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Treaties between First Peoples and governments have been signed in many other countries, like New Zealand and Canada, but until October 2025, Australia was the only Commonwealth country without a treaty with its First Peoples. Now, at last, Australia’s first Treaty is legislated, and on November 13, 2025, the Victorian Statewide Treaty Bill 2025 was officially given Royal Assent by the Governor of Victoria.What followed was the creation of Gellung Warl, the formalized, permanent umbrella name for the Assembly and its expanded structures under Victoria’s historic Statewide Treaty.While the Assembly operates as the negotiating body for Traditional Owners, Gellung Warl, (which means "tip of the spear" in the Gunaikurnai language), is the ongoing institution established by law to action the practical outcomes of the Treaty.Gellung Warl also provides independent oversight and accountability for Government on behalf of First Peoples. It continues the truth-telling and healing process so all of us who call Victoria home can understand our shared past, heal and move forward together.The First Peoples' Assembly continues to exist as the central, democratically elected decision-making arm within Gellung Warl, and in the recent (2026) Assembly elections, EarthChat regular, Levi Power, was re-elected as one of four North East Regional Representatives of the Assembly.Levi Power joins Ruth Yeatman and Phil Bourne on EarthChat to explain more about the different aspects of Gellung Warl, and to fill us in on Victoria’s Statewide Treaty journey over its first six months since being legislated, other exciting developments, and what’s planned for the next six months.Thanks to FPAV for giving us permission to use this Photograph The First People’s Assembly of Victoria in front of Victoria’s State Parliament building with outgoing Co-Chairs centre front: Ngarra Murray and Rueben Berg (term: 2023 - 2026)Footnote: The 2026 newly elected Assembly members of all five regions Victoria chose their new leadership team at the Assembly’s inaugural meeting in early May this year - Meriki Onus and Djaran Murray-Jackson were elected to serve as the next Assembly Co-chairs.For the latest news and speeches by the outgoing Chairs of FPAV, Ngarra Murray and Rueben Berg: https://gellungwarl.org/news/You can explore the elected representatives on the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria website. For the latest updates on current negotiations, upcoming treaties, and official resources, you can also visit Victoria's Treaty portal.And for ANTAR’s Treaty Fact Sheet: https://antar.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Treaty-in-Vic-Factsheet-V5_March-2026.pdf
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Would you risk physical injury, sexual assault and more from a foreign militia just to get baby food and emergency supplies to people cut off from humanitarian aid?Violet Coco did and was prepared to take on these risks because she knows the people of Gaza have endured and continue to endure so much greater hardships and suffering. Why?Violet is a previous guest on EarthChat (one of our most popular conversations) when she talked about her motivation and actions to highlight the climate crisis and her determination to speak truth to power and to those who want to sweep the world's problems under the mat. She is back on our program this week, having recently returned to Australia after her participation in the global flotilla, an international effort to highlight the appalling conditions faced by people in Gaza and the impact of Israel's war on their land. In the last 2.5 years, 72,900 Gazans have been killed with over 173,000 injuries. Lifesaving medicines, food and emergency supplies continue to be blocked by Israel from getting to the Gaza Strip.Violet and other people on the boats were abducted in international waters, taken to Israel, assaulted and expelled. Since their return to Australia, their stories have been met with silence and no real interest from government. Violet's involvement in the flotilla is part of her commitment to environmental and social justice. She sees that issues of global heating, geopolitical alliances and irreparable climate damage are all linked and that all Australia and the whole global population are suffering because of empires, companies and institutions which are colluding to prevent real justice.Violet is a passionate, eloquent and convincing exponent of non-violent protest and she walks the talk. Listen in to EarthChat this week when she talks about the experience of the flotilla, her commitment to social and environmental justice and the importance of connecting local actions to global issues.
SHOW NOTES:https://www.theage.com.au/environment/climate-change/there-s-no-bridge-too-far-for-this-climate-activist-s-cause-20250415-p5lruf.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violet_CoCo
https://www.patreon.com/u77513512
https://linktr.ee/FreeGazaAustralia
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This week on EarthChat, we discus a range of environmental issues that affect us here in Mitchell shire as well as those that affect our wider lives.
Forecasts of very high humidity in our warming world causing health problems.
How fungi contribution to a healthy soil and healthy forests
What we mean by tipping points in nature and why they are important.
Wallan wallan Regional Parkland improving development in the south of Mitchell Shire.
The limiting of the inland rail. It will not reach into Queensland as planned.
Beverage internodal freight Transport and the effects on road transport.
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This week, Tim chats with Ellen Hunt from the “Impossible Dairy”, which is showing an "udder" approach to dairy farming. What if a small, regenerative dairy could not only produce milk, but also restore soils, retain water, and even help tackle climate change? And what if this little dairy could attract digital dairy devotees from across the world?Tim and Ellen explore how this bold experiment works in practice. From cows as ecological allies to the science of soil health and carbon, the discussion digs into how farming can shift from extractive to regenerative. It’s a look at both the promise and the challenges of building a system that aims to be environmentally positive, not just sustainable, and to get interest from across the internet with fascinating and thought provoking reels, videos and posts.Whether you’re passionate about food systems, climate solutions, or simply curious about where your milk comes from, tune in to discover how one small dairy is asking big questions—and why its answers might matter far beyond the farm gate.Want to learn more and join the thousands of the Impossible Dairy's followers? Check out their Facebook and Instagram feeds.
Some links from the show:https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bnWoqxMTh_M&ra=mhttps://www.groundbreakingpress.com/https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vpTHi7O66pI&ra=mhttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lGJoNXBLfQ0&ra=mhttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vHDXWgzeplA&pp=iggCQAE%3D&ra=m -
Many Australians do not know what a treaty is or could involve. To help answer this question and explore other major issues surrounding Indigenous-State treaty-making, Ruth is joined by Uncle Charles Pakana who is the founder and editor of Victorian Aboriginal News, which focuses primarily on Treaty, Reconciliation, Truth-telling and the sharing of positive First Nations stories from across Victoria. (See fuller bio below)Commonwealth countries with treaties, like New Zealand and Canada, report that all members of society benefit. Treaties move a nation from a foundation of conflict to one of mutual recognition, respect, stability, partnership and equity. By formalizing rights, acknowledging past injustices, and providing a framework for self-determination, treaties offer economic, social, and symbolic advantages for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations, and most importantly, lay the ground for unity and a shared cultural interchange which inevitably enriches the society.Until November, 2025, Australia was the only Commonwealth country without a treaty with its First Peoples, who as we know have lived on this continent and cared for country for 65,000 years, long before the British invaded and colonized Australia, without consent. Australia was therefore built on the denial and exclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with tragic consequences, including 438 (known) massacres which severely depleted the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations; and the late 1800s saw the beginning of the forcible removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, with large scale removals continuing until the 1970s.Join us to hear the facts about how Treaty will work to benefit all Victorians, and ultimately the whole country as other States investigate Treaties with indigenous people living in their regions. Uncle Charles will clear up any misinformation to help us sort fact from fiction and become better informed.BioCharles Pakana (born Keir Wells) is an Aboriginal man of Tasmanian descent, yet identifying strongly as an Aboriginal Victorian. He is the second of three successive generations of Aboriginal journalists - his father, Fred Wells, having been the Industrial Correspondent at the Sydney Morning Herald up until his death (the result of his active service during WWII), and his daughter Karina Wells, a trainee journalist at Victorian Aboriginal News: https://vicaboriginalnews.com.au/
Charles is the founder of and editor at Victorian Aboriginal News, which focuses primarily on Treaty, Reconciliation, Truth-telling and the sharing of positive First Nations stories from across Victoria. He is an ex-infantry soldier (nine years) and, along with his journalistic work, which is carried across numerous Victorian community radio stations such as 3KND, Triple R and Phoenix FM, and the VAN Talks podcast, is a high-profile public speaker across the state, advocating for Treaty and Reconciliation. -
Listen to EarthChat this week. Jacqui Fulton and Mark Lyons are exploring the truth about renewables, working their way through quite a few interesting topics of huge relevance to our times, including:
The gap in availability of solar and other renewable power, which are being directly affected by wars.
The reasons behind the drop in solar and battery prices, why are they collapsing.
The misinformation that is in the community surrounding renewable energy.
Why e-bikes are the latest thing to be disliked.
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This week on Earth Chat we discuss all the ways to minimise our prolific and destructive use of plastics in our lives. Can we eliminate the use of single use plastics?What is the major damage that they cause and can we learn to use alternatives? What did we do before plastics became available? It's actually fairly recent history that they have been available.
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What if regional communities owned their own power instead of multinationals? What if that power came from reliable renewables, instead of fossil fuels controlled by foreign powers and at risk to global geopolitics? What if locals got the dividends instead of big companies?The Goulburn Community Energy Co-operative in NSW (GCEC) is doing exactly that, all through the power and ownership of their own co-operative. Originally conceived in 2014, and supported by a feasibility study in 2016, the GCEC was formed in mid-2020 as an investment vehicle to produce and sell local, solar-powered energy. Anyone in the local region can invest in this project, receive a return on their investment, and be part of a community-led initiative to reduce Goulburn’s carbon footprint by producing electricity in their own region.Community energy projects are financed and owned by the community, who control, manage and operate the project. The community also share in the profits. There are many variations in Europe and the USA, and while it is a relatively new concept in Australia, there is now increasing interest in the idea.Interested? On EarthChat this week, we explore the power of the GCEC - and all co-operatives - with Michael Pilbrow who lives and works in the Yass Valley, NSW. Michael is a passionate advocate for rural and regional Australia. Michael has 16 years’ experience in supporting cooperative development. He co-founded the National Health Cooperative, Australia’s largest primary health-care co-operative, with around 32,000 active members. Michael has supported co-operative development and advised consumer and producer groups across a range of sectors in regional Australia, including aged care, childcare, sport and agriculture. Read more here: The co-op connecting everyday Australians to the renewable energy revolution - BCCM and here: Home - Goulburn Community Energy CooperativeAlso https://www.ngardaraproject.org.au/and don't forget the wonderful song Flag Day, which we didn't get to play! https://open.spotify.com/track/2YfuRUAfi2mmSbx4t9ehae?si=453436a216db4e6e
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Ruth Yeatman invites Phil Bourne and Russell Fisher to join her to reflect on the interconnected crises threatening humanity and the planet today, primarily driven by climate change, extreme poverty, and geopolitical conflict.“Humans are social beings. We need to communicate, make connections, share how we feel, and truly listen to what others are going through. And to do all this, we need to talk. Not just quick messages or scrolling through social media updates—but real, meaningful (in person) conversations that help us feel understood and connected”. (David Kilcullen, Professor of War Studies at UNSW Canberra and an influential author and scholar of irregular warfare, urbanisation and the future of conflict) Coming together with others to make sense of these crises allows us to share our innermost feelings and connect with and learn from others. Together we more easily find the courage to turn toward our fears, face potential conflict and reach across difference, and to find pathways that lead us to more peaceful ways to meet our world.Join us as we reflect, explore, and question these times we find ourselves living in…Russell Fisher is an ecologist, strategist and adventurer. He has been actively involved in social, economic and environmental justice issues in different parts of the world for more than half a century. A degree in Ecology & Natural Resources Management has involved him in many environmental campaigns and projects, and a number of governance roles including past President of Environment Victoria and Chair of Bioregional Australia. Russell’s primary focus is in helping leaders, teams and communities create the space to cut through complexity and tackle their most stuck challenges. His main work with leaders and teams is on strategy, leadership development, governance, innovation, and problem solving. He has worked across a broad array of subjects including water, energy, climate change, environmental protection, waste, forests, natural resources management, health and well-being, community and economic development, transport, property development, community legal services, housing, media. A number of projects have helped his clients win national awards in training and development, sustainability and community action on climate change.Russell lives on a small property in the Central Highlands with partner Sue, where they are part of their local Landcare, and through a partnership with the local CMA, have dedicated 20% of their property to conservation and catchment protection.Phil Bourne was born and bred in Melbourne, Phil completed a bachelor of applied science (Occupational Therapy) in 1981 and then worked in support services for people with an intellectual disability.He moved to the Seymour area in 1984 where he co-founded Commonground, an organisation supporting social and environmental justice by hosting, facilitating, and generally supporting groups working in these areas including asylum seekers, aboriginal, peace keepers, and environment groups.Phil has also worked in local community development including being the inaugural Community Development Officer at Mitchell Shire, and a volunteer on groups such as The Seymour We Want, Mitchell Youth Affairs, Seymour Neighbourhood Renewal Project, and BEAM - Mitchell Environment Group, and Allies Supporting Treaty Seymour.Phil is currently spreading his time between work at Commonground and a new project called The Cape, a developing eco village at Cape Paterson.Thank you to johnhain for his image.
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The reason for discussing this topic is that national and global demand for flowers is increasing due to a number of factors such as: increasing urbanisation and reduced opportunities to garden; a desire to bring “nature inside” for beauty and well-being, at home and in business and event settings.The Australian industry generates about US$ 812 million currently and is expected to grow another 4% by 2031 due to resilient and regular consumer demand and a growing export market for our native flowers, regarded as distinctive and low water consuming.The industry is under pressure from increasingly aware domestic and business consumers to adopt sustainable practices that will protect ecosystems and workers in the growing, distribution and waste management phases of production and use. Education of suppliers, florists and consumers is improving and we will discuss some of the exciting initiatives underway locally and internationally.Our EarthChat guest is Rita Feldmann, the Founder and Education Director of the Sustainable Floristry Network (SFN), an independent body creating a new standard for floristry based around sustainability principles. Rita is based in Melbourne and there are many Australian members of the organisation with strong interest from international partners in the industry and at universities and other research facilities on their “No Floral Foam” and waste minimisation and reuse initiatives. More information can be found at:
SHOW NOTES
Sustainable Floristry Network, www.sustainablefloristry.org
Grown not Flown (currently on pause)
Victorian flower farmer invents award-winning app encouraging people to buy local - ABC Newshttps://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2023-05-18/rural-vic-woman-of-the-year-buy-local-app/102356038
Sustainability in Floristry: Eco-Friendly Practices and Techhttps://thegeekinsights.com/sustainability-in-floristry-eco-friendly/
Tips for improving sustainabilityUse locally sourced flowersReduce/eliminate floral foam useSustainable PackagingIntegrated pest management to minimise chemical use and increase ecosystem health through using natural predators, companion planting etcComposting floral waste in organic/green waste streamsDigital tools eg soil moisture, humidity control to maximise efficiency in application of water and energyEducating consumers to not expect products that are out of season or a long way from their climatic zoneOngoing Learning and training of practitioners, growers and distributors so they can each play their part more effectively in the supply chain.Essential Sustainable Practices Shaping Floriculturehttps://thursd.com/articles/sustainable-initiatives-in-floriculture
Www.sustainablefloristry.org
Flowers 2030 is an industry education program for florists committed to transforming their practice for a sustainable future
Floriculture Sustainability Initiative https://wwwfsi2030.com
Sustainability Planning Templates | Sustainabloomhttps://sustainabloom.org/sustainability-planning-templates
Helix Australia www.helixaustralia.com.au
This company specialises in breeding, licensing and marketing of new and improved varieties of Waxflower and Boronia for both cut flower and landscape sectors. These flowers thrive in drier climates and require less water in cultivation and can be grown in poorer soils so less fertiliser is required and their flowers support pollinators and other aspects of local ecosystems to promote biodiversity.
Climate Hero www.climatehero.org.au
Reducing emissions and ecological footprint through a Carbon Calculator and other educational materials to assist businesses and individuals to take action on their resource usage and day to day practices.
River Gum Florist, 32 McIntyre Street, Seymour
www.rivergumflorist.com.au
This business sources local flowers wherever possible, seeks to reduce plastic whenever they can and their floral waste is used by a local goat farm so there is good recycling of nutrients.
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Marie chats with Michael Watson from the upper Plenty Merri Creek Landcare Group about the enormous diversity across Mitchell Shire. We look at the various different environments that are represented across the Shire.
There are particular issues affecting the areas from the high level of development in much of the south to the need to protect organisms in the forests and farmlands. They also discuss the issues that Council will be examining in their biodiversity plan.
There are also plans for recreational tracks and parks in the Shire, including the wallan wallan and Bald Hill to Merri Creek parklands.
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Seymour Vet, Andrew Hogan, and wildlife rescuer and carer, Jenny Oakley, join Ruth to discuss the impact of the recent fires that caused tragic losses of livestock and native wildlife, not to mention the cruel experience of being burnt alive. As well, we’ll hear how we (humans) are generally managing our duty of care for wildlife, farm, and domestic animals.As of 2019, over 30 countries formally recognized non-human animal sentience in their legislation, officially acknowledging that animals can feel, perceive the world, and experience emotions like pain and joy. Legal Status: Animals are often legally redefined from "property" or "objects" to sentient beings or living creatures.The Australian Capital Territory is the only State that has passed this legislation. The rest of Australia still treats animals as property and is yet to recognize animals as sentient. Victoria is the only State considering passing this legislation but has again postponed tabling it in the parliament.What will it take to expand our level of awareness to view our domestic animals as companions rather than as belongings - not as a right but rather, as a responsibility?The RSPCA continue to be the managers of connection between human and animal welfare, such as addressing animal abandonment due to family violence or financial hardship. Still they are not government funded and therefore hold the status of a non government community based charity with over 90 - 97% of its funding coming from donations, fundraising, legacies, and appeals.How do Councils support the RSPCA with raising awareness with residents to ensure animals in the Shires are being well cared for? Are their less strays out there? Cats in particular go feral to survive which we know is drastically adding to the destruction of our wildlife, including endangering many bird and marsupial species, and already whole species are lost due to wild cats. Cat curfews are not enforced with many cats still out overnight. Perhaps we need to lobby Councils to subsidize cat runs, like the worm farms they offered at a discounted price to residents some years ago…..?We learn more about the important and invaluable role Vets and Wildlife carers play in our world, and what we can do to support them, and their incredible tireless and heartfelt service.You too can train in these fields as well as become a volunteer at a shelter. Join us to learn more about how to get involved, and for what promises to be a rich and heart warming program.Key Wildlife Rescue Services & Contacts near Seymour and in Victoria
Wildlife Victoria: 03 8400 7300 (Emergency response, 24/7).Wildcare Victoria (Tarcombe/Seymour Area): 03 5790 4193 (All wildlife, specializes in adult macropods).
Trawool Wildlife Shelter (Seymour): 0429 268 680 (All wildlife, specialises in reptiles).
LnLz Wildlife Care & Rescue (Strath Creek): 0407 063 331 (Bushfire relief and rescue).
To find out if you identified the birds sounds you heard at the end of Segment One, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhlE13EqjJk
To find out how you can take better care of your cat and the environment: kb.rspca.org.au Also look up Responsible Cat ownership on the portphillip.vic.gov.auThank you to Andrew Morrison for your Wallaby photo - Watching Humans -
What do you do when you see someone’s house being stolen or confiscated, their olive trees chopped down, their ground water diverted. What do you do when you see someone’s child stopped at a military checkpoint and harassed by soldiers who won’t let them get to school? What do you do when all these crimes are excused or ignored or the victims blamed?John and Di are part of a group which has decided they needed to bear witness to this erasure. Both have recently returned from Palestine, where they were living for three months among Palestinian people who constantly experience these and other harassments, theft, assaults and terror. All because these people are in the wrong place and because their land, roads and water are required for illegal Israeli settlements or an expanded Israeli state.John and Di are Ecumenical Accompaniers, part of a program of the World Council of Churches. The program has responded to requests from church leaders in Occupied Palestine to create an international presence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, to walk alongside communities, offer a protective presence, witness and report on human rights violations, and stand in solidarity with the local people. John and Di were volunteers in this work, taking leave from their professional roles to respond to what seems to be ignored, illegal actions in the Holy Land.On EarthChat this week they speak of their experience, the reality of life on the ground for Palestinians, how their connection with land is being erased as well as the courage of the people enduring occupation. This is the forgotten part of the Middle East conflict, overshadowed by the invasion of Lebanon and bombing of Iran, but it is important that we remember and bear witness to what is happening here.Some useful links:Australian Palestinian Advocacy Network www.apan.org.au
Act for Peace https://actforpeace.org.au/
A recent article from The Guardian on settler violence: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/22/israeli-settlers-carry-out-series-of-west-bank-attacks-as-security-forces-stand-by
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Our guest this week is local environmental legend Jacqui Fulton. Mark Lyons talks to Jacqui Fulton from Broadford about her connection to various conservation groups. Her work on various aspects of Biolinks and biodiversity recovery is a fascinating topic and of interest to local and other listeners. Be ready too for a discussion about the environmental damage caused by wars. Now there is a current issue!This week, we have included the music in the program, provided by the incredibly talented Mark Lyons, host and musician. Thanks Mark!
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Our guest this week is Dr Christlina Zdeneck from birdlife Australia. We discuss the major problem caused by the poisons commonly used to kill rodent pests. These poisons are readily available and widely used. The problem is that they are slow acting and when birds of prey kill the poisoned rodents the poisons accumulate in their bodies over time and sicken them. The birds then become ill and are often killed on the roads. There is plenty of evidence that this is a widespread local problem.Dr Christina Zdenek is a former Fulbright scholar, a conservation biologist and hepatologist. In 2021 she was one of the ABC's top five scientists. She currently works with birdlife Australia in Queensland.
Sign the petition to protect owls from rat poison:
https://birdlife.org.au/protect-aussie-birds-from-deadly-sgar-rat-poisons/ -
Imagine 3,000ha of beautiful wetlands linking Merri Creek and the Southern reaches of Mitchell Shire. Imagine a space to be used by 200,000 people that would preserve natural beauty forever, maintain wetlands and habitat for all kinds of species. This proposed parkland, extending north from the existing marram baba Upper Merri Creek Parklands, would protect a significant green corridor – comprising both environmental refuges and outdoor recreation areas – within Melbourne’s rapidly expanding northern growth corridor.
Rob Eldridge, local campaigning champion and former Mitchell Shire Councillor is a key member of the wallan wallan Regional Parkland Alliance, a local group (which includes BEAM) campaigning hard for this park to be established. See their website and petition here. Rob has been advocating for the park’s establishment since 2010. Through his work with the Wallan Environment Group, and long-term commitment to the local region he has contributed to a vision for the parkland aiming to balance conservation, recreation, and cultural heritage.Want to hear more about this exciting vision? On EarthChat this week, Rob talks through the dream of this parkland, the work that has been undertaken on the feasibility study and the work that would be required to make it a reality. Listen in and learn what you can do to make sure this wonderful idea becomes a reality.
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As a follow on to last Tuesday’s program on Eco-Anxiety, we now shine the light on Eco-Grief, a profound sense of loss felt in response to the negative impacts of global warming on the planet. It is an experience of deep sadness about the consequences of environmental degradation of our air, land, and waters, and the subsequent loss of many species, along with natural systems’ breakdown on our precious planet.
While Eco-Anxiety focuses on the anxious anticipation of environmental problems and their potential impacts, Eco-Grief centers around the emotional response to the actual loss and damage in the environment that has already occurred and continues. Both are interconnected responses to negative environmental change that often require validation and action to manage.
To help understand the impact of Eco-Grief, and ways we can work with it, Ruth’s joined by The Euroa Arboretum’s, Cathy Olive and Libby Woodhouse, along with Alison Trethowan, who is the facilitator for the newly formed Granite to Goulburn Biodiversity Recovery Alliance - an alliance of local environmental groups, (which includes The Euroa Arboretum, ‘The Arb’), who are working together to restore the Granite to Goulburn landscape following the Longwood bushfires of this January. https://www.biodiversityrecoveryalliance.com
Eco-Grief is especially present at this time due to these recent Victorian bushfires - some of which are still burning. Nearly 500 human homes have been confirmed lost along with 15,000 farm animals, and countless native animals have suffered and perished, along with their natural habitat.
We’re beginning to talk about what climate change is doing to us not just what needs to be done about it. Acknowledging and expressing our grief is a starting point for naming what we’re feeling, allowing us to see that this is a collective experience, and that it’s okay to feel this way. This is especially critical for young people who need to be able to experience ‘active hope’ for a healthy future for the planet.
Indigenous people are more consciously aware of their kinship with the natural world so we can only imagine how intensely personal their ‘eco-grief’ must be.
Cath, Libby, and Allison are passionate conservationists and regenerative nature gardeners, inspired by landscape restoration that cultivates and supports biodiversity of natural habitat for wildlife to thrive. Cath works alongside Traditional Owners to best manage Country to also create positive environmental outcomes whilst balancing the needs of community and farmers.
With decades of experience between them, all three guests continue to offer significant leadership in environmental restoration education enabling many people to reconnect with nature and participate in programs that help restore biodiversity in their region.
Libby is know as ‘a local national treasure’. Quote from Cath: “If anyone can turn around Eco-Grief, it’s our Lib!” Her successful restorative care for the Seven Creeks bush in Euroa has inspired others to join her, and learn from her, bush gardening techniques. “Libby is a tireless worker and volunteer… Her energy and interests seem unstoppable“. In the 2022 Australia Day awards, Libby was named Strathbogie Shire Citizen of the Year. “Her passionate concerns are for both the environment and the community”.
Alison works in environmental education in projects like ‘RiverConnect’ in Shepparton, as well as running her own small business, ‘Find Your Feathers’, which aims to re-connect people with nature for the physical and mental health benefits that comes with spending time in Nature. Previously a Social Worker in both youth work and mental health she brings with her valuable insights from experiencing and witnessing Eco-Grief in others.
Our guests will reflect how they overcome this profound sense of loss by acknowledging and validating the grief, along with seeking others who feel the same. We need to know we’re not alone. We’ll learn from their experience of how we can become stronger and more creative in finding innovative solutions to help us contribute to a healthier planet and our own collective healing.
Useful links:
https://www.biodiversityrecoveryalliance.com https://euroaarboretum.com.au/ The Euroa Arboretum Nursery will re-open on March 23, 2026Important Fire Recovery information published weekly for Strathbogie Shire & Surrounds GRANITE NEWS subscribe by emailing Pauline Roberts: [email protected] The Work that Reconnects (Joanna Macy) https://www.joannamacy.net/main) 2026 Work that Reconnects events in Australia Volunteering with Libby on The Seven Creeks, Euroa - Meet up at Mondays at 9 am at Saxon Parker Parker corner. Email: [email protected]://www.youtube.com/shorts/u4G5C5UTU5M Rewilding Workshops https://www.naturesapprentice.com.au/events -
The Rise of Eco-Anxiety: positive and practical ways to prepare for and process climate related events.
Climate anxiety is increasing worldwide and affecting a wide range of groups, especially younger people and other vulnerable groups such as older people and those with limited resources to take preventative action or adapt to climate risks. A 2023 Mission Australia study of 19 000, 15-19 year olds found that 60% have some level of concern about climate related events and 21% were very or extremely concerned.Older Australians are also vulnerable to heat stress and the effects of cold weather, however many lack the financial resources to install or use air conditioning which can lead to isolation and poor health outcomes. Essentially “Eco Anxiety” is a worry, fear or sadness and in some cases a “sense of doom” or helplessness and overwhelm related to natural events over which we have limited control. Often these stressful situations result in trauma, grief, loss of freedom and in some cases anger against Governments and organisations for their perceived lack of empathy and appropriate responses to the events or preventing future loss.
Links:
The Granite News - prepared by the Hughes Creek Catchment Collaborative this newsletter contains essential information on sources of help and community connection for anyone dealing with the impacts of the fires or who would like to be part of the recovery process. To get on the mailing list, Email: [email protected]
The Tiaki Promise www.tiakinewzealand.com
Kaitiakitanga – Guardianship and Conservation. It is a way of managing the environment and looking at the world in an interconnected way. This concept informs land and tourism management and ensures that future generations are equipped to hand down culturally important values www.environmentguide.org.nz www.kaitiakitanga.org
Qualmark program https://www.qualmark.co.nz
A highly regarded quality assurance organisation that helps Tourism businesses improve their sustainability and providing benefits to local communities and the broader economy.
Taupo Bungy Jump Sustainability Initiatives www.bungy.co.nz/environment
US Climate Resilience Toolkit Based around the concept of 72 hour resilience for all city infrastructure eg, power, water, supplies, relocation centres. Practical advice and suggestions for preparedness and self sufficiency
Climate Justice Toolkit Climatejusticetoolkit.org.au
This organisation highlights how climate change unfairly impacts groups who may already experience inequality, marginalisation and discrimination. The Toolkit provides free advice and resources for community service organisations to help with disaster resilience and social justice responses for all affected by climate events.
Parents for Climate
Champions for Climate Action within their communities and protect children with a safe environment and clean air for a better future https:// www.parentsforclimate.org
Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia
Connection and training to transform Australia’s response to environmental and climate issues https://wela.org.au
Psychology for a Safe Climate (PSC) https://www.psychologyforasafeclimate.org
PSC strengthens the emotional foundations of communities responding to critical climate and nature events. They recognise that climate change response is not just about science and policy but about feelings, emotions and cultures. They aim to provide relief, build resilience and empower systems change
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This week Marie chats with Julian Cribb. He is a very experienced science communicator specializing in environmental issues, the problems and what we need to do to alleviate them.
He has written several books including "The Earth System Treaty" which presents a plan for humanity going ahead and outlines the issue we are facing which will be central to our discussion. You can find out more about his book, The Earth System Treaty here: humanfuture.org/earth-system-treaty
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Tim chats with Anthony Radford about how stories can have a positive impact on how people think and act. Anthony grew up in Broadford and is now a Bendigo-based media professional who cares deeply about good storytelling and strong local communities. Through Radford Media, he works with community organisations, Traditional Owners and businesses to help them tell clear, honest stories about who they are and what they stand for, with a strong focus on regional voices. He has a lot of experience about communication strategies related to climate action. He was a journalist for 20 years and won a Walkley Award (a finalist twice!) and a Quill Award.He is one of the founders of Believe in Bendigo, an initiative that encourages pride, confidence, and connection in the city while respecting its history and diversity. It was very active supporting the planning application for a local mosque. Campaigning through story telling is a big part of his life and work. He has also been involved in campaigns to build a $630million hospital in Bendigo and a $110m pipeline to secure the city’s water supply. Both of which the city is benefitting from today.Anthony’s work is about sharing positive local stories and bringing people together, grounded in a belief that communities are stronger when people believe in their place and in each other. So much of his work has relevance for communities in Mitchell Shire, and the local and global issues we are struggling with at this time.
- Visa fler
