, climate justice, and ecological governance. Her work is deeply interdisciplinary, weaving law, ethics, economics, and culture into a powerful vision for an Earth-aligned future.

https://michellemaloney.au/

ALBERT BATES

Planetary Repair

Monday, May 5 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM AEST

Albert Bates is a pioneering voice in the global sustainability movement, known for his work in permaculture, ecovillage design, biochar, and energy descent. A founding member of The Farm ecovillage in Tennessee, he has spent decades living and teaching regenerative systems that restore both people and planet.

A prolific author and educator, Albert has taught permaculture and climate resilience across six continents. His work with biochar—captured in books like The Biochar Solution and Burn—has helped shape global understanding of carbon drawdown and soil regeneration.

Albert’s latest book, Retropopulationism: Clawing Back a Stable Planet from Eight Billion and Change (2024), explores the intersection of ecological limits and sustainable population strategies. He is also a key contributor to the Global Ecovillage Network and a champion of low-carbon, resilient living.

Albert’s legacy is one of grounded innovation, bridging ancient wisdom and modern science to help communities navigate a just transition.

https://peaksurfer.blogspot.com/

MARIA WESTERBERG

Planetary Repair

Monday, May 5 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM AEST

Maria Westerberg, known as Vildhjärta (Wild Heart), is a Swedish artist, poet, and author whose work is a love letter to the forest. Creating evocative sculptures from branches, roots, and forest debris, she transforms natural materials into what she calls “twig art”—playful, profound reflections on the human-nature connection.

Based in the woodlands of Värmland, Maria has turned her home into a living gallery where art and ecology coexist. Her books and exhibitions celebrate the wild beauty of the natural world, often born from her own healing journeys through grief and joy.

Through her art, writing, and public workshops, Maria invites others to rekindle their relationship with nature and to see the forest not just as a place—but as kin.

https://vildhjarta.net/

RUTH ANDRADE

Wilding Philanthropy

Sunday, May 4 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM AEST

Originally from Brazil, Ruth is a systems activist, identifying key interventions in business, philanthropy and non-profit systems to support grassroots-led regenerative change. Besides leading Lush Cosmetics’ environmental strategy since 2004, and informed by her MSc in Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies, Ruth has co-founded many networks, initiatives, and non-profits in Brazil, US and the UK. She is a trustee and co-founder of Re-Alliance, a collective of practitioners bringing regenerative design to the humanitarian and development sectors, and is on the board of Terra Agora Foundation, an initiative working to liberate land from speculation into regeneration.

A passionate advocate for permaculture and systems change, Ruth brings regenerative design into the humanitarian and development sectors. Her work centres on relationship, reciprocity, and shifting resources to those protecting and restoring Earth’s living systems.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andraderuth/

https://www.re-alliance.org/

http://www.lush.de/

JOHN SEED

Deep Ecology

Wednesday, May 7 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM AEST

John Seed is an Australian environmentalist and founder of the Rainforest Information Centre, established in 1979 to protect rainforests globally. He has been a pivotal figure in the deep ecology movement, co-authoring “Thinking Like a Mountain: Towards a Council of All Beings” with Joanna Macy, Pat Fleming, and Arne Naess, introducing experiential practices to foster ecological awareness. In recognition of his contributions, John was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 1995 for services to conservation and the environment. Beyond activism, he is an accomplished musician and filmmaker, producing environmental songs and documentaries to inspire action. Through workshops and lectures worldwide, John continues to advocate for a profound shift in human consciousness towards recognizing the intrinsic value of all life forms.

https://www.johnseed.net/

RENATA MINERBO

Rewilding & Regeneration

Monday, May 5 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM AEST

Renata Minerbo is a passionate philanthropic leader and systems thinker dedicated to supporting regenerative change from the ground up. As Head of Philanthropy at Be The Earth Foundation, Renata helps shape a bold and relationship-based approach to funding—centering trust, care, and collaboration. Her work focuses on nurturing grassroots initiatives in regenerative food systems, indigenous stewardship, and social justice, ensuring that resources flow to those doing the deep, vital work of transformation.

Renata believes that philanthropy can be an act of service and solidarity. At Be The Earth, she co-designs programs that decentralize decision-making and prioritize long-term partnerships over short-term fixes. With roots in architecture and social entrepreneurship in Brazil, she brings a unique design lens to the complex challenges of our time.

From supporting local seed networks to global gatherings, Renata’s work reflects a commitment to co-creating a world where people and planet thrive in reciprocity.

SETH TABATZNIK

Rewilding & Regeneration

Monday, May 5 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM AEST

Seth Tabatznik is a musician, dedicated environmentalist, philanthropist, and entrepreneur committed to fostering regenerative practices and sustainable systems. In 2015, he co-founded 42 Acres in Somerset, UK, with his sister Lara. Originally conceived as a retreat center for personal and social change, 42 Acres has evolved into a regenerative farm and nature reserve, emphasizing practices such as agri-wilding and foraging to promote a harmonious relationship with the land. 

In 2019, Seth co-founded the Be The Earth Foundation with Renata Minerbo, a hybrid organization that integrates impact investing and philanthropy to support regenerative food systems and environmental stewardship. The foundation collaborates with farmers, activists, entrepreneurs, indigenous communities, and wealth holders to create systemic change through innovative funding models. 

Seth also serves on the boards of organizations like The DO, contributing his expertise to initiatives focused on social impact and sustainable development.

MARY REYNOLDS

Acts of Restorative Kindness to the Earth

Monday, May 5 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM AEST

Mary Reynolds is an Irish landscape designer turned nature activist, renowned for her transformative approach to gardening and land stewardship. In 2002, she became the youngest contestant to win a gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show with her Celtic Sanctuary garden, a journey later depicted in the 2016 film Dare to Be Wild. 

As the founder of the global movement “We Are the ARK” (Acts of Restorative Kindness), Mary advocates for returning gardens and public spaces to nature, promoting biodiversity and ecological restoration. Her philosophy encourages individuals to become guardians of their land, fostering habitats where native flora and fauna can thrive. ​

Mary is also the author of The Garden Awakening and We Are the ARK, where she shares insights on rewilding and sustainable gardening practices. Through her writings and activism, she inspires a harmonious relationship with the natural world, emphasizing the importance of co-creating with nature to heal the planet.

HOLLY EVERETT

Wilding Wellbeing

Saturday, May 10 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM AEST

Holly Everett is a passionate educator, facilitator, and community weaver dedicated to creating spaces for meaningful learning and connection. As Director of Community at ThoughtBox Education, she leads programs that invite curiosity, reflection, and deep engagement with the world—supporting young people and educators to navigate complexity with compassion and courage.

With a background in English and Religious Education, Holly brings a love of story, questioning, and values-led learning to everything she does. She’s worked across the education and non-profit sectors for over a decade, developing impactful projects around wellbeing, climate justice, and social change.

Holly is also an Aspen UK Rising Leaders Fellow and co-host of the podcast Two Inconvenient Women, where she and Rachel Musson hold space for bold, thoughtful conversations. Her work is grounded in a belief that education can be a powerful force for healing, belonging, and reimagining the future.

https://thoughtboxeducation.com/

RACHEL MUSSON

Wilding Wellbeing

Saturday, May 10 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM AEST

​Rachel Musson is a dedicated educator, international speaker, and thought leader committed to transforming education for a sustainable future. As the founder and director of ThoughtBox Education, she champions the Triple Wellbeing approach, emphasizing care for self, others, and the planet. With over two decades of experience as a secondary school teacher and curriculum designer, Rachel collaborates with global leaders and educators to drive policy reform and facilitate workshops on regenerative education. An RSA fellow, she integrates empathy, critical thinking, and systems thinking into learning environments, aiming to empower students and teachers alike. Rachel’s commitment to fostering compassionate and connected communities reflects her belief in education’s power to ignite positive change.

https://thoughtboxeducation.com/

DR. BRIAN VON HERZEN

Regeneration Pollination

Tuesday, May 6 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM AEST

Dr. Brian Von Herzen is a pioneering scientist and systems thinker dedicated to restoring planetary health through regenerative ocean solutions. As founder and executive director of the Climate Foundation, he leads groundbreaking work in Marine Permaculture—restoring seaweed ecosystems that regenerate marine biodiversity, support coastal communities, and sequester carbon on a global scale.

With degrees from Princeton (Physics) and Caltech (PhD in Planetary Science), Brian combines deep scientific expertise with a visionary, action-oriented approach. After a successful early career developing technology systems for companies like Pixar, Microsoft, and Dolby, he turned his attention to one of the planet’s most pressing challenges: climate disruption.

His work now focuses on large-scale seaweed mariculture in places like the Philippines, offering nature-based solutions to food insecurity, ocean degradation, and climate change. Passionate about systems change, Brian’s work bridges science, technology, and ecology—offering hope for resilient, thriving oceans and communities in a warming world.

https://www.climatefoundation.org/

POPPY OKOTCHA

A Wilder Way

Thursday, May 8 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM AEST 

Poppy Okotcha is a permaculture and community gardener, author, educator and speaker dedicated to inspiring deeper connections with the natural world. Her book, A Wilder Way: How Gardens Grow Us, is a memoir that chronicles her journey of establishing roots in her Devon garden, illustrating how tending to a patch of land can cultivate personal growth and contribute to a better world. In this work, Poppy shares seasonal insights, foraging tips, and recipes, emphasizing the profound impact of engaging with nature on our well-being.​

Transitioning from a successful modeling career in 2016, Poppy pursued horticultural studies with the Royal Horticultural Society and became a certified permaculture designer. She has been featured on BBC2’s Gardeners’ World and contributes regularly to the Royal Horticultural Society podcast. Through her writing and speaking engagements, Poppy advocates for sustainable living and ecological gardening practices, aiming to empower individuals and communities to foster regenerative relationships with their environments

JAMES MCLENNAN

Wilding Young Hearts in Gardens

Thursday, May 8 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM AEST 

​James McLennan is a sustainability educator and advocate dedicated to reconnecting communities with their food sources. As CEO and co-founder of Farm My School, he collaborates with schools to transform underutilized land into regenerative farms that provide fresh produce and hands-on learning experiences. With over 15 years in the sustainability sector, James has designed and delivered diverse educational programs aimed at fostering environmental stewardship. He also leads Grassroots Sustainability, focusing on promoting local, seasonal, and nutrient-dense food choices. James’s commitment to sustainable food systems was recognized with the Jamie Oliver Food Hero Award for Food Entrepreneur of the Year in 2024. His work emphasizes the importance of community engagement and education in building resilient, sustainable futures.

AARON SORENSON

Wilding Young Hearts in Gardens

Thursday, May 8 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM AEST 

Aaron Sorensen is a dedicated permaculture educator and designer with over two decades of experience in fostering sustainable communities through environmental education. As co-founder of Elemental Permaculture, he has collaborated with various schools and community groups to establish ‘Living Classrooms’—dynamic garden spaces that serve as hubs for experiential learning and community engagement. Aaron’s work emphasizes connecting individuals with nature, promoting resilient urban food systems, and nurturing environmental stewardship. His innovative approach has been instrumental in integrating permaculture principles into educational curricula, inspiring transformative change within the Illawarra community and beyond.

https://elementalpermaculture.wordpress.com/

MATT BIBEAU

Wilding Young Hearts in Gardens

Thursday, May 8 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM AEST 

Matt Bibeau is an experienced permaculture educator, land steward, and sustainability advocate based in Portland, Oregon. At Jean’s Urban Forest Farm, he integrates ecological design with hands-on learning, cultivating both food and community in a forested urban setting. With a background in Environmental Science and a Master’s in Sustainability Education, Matt has long focused on bringing permaculture into schools, neighborhoods, and city landscapes.

Since earning his Permaculture Design Certificate in 2006 with Toby Hemenway, Matt has co-taught courses across North America and Japan, including urban-focused trainings with City Repair. His work combines deep ecological knowledge with a practical, grounded approach to regenerative living.

Matt serves on the boards of the Permaculture Institute of North America and the Oregon Sustainable Agriculture Land Trust, and is passionate about connecting people of all ages to land, food, and community. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to cultivating a more just, resilient, and connected world.

https://www.nurturebynature.info/our-team

https://www.pdxpermaculture.org/

ROSEMARY MORROW

Permaculture Aid

Sunday, May 4 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM AEST 

Rosemary Morrow is an iconic elder in the permaculture movement, with over four decades of experience in sustainable land management and community development. As a permaculture educator and humanitarian, she has worked in regions across Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, empowering communities with the tools for sustainable living.
Rosemary is the author of Earth Restorer’s Guide to Permaculture (formerly Earth User’s Guide to Permaculture), a comprehensive manual that offers practical solutions for land restoration and self-reliance. She co-founded the Blue Mountains Permaculture Institute in Australia, fostering environmental and social resilience through education.
A passionate advocate for permaculture in refugee camps, Rosemary has demonstrated the power of regenerative practices in challenging environments. Her life’s work continues to inspire communities worldwide to live more harmoniously with nature, making her a beloved figure in the permaculture community.

https://melliodora.com/catalogue/earth-restorers-guide-to-permaculture/

CHRISTOPHER ZELOV

FILM SCREENING: Ecological Design

Sunday, May 4 9:00 AM – 10:45 AM AEST 

Christopher Zelov is a filmmaker, author, and advocate for sustainable design, best known for his influential documentary Ecological Design: Inventing the Future. Co-directed with Brian Danitz in 1994, the film showcases pioneering designers who have advanced sustainable architecture, energy systems, and urban planning. It has received multiple awards and continues to inspire audiences worldwide.

Beyond the film, Zelov co-authored Design Outlaws on the Ecological Frontier, featuring interviews with leading designers and further exploring the principles of ecological design. Through his work, Zelov has played a significant role in bringing sustainable design concepts to the forefront, encouraging a harmonious relationship between human development and the environment.

https://mubi.com/en/ph/films/ecological-design-inventing-the-future

RUPERT READ

Transformative Adaptation

Saturday, May 10 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM AEST

Rupert Read is a philosopher, environmentalist, and author deeply engaged in addressing the challenges of climate change. In November 2024, he published Transformative Adaptation: Another World Is Still Just Possible with Permanent Publications. citeturn0search8 This book introduces the concept of Transformative Adaptation (TrAd), advocating for systemic societal changes to better navigate and mitigate the impacts of climate breakdown.

Co-director of the Climate Majority Project and Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at the University of East Anglia, Rupert has also contributed to various publications, including The Guardian and The Ecologist. His work emphasizes the urgency of reimagining societal structures to foster resilience and healing in the face of environmental crises.

MADDY HARLAND

Permaculture and Rewilding

Thursday, May 8 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM AEST

Maddy Harland is a passionate permaculture teacher, author, and advocate for sustainable living. In 1990, she co-founded Permanent Publications with her late husband, Tim, a venture that has been dedicated to sharing permaculture wisdom with the world. A couple of years later, they launched Permaculture Magazine, which has become a cherished resource for so many in the global permaculture community.

Maddy’s deep connection to the land shines through her work in rewilding and woodland care. Together with Tim, she designed and planted one of the UK’s oldest forest gardens, transforming a bare field into a thriving, edible landscape. In her new home in North Devan, she is caring for a beautiful woodland and focussing on supporting biodiversity and rewilding.

Maddy’s book, Fertile Edges—Regenerating Land, Culture, and Hope, reflects her life’s work in land regeneration. Through her writing, teaching, and conservation efforts, Maddy continues to inspire others to live more harmoniously with the Earth.

CHRIS EVANS

Permaculture Design Adventures

Tuesday, May 6 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM AEST

Chris Evans is a passionate permaculture educator, designer, and social entrepreneur whose work has had a profound impact on sustainable farming and community development. Co-founder of Applewood Permaculture Centre in Herefordshire, UK, Chris has dedicated his life to teaching people how to live in harmony with nature. His most significant work, however, has been with the Himalayan Permaculture Centre (HPC) in Nepal, where he has spent decades helping rural communities adopt sustainable farming practices that respect both the environment and local culture. Chris’s remarkable contributions were honored with an MBE, recognizing his role in transforming lives through permaculture. His continued work with both HPC and Applewood inspires people around the world to regenerate landscapes and create resilient, sustainable futures.

LOOBY MACNAMARA

Permaculture Design Adventures

Tuesday, May 6 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM AEST

Looby Macnamara is a deeply thoughtful and experienced permaculture teacher, designer, and author whose work has significantly influenced sustainable living and community development. Since 2002, she has been teaching permaculture and co-founded Designed Visions, a leading teaching and consultancy venture. Looby also served as chair of the Permaculture Association Britain and is a senior diploma tutor. She lives on a 20-acre smallholding in Herefordshire, where she runs the Applewood Permaculture Centre, an education and demonstration center for sustainable practices.

As an author, Looby has published several influential books, including People & Permaculture, 7 Ways to Think Differently, and Cultural Emergence. Her upcoming book, Design Adventures: Discover a Creative Framework for Effective Change, is set to be released in 2025. This book introduces the Design Web, a framework and toolkit Looby developed to facilitate personal and collective design processes. The Design Web empowers individuals and groups to manifest projects, behavior changes, and processes that align with their values and aspirations.

Through her writings, teachings, and practical applications, Looby continues to inspire and equip people worldwide to design regenerative systems and cultivate sustainable communities.

RUBY REED

Rewilding Our Hearts and Minds

Friday, May 9 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM AEST

Ruby Reed is a dynamic community builder, curator, and creator dedicated to fostering transformative education and ecological awareness. In 2015, she co-founded Advaya, a platform that explores the intersections between ecology, society, and well-being. Her passion for connecting people with the natural world led her to co-found Earthed in 2023, an initiative focused on ecosystem restoration and nature skills. Ruby also serves as a curator for Medicine Festival, bringing together voices that inspire regeneration and cultural renewal. With a background that spans from art history to yoga therapy, she weaves together diverse disciplines to invite individuals into a deeper relationship with themselves, their communities, and the Earth.​

Learn more about her work at www.advaya.life and www.earthed.co.

ROB HOPKINS

How to Fall in Love with the Future

Friday, May 9 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM AEST

Rob Hopkins is a creative visionary and a driving force behind the global transition movement. As the co-founder of Transition Towns, he has inspired communities around the world to reimagine a more resilient, localized, and regenerative future. A passionate storyteller and changemaker, Rob believes in the power of imagination to spark real-world solutions to the climate crisis. His latest book, How to Fall in Love with the Future: A Time Traveller’s Guide to Changing the World (coming June 2025), explores how rekindling our collective imagination can help us shape a better tomorrow. With his infectious enthusiasm and deep commitment to community-led change, Rob brings hope, creativity, and action to every conversation.

Learn more about his work at www.transitionnetwork.org and www.robhopkins.net.

KATE RAWORTH

Doughnut Economics

Wednesday, May 7 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM AEST

Kate Raworth is a renegade economist rethinking the way we design economies for the 21st century. Best known for her groundbreaking Doughnut Economics framework, she challenges outdated economic models and inspires communities, businesses, and policymakers to create economies that thrive within the planet’s limits. Through her work with the Doughnut Economics Action Lab, Kate helps cities and organizations turn bold ideas into practical action for a just and regenerative future. With her clear, engaging style and big-picture thinking, she brings fresh energy to reimagining economics as a tool for human and ecological well-being.

Learn more at www.kateraworth.com and www.doughnuteconomics.org.

WANJIRA MATHAI

Restoring Africa’s Forests

Saturday, May 3 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM AEST

​Wanjira Mathai is a passionate advocate for sustainability, climate action, and reforestation. As the Managing Director for Africa and Global Partnerships at the World Resources Institute (WRI), she’s driving transformative initiatives that promote sustainable economic development. Following in the footsteps of her mother, Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai, Wanjira has dedicated her life to environmental justice, youth empowerment, and restoring landscapes across Africa. She has led key initiatives like the Green Belt Movement and the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative (AFR100), inspiring action worldwide. With her warm and dynamic presence, Wanjira brings energy, wisdom, and a deep love for nature to every conversation.​

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MATTIAS OLSSON

SHORT FILMS SCREENING: Once Upon a Forest & Humble Habitat

Thursday, May 8 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM AEST

Mattias Olsson, is the creator of Campfire Stories – a platform for film, sort of in the same way that Netflix is. But, if you imagine Netflix to be the supermarket on the edge of town, Campfire Stories is more like a veggie stand by a country road. Before he founded Campfire Stories, Mattias was a documentary filmmaker with Swedish National Television and worked as a photographer in New York. The films and podcast episodes presented at Campfire Stories focus on solutions and on the root cause of the troubles of our times. They aim to challenge the general feeling of “I’m just one person, what does it matter what I do?”. Mattias shares films and podcast episodes to inspire change towards ecological balance, human sanity and an alive future. He lives in Sweden with his family, on a little farm, and makes films about his local area.

https://www.campfire-stories.org/

JOHN D LIU

Ecosystems Restoration

Wednesday, May 7 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM AEST

In the 1980s and 1990s John D Liu worked as a television producer and cameraman for CBS News, RAI, and ZDF covering geo-political events including the rise of China from poverty and isolation and the collapse of the Soviet Union. In the mid-1990s the World Bank asked John to document the extraordinary rehabilitation of the Loess Plateau.

Since learning that it is possible to rehabilitate large-scale damaged ecosystems John has devoted his life to understanding and communicating about the potential and responsibility to restore degraded landscapes on a planetary scale. Since 2009 John has worked with Willem Ferwerda the Founder and CEO of the
Commonland Foundation, which is catalyzing privately invested large-scale restoration in many parts of the world. John is also the founder of the Ecosystem Restoration Camps movement that began in 2016 and has grown to currently 80 camps in 6 continents and continues to grow.

Mr Liu, has produced, filmed, written, directed and presented numerous films on Environment and Ecology for the BBC, National Geographic, Discovery, PBS and other networks. John also spent 3 years as senior research fellow for the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and has also had numerous academic fellowships in the UK, Netherlands, and the United States, China, and Costa Rica, John’s published and broadcast works are collected and available at: https://knaw.academia.edu/JohnDLiu

DONNA KERRIDGE

SHORT FILMS SCREENING: Rongoā Māori & Hua Parakore

Tuesday, May 6 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM AEST

Donna Kerridge (Ngāti Tahinga, Ngāti Mahuta) is a Rongoā Māori (traditional Māori healing) practitioner from Waikato, Aotearoa New Zealand who is deeply connected to our Earth and her wisdom. She is a humble advocate, healer and leader, passionate about indigenous practices that focus on healing and restoring our people and our Whenua (land). Donna is able to walk with ease in corporate and policy circles, bridging Western approaches with Indigenous Māori approaches to enable us to bring the best of our collective gifts forward. She advises a number of Government and educational organisations in this space to shape policy. She lectures and educates people of all ages in Rongoā, has studied Western health science and a range of Indigenous healing practices and is a sought-after leader. Deeply anchored in mātauranga Māori and in her intuition, Donna is a powerful facilitator, helping groups discover their own wisdom, their indigeneity and learn from each other in service of our Earth and future generations.

https://oranewzealand.com/

JESSICA HUTCHINGS

SHORT FILMS SCREENING: Rongoā Māori & Hua Parakore

Tuesday, May 6 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM AEST

Dr Jessica Hutchings is passionate about seeding and growing Māori food sovereignty. She is a kaupapa Māori research leader trained in the fields of environmental and Indigenous studies, and educator, farmer and author and is recognised as one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most influential and inspiring women in food and drink. She is dedicated to promoting cultural diversity and sustainability and living in ways that uplift the wellbeing of people and the land. Her current research includes a kaupapa Māori food stories project, Māori soil health and housing. Jessica is a Hua Parakore (Māori organic) farmer on a small family farm – Papawhakaritorito Farm. She is the author of Te Mahi Māra Hua Parakore: A Māori Food Sovereignty Handbook, Te Mahi Oneone Hua Parakore: a Māori Soil Sovereignty and Wellbeing Handbook and Decolonisation in Aotearoa.

Jessica Hutchings | Home

FRITJOF CAPRA

The Systems View of Life

Tuesday, May 6 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM AEST

Fritjof Capra, Ph.D., is an acclaimed scientist, educator, activist, and author of many international bestsellers, that connect conceptual changes in science with broader changes in worldview and values in society. He is co-author of Systems View of Life published by Cambridge University Press and teaches an online course based on this book, Capra Course. He’s a Schumacher College Fellow and a council member of Earth Charter International, and a deep ecologist. Fritjof recognises the importance of systemic permaculture responses to address the multiple crises humanity faces. He lives in Berkeley California with his wife and daughter.

https://www.fritjofcapra.net/

https://www.capracourse.net/

ANDREW MILLISON

SHORT DOCUMENTARY: Great Green Wall

Sunday, May 11 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM AEST

Andrew Millison is an agent for change who shares permaculture wisdom through expressions of art, design and multimedia storytelling. He creates films of epic permaculture projects across the planet and shares them on his wildly popular youtube channel. Some highlights are his series, “India’s Water Revolution”, featuring some of the most impactful large scale permaculture projects on the planet. Andrew is a speaker, designer and educator and as a member of the Horticulture Department, developed the permaculture program at Oregon State University (OSU).

https://www.andrewmillison.com/

DANIEL CHRISTIAN WAHL

Bioregioning

Wednesday, May 7 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM AEST

Daniel Christian Wahl – educator, speaker, activist, advisor, author, podcaster, grower – is one of the catalysts of the rising reGeneration and the author of ‘Designing Regenerative Cultures’ – so far translated into seven languages. He lives on Majorca with his wife and daughter, spending much of his time establishing his food forest – a demonstration site for the bioregion. He has been linked with the Global Ecovillage Nework for 20 years and has worked closely with Gaia Education.In 2021, Daniel was awarded the RSA Bicentenary Medal for “an outstanding and demonstrable contribution, through … design practice, towards an equitable and regenerative world. He teaches regularly at Schumacher College and collaborated to host the Designing Resilient Regenerative Systems MOOC

https://www.danielchristianwahl.com/

SATISH KUMAR

Wilding Education

Saturday, May 3 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM AEST

Satish Kumar is a world-renown author and international speaker, peace-pilgrim, life-long activist, and former monk, Satish Kumar has been inspiring global change for over 50 years. He undertook a pilgrimage for peace, walking for two years without money from India to America for the cause of nuclear disarmament. Now in his 80s, Satish has devoted his life to campaigning for ecological regeneration and social justice – with a strong focus on our relationship with food and farming. Satish is a great advocate for permaculture. He is also founder of The Resurgence Trust and Editor Emeritus of Resurgence & Ecologist – a change-making magazine he edited for over 40 years, and co-founder of Schumacher College. 

https://www.resurgence.org/satish-kumar/

HELENA NORBERG-HODGE

Ancient and Local Futures

Friday, May 9 8:15 PM – 9:15 PM AEST

Helena Norberg-Hodge, linguist, author, and filmmaker, is a visionary leader in the new economy movement. Founder of Local Futures and convener of World Localization Day, she champions community resilience and the revitalization of traditional wisdom. Her seminal work, “Ancient Futures: Learning from Ladakh,” and award-winning documentary, “The Economics of Happiness,” have inspired global localization movements. Helena’s latest book, “Local is Our Future: Steps to an Economics of Happiness,” underscores the imperative of localizing economies for sustainability. Recipient of prestigious awards including the Right Livelihood Award, her lifelong dedication to cultural and ecological diversity resonates globally, shaping a more just and interconnected world.

https://www.helenanorberghodge.com/

https://localfutures.org

BRENNA QUINLAN

Renegade Permaculture Music & Artivism

Sunday, May 11 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM AEST

Brenna Quinlan is an illustrator, educator, and climate communicator whose vibrant, accessible artwork brings permaculture, sustainability, and climate justice to life. Based in an intentional community in Denmark, Western Australia, she and her partner, musician and storyteller Charlie Mgee (of Formidable Vegetable), live what they teach—growing food, making music, and co-creating solutions.

Together, Brenna and Charlie hand-built their strawbale home using reclaimed materials and co-founded Grow Do It Permaculture Education, a joyful, creative initiative sharing practical tools for regeneration through art, music, and storytelling.

Brenna’s illustrations have featured in books, classrooms, and campaigns globally, translating complex issues into clear, empowering visuals. She illustrated Retrosuburbia and has collaborated with the UN, the Red Cross, and Costa Georgiadis, and is the artist behind the Permaculture Action Cards and Costa’s World children’s books. Her work invites people of all ages to engage with climate solutions through creativity, care, and connection.

https://www.growdoit.org/

https://www.brennaquinlan.com/

https://formidablevegetable.com.au/

ANSIMA CASINGA ROLANDE

Permaculture Frontiers

Sunday, May 11 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM AEST

Rolande is a dedicated and passionate permaculture and nutrition trainer for refugees, with a strong focus on education, nature, health, and well-being. She is a graduate of the Permaculture Education Institute and lead member of the Permayouth team in East Africa supported by the Ethos Foundation, and founder of community benefit organisation Folona. With a deep understanding through experience of the challenges faced by refugees, she strives to provide comprehensive training programs that empower individuals to rebuild their lives and integrate into their new communities through a combination of practical skills development, educational support, and promoting a holistic approach to well-being.

https://ethosfoundation.org.au

https://www.instagram.com/folona_/

HAFASHA JANVIER

Permaculture Frontiers

Sunday, May 11 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM AEST

Janvier is from North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo but is now a refugee living in Uganda along with hundreds of thousands of others from his region due to conflict caused largely by ongoing effects of colonisation and the current mineral exploitation. Janvier is passionate about supporting refugees, permaculture, sustainability and nature. He is the leader of Kyaka II Refugee Settlement Permayouth Hub and Director for HODARI Foundation that has supported over 5,000 youth in skills and leadership. He aspires to break the cycle of gender inequality, discrimination, poverty, food insecurity, climate change effects and transform lives of vulnerable refugees.

https://ethosfoundation.org.au

https://hodarifoundation.org/

MAIA RAYMOND

Designing for Practivism

Sunday, May 4 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM AEST

From an ecovillage in Australia, Maia Raymond is an 18 year old [pr]activist exploring the interdependencies between climate action, linguistics, artivism and philosophy. One of the co-founders of Permayouth, she experiments with what it means to create a space for young people to explore permaculture in meaningful and practical ways. She is currently studying politics, economics, philosophy and linguistics in university, and is taking time to delve into the structure of educational institutions in our societies – playing with ways that we can compost the old academia into something that can grow in our current political climate.

https://permacultureeducationinstitute.org/permayouth/

Morag Gamble is an international leader of the permaculture movement for change. She’s an acclaimed permaculture educator, presenter, humanitarian, author, podcaster, blogger, filmmaker, designer and gardener. In all of her work, Morag explores how we can live more peacefully and simply so that we may thrive together on this beautiful planet. Morag is the founder of Permaculture Education Institute & teacher of permaculture teachers and has led programs in 22 countries. For more than 30 years, she has collaborated with top minds across the globe, taught in communities and universities worldwide, and inspired millions to join the practical permaculture revolution.

https://permacultureeducationinstitute.org/

JEREMY LENT

Ecological Civilization

Tuesday, May 6 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM AEST

Jeremy Lent, described by Guardian journalist George Monbiot as “one of the greatest thinkers of our age,” is an author and speaker whose work investigates the underlying causes of our civilization’s existential crisis, and explores pathways toward a life-affirming future. He has two books – the award-winning, The Patterning Instinct: A Cultural History of Humanity’s Search for Meaning and The Web of Meaning: Integrating Science and Traditional Wisdom to Find Our Place in the Universe which offers a coherent and intellectually solid foundation for a worldview based on connectedness that could lead humanity to a sustainable, flourishing future. Jeremy is the founder of the Deep Transformation Network, a global community exploring pathways to an ecological civilization. He lives with his partner in Berkeley, California.

https://www.jeremylent.com

CHARLIE MGEE

Renegade Permaculture Music & Artivism

Sunday, May 11 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM AEST

Charlie Mgee is a musician, educator, and eco-troubadour best known as the frontman of the regenerative funk-swing band Formidable Vegetable. With infectious songs rooted in permaculture principles, Charlie has brought climate solutions to global audiences at festivals like Glastonbury, BOOM, and Woodford Folk Festival—sharing stages with acts like Radiohead and The Rolling Stones.

In his TEDx talk, “More than a tune: Make music with purpose, change your world”, Charlie explored how music can simplify complex ideas and spark collective action. His lyrics are both playful and profound, offering a soundtrack for the regenerative movement.

Together with his partner, illustrator Brenna Quinlan, Charlie co-founded Grow Do It Permaculture Education, and hand-built their strawbale home from reclaimed materials. Whether on stage or in the garden, Charlie uses rhythm and rhyme to spark curiosity and connection—reminding us that climate action can be creative, joyful, and rooted in community.

https://www.growdoit.org/

formidable vegetable