Speaker Program
Join us for a range of free educational talks throughout the long weekend
Saturday May 4th - Sustainable Living
Sunshine Coast Biosphere
10:00 am | Kathryn Scott & Narelle McCarthy
The Sunshine Coast Biosphere is one of five in Australia, and over 740 within a world network of Biosphere Reserves, recognised by UNESCO as ‘learning places for sustainable development’. Learn more about what it means to live in the Sunshine Coast Biosphere and how you can play a part.
Kathryn Scott is a Strategic Project Officer within Sunshine Coast Council’s Biosphere project team, and enjoys the unique opportunity her role offers to work in partnership with the local and global Biosphere community. This includes supporting the Sunshine Coast Biosphere Coordinating Committee and Community Advisory Group – an inspiring, diverse and dedicated group of members who are passionate about contributing to a sustainable future for our region.
Narelle McCarthy is the Advocacy and Engagement Manager with the Sunshine Coast Environment Council and a member of the Sunshine Coast Biosphere Community Advisory Group.
Energy Positive Homes and Buildings: The Foundations for a Sustainable Future
10:30 am | Alex Hoffman, Habitance Architects
How can we house our community in 2024 and beyond? Alex Hoffmann, architect, local resident and Director of Habitance Energy Positive Architecture approaches each project with social, environmental, and economical sustainability, at the foundations. He believes in designing smarter, working with the environment, and thinking holistically is key. In Alex’s talk, he will be presenting his ‘LiteHouse’ designs, which are energy positive homes made from Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), grown here in QLD. Using this timber product creates opportunities to provide diverse housing options, mixed use communities and gentle, sustainable development within our region.
Habitance, is dedicated to designing with social, environmental, and economical sustainability at the core, and offers a unique combination of residential, civic, community housing, public transport infrastructure and urban design services. Director Alex Hoffmann is the brain behind the ‘LiteHouse’, an energy positive house design, constructed from Australian Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), and using local and recycled materials. These modern homes offer environmentally conscious owners and investors, the option to live partly, or entirely off grid, on both urban and rural blocks.
Composting toilets - an introduction
11:00 am | Jason Huff, EcoFlo
Jason Huff will be breaking down the innovative world of waterless composting toilets. From remote cabins to tiny homes, composting toilets are revolutionising sanitation practices.
These solutions operate without water, relying on natural decomposition to transform waste into compost. What’s more, they remain odourless through clever design and efficient ventilation systems. Join in as we uncover how these eco-toilets work and their crucial role in sustainable waste management.
Ecoflo Wastewater Management is an Australian manufacturer and retailer of waterless toilets and greywater systems. They offer environmentally smart and cost-effective solutions for domestic, commercial, off-grid, camping and accommodation-based purposes.
Community Co existence with the natural world
11:30 am | Mark Pearce, Message of the Lyrebird
Mark discusses the inspiring stories of community members who are transforming Australia into a society that protects, respects, and connects with the natural world that sustains us. Includes movie clips.
Mark Pearce is a multi award winning story teller at his hinterland production company, Balangara Films, which showcases humanities vital connection with the natural world.
Managing population growth in Sunshine Coast Regional Council
2:00 pm | Narelle McCarthy, Sunshine Coast Environment Council
With the Sunshine Coast, a biodiversity hotspot and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, experiencing exponential levels of population growth, how can we protect our environment, wildlife, biodiversity and liveability in the face of such pressures?
Narelle will discuss the ‘Holding the line – Reversing Biodiversity Decline” Report, the threats and opportunities for the Sunshine Coast region and its context within SEQ
Narelle McCarthy is the Advocacy and Engagement Manager with the Sunshine Coast Environment Council (SCEC). SCEC is the peak, not for-profit environmental advocacy organisation and Regional Conservation Council for the greater Sunshine Coast and surrounding regions and currently represents 60 member groups across the Noosa and Sunshine Coast Hinterlands, K’gari and along the coast from Cooloola to Yarun (Bribie Island) encompassing six dynamic catchments.
Passionate about nature from a young age, Narelle has been actively involved in natural resource management, conservation and related fields for the past 20 years. Narelle undertakes a wide range of activities, campaigns and initiatives focused on improved environmental outcomes and the practice of sustainability and works closely with SCEC’s member groups who predominantly work in the areas of natural resource management, conservation, environmental restoration and protection, and sustainability.
Narelle is an Environment Sector board representative and Deputy-Chair of the SEQ Catchments Members Association and is an Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) Councillor for Queensland
Electrify Everything - Zero Emission homes
2:30 pm | Mark Purcell
Australia has the opportunity to lead the world. We are the first nation where using all electric zero emission appliances and vehicles will save every home money. We have access to the cheapest delivered electricity in the world – our rooftop solar – and this abundant energy can electrify our industries and generate an abundant future.
The best way to run households in the Sunshine Coast – for the wallet and for the climate – is to have all electric appliances and cars powered by clean electricity. It’s half the running costs of a fossil fuel home and it’s how we’ll have the biggest impact on climate this decade.
Mark Purcell, is an electrical engineer, and a fervent proponent of sustainable energy and climate change mitigation, Mark emphasizes the integration of market-linked electricity pricing, home automation, and energy-efficient technologies to minimize household expenses and ecological footprint. Having effectively implemented sustainable energy measures in his own Noosa residence, he exemplifies the pragmatic advantages of adopting eco-friendly energy practices. Mark brings his expertise and dedication to fostering a sustainable future and is a significant contributor to ZEN Inc’s pursuit of a net-zero emissions community.
Sunday May 5th - Sustainable forests and agriculture, including gardening
Wings and Blossoms: How Native Plants Can Transform Your Garden into a Wildlife Sanctuary
9:30 am | Karen Shaw
Join Karen Shaw from Forest Heart ecoNursery for an enlightening presentation titled “Wings and Blossoms: How Native Plants Can Transform Your Garden into a Wildlife Sanctuary.” Discover the magic of local native flora and learn how incorporating a diverse range of native plants can attract an array of birds, bees, butterflies, and other vital pollinators to your garden. Karen will highlight the importance of increasing biodiversity in urban landscapes and provide practical tips for creating thriving ecosystems in your own backyard. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate nature and create a haven for wildlife right outside your door.
Karen Shaw is a passionate advocate for sustainable living, environmental education and native plant conservation. With a deep-rooted love for nature, Karen brings her expertise as the co-owner of Forest Heart ecoNursery, where she’s dedicated to promoting biodiversity through the cultivation of native plants. With a keen eye for botanical beauty and love of our unique ecosystems, Karen inspires others to embrace the wonders of the natural world. Whether she’s leading workshops, giving presentations, encouraging kids to be positive conservationists, or tending to the nursery, Karen’s commitment to environmental stewardship shines through. Join Karen on a journey of discovery and conservation, and together, let’s cultivate a greener, more vibrant future for generations to come.
Traditional Plant Use
10:00 am | Aunty Beverly Hand
Aunty Beverly Hand is a Kabi Kabi Traditional Custodian with immense knowledge, deep connection and intimate ties to the land and its flora and fauna.
As a respected Elder, Aunty Bev holds many cultural stories and knowledge of Indigenous plant life, traditions and history across South East Queensland, and has been involved in community conservation and education projects across the Sunshine Coast for over 30 years.
Join Aunty Bev for an educational talk about traditional plant and tree uses.
Restoring Habitat, connecting landscapes
11:30 am | Aleisha Keating, Hinterland Bush Links
Aleisha will provide an overview of Hinterland Bush Links’ projects that restore habitats and connect wildlife corridors across the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. She will discuss their Koala Habitat project which is strategically expanding and enhancing koala habitat on many properties in the region, by working closely with landholders, volunteers and Barung Landcare to plant trees and remove invasive species from these areas. She will also talk about their on-going Upper Mary Valley Weed Vine project which is working to remove invasive weeds around waterways in the Upper Mary Valley. Come along to find out how you can get involved in Hinterland Bush Links projects and support their important mission to empower and support landholders to improve landscape-scale wildlife corridors.
Aleisha is the Manager of Hinterland Bush Links, overseeing the implementation of its projects and programs. She loves the outdoors and the wonderful environment of the Sunshine Coast and Hinterland. She enjoys facilitating practical opportunities for local communities to help protect and restore the natural environment. Her environmental experience spans habitat restoration, natural resource management, hydrology and water quality, grant funding and sustainability education. Prior to managing Hinterland Bush Links, she worked for the Queensland Department of Resources, providing governance of natural resource management grant programs. Outside of work you’ll find Aleisha ocean swimming, bush walking, teaching yoga and meditation and her latest pursuit, attempting to make pottery!
Syntropic Agroforestry and Rainforest Restoration
12:30 am | Spencer Shaw
Bush Regeneration should be more than just killing weeds, which unfortunately is what so much “Natural Areas” management is all about. But inspired by decades of working with nature, Spencer will be discussing the methodologies of Successional Weed Management and Syntropic Practice in restoring our rainforests. Topics covered will include – reduce or eliminate herbicide use in revegetation, harvest the resources generated by “weeds” rather than just killing them, working with succession and last but not least … the crazy idea of growing food for you and wildlife while restoring our Rainforests!
Originally hailing from Lancashire UK, Spencer Shaw has lived in Maleny and Reesville, on Jinibara Country for 32 years. Along with Karen Shaw he co-founded Brush Turkey Enterprises ( 25 years ago) and Forest Heart ecoNursery (9 years ago). These businesses have pioneered ecological restoration work and indigenous plant propagation in SE QLD.
Restoring Soils with Life
2:00 pm | Sandra Tuszynska
Soil holds the majority of Earth’s biodiversity, driving nutrient and water cycles, feeding plants, us and all other life forms. Healthy soil ecosystems are composed of intricate relationships between plants and key microscopic organisms, which nourish, protect and support plant growth. Marvel at the wonders of the unseen world beneath your feet, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. Meet the microscopic soil superheroes and appreciate their vital role in nutrient cycling, plant nutrition and carbon sequestration. Learn how to support their superpowers in regenerative food production; drought and flood mitigation; ecosystem and biodiversity restoration; and climate balance.
Sandra Tuszynska (PhD) is a soil mycologist (fungi nerd) and a microbiologist who is crazy about soil ecology, ecosystem restoration and all creatures great and small. As a passionate science communicator, public speaker and educator, Sandra hopes to inspire others to cultivate soil biodiversity as the primary step is ecosystem restoration and food production. In her Soil Restoration Course, she describes the wonders of the soil life forms and their relationships, along with practical tools to restore our soils with life so we can regenerate our precious planet Earth.
The World of Fungi
2:30 pm | Queensland Mycological Society
The Queensland Mycological Society (QMS) provides a forum and a network for amateur and professional mycologists to share their common interest in macrofungi. QMS also encourages and supports the study and research of macrofungi, particularly in Queensland, through the collection, storage, and analysis of specimens.
Hear about the role of fungi in the ecosystem, and the importance of fungi in growing native plants.
Growing Rainforest Trees
3:00 pm | Cam Burton, Barung Landcare
Barung Landcare’s Rainforest Resilience program focuses on caring for, extending and connecting remnant rainforest patches on the Sunshine Coast hinterland, and has a particular conservation focus on the endangered and charismatic Southern Pink Underwing Moth.
In the race to provide more habitat, hear from Barung Landcare’s Nurseries Manager about how the organisation has developed specialist techniques in growing rainforest species through planting design to encourage fast growth and minimal weed disturbance.
Monday May 6th - Conservation and Wildlife
Saving the Pink Underwing Moth
9:00 am | Cam Burton, Barung Landcare
The Southern Pink Underwing Moth is restricted to subtropical rainforest and is dependent on one species of vine for survival – Carronia vine which needs a healthy rainforest canopy and understorey.
Hear about how Barung Landcare is working with a range of partners, landholders and community volunteers to help bring this species back from the brink of extinction, and how you might be able to help too!
Empowering Change – three actions we can all take to safeguard koalas
9:30 pm | David Mackenzie, Koala Crusaders
There are actions we can all take to help koalas, including changing our behaviour if we live in or near koala habitat; planting trees on our own land or joining groups that are planting; and becoming ambassadors for koalas to help spread the word to the broader community. It’s not too late.
Communications Consultant and Environmental Conservation Photographer with a lifelong passion for wildlife and wild places, David developed his passion for nature during his formative years growing up in the bush. David is in his third year as a Board member and Treasurer of Queensland Koala Crusaders Inc.
Backyards for Biodiversity – improving your backyard for nature
11:30 am | Ken Cross, Backyards for Biodiversity
In a time where global biodiversity is struggling every person could and perhaps should ask what can one do to make a positive contribution for nature. Backyards for Biodiversity SEQ exists to encourage residents, local government, and businesses to view the land that they manage through a lens of biodiversity.
Ken Cross is a birder, naturalist, and educator. He, with others, recently started the not-for-profit Backyards for Biodiversity SEQ Inc. He is currently convenor of Birdlife Sunshine Coast.
Bats, ecology and the future of our forests
12:00 pm | Carmel Givens, Bat Rescue
Bat Rescue is a non-profit volunteer organisation dedicated to the rescue of sick, injured and orphaned flying-foxes and microbats. Their ultimate goal is rehabilitation and release back to the wild, and participation in conservation projects which benefit bats and their habitat.
The Bat Rescue team will talk on the important role that bats play in the ecology of native forests,
Managing invasive plants and animals
12:30 pm | Rita Everitt, Sunshine Coast Council Biosecurity
Rita Everitt is the Biosecurity Technical Officer for Feral Animal Education and Control at Sunshine Coast Council.
Rita will discuss councils biosecurity programs and how they can assist landholders in managing invasive plant and animals.
Land for Wildlife
2:00 pm | Sunshine Coast Council
Land for Wildlife is a voluntary conservation program that supports participants in protecting, enhancing and rehabilitating native flora and fauna on their property.
Hear from the Land for Wildlife team and learn more about the wonderful benefits that being a Land for Wildlife property has on the local environment.
Our Amazing Invertebrates
2:30 pm | Ian McMaster, Barung Landcare
Ian McMaster is a long-term Land for Wildlife member and passionate environmental conservation advocate. Ian and his wife Chrissie live on Mount Mellum, on a 100ha property that they had gazetted as a Nature Refuge. Both of them are passionate about native plants, and have a broad interest in the ecological systems they care for.
Ian has been studying the species on his property for some time, and more broadly with a collective of scientists, with a particular interest in moths and other invertebrates.
Join Ian for a talk about the amazing world of invertebrates and their important roles in our forest ecosystems.