Working for something important and meaningful is painstaking work. A path laced with setbacks and disappointments, of fears and uncertainties. What if there was a way to better understand your own unique design - knowing what you do best, when you do it and why you do it? To go from throwing darts in the dark room of impact seeking to finding clarity and strength in deeply appreciating and connecting to what you are here to do and serve what is truly unique to you and you alone. And what about identifying where this overlaps with how you can have the biggest potential impact as a Climateer? In this session Finding Nature will deliver you Richard Burton to get started with understanding what you do best, how you do it and where that internal drive comes from. Richard is one of the most respected business executive, team and career coaches in Australia, having supported thousands of people in discovering their purpose and revealing the remarkable potential they have to be of service and create impact for the future they hope to bring about. We all need, especially when it comes to the context of work, jobs and careers. An onslaught of choices, ideas, dreams and role models means it’s easy to drift and meander with the current situation than to become clear in defining what you want to do, create and achieve.

Today many people would quite fairly consider advertising and marketing to be a major contributor to the climate crisis - studies show that 60% of GHG's result from household consumption. Advertisings role is to drive consumption. Studies also show that in developed countries the more advertising we are exposed to the higher our carbon emissions – in this regard Australia is second only to the birthplace of the consumer – the U.S. This session will share some of the work from the Change the brief education platform whilst facilitating time for attendees to workshop the immediate changes they can make.

In a week of action, hope, optimism, ideas, meeting and panels, Finding Nature will help you understand not what is possible, but what is necessary. In an age of consequences, where options have narrowed and reality offers difficult choices, do you wonder what will really make a difference?

The [largest dam removal project](https://news.mongabay.com/2024/10/largest-dam-removal-ever-driven-by-tribes-kicks-off-klamath-river-recovery/) in history was completed in October 2024 when four dams were removed from the Klamath River in California and Oregon. Suddenly, 676 kilometres of river was returned to being river. Salmon could run. Ecosystems were ready for restoration. Native American tribal ceremonies and cultural heritage practices are able to be reprised. Life flows once again. Decades of efforts to re-organise and tilt finance towards responsible investment, sustainability outcomes and respecting human rights have occurred in parallel to near yearly record emissions, a rise in authoritarian political leadership, ever-concentrated wealth and a collapsing civil discourse. At a time when there have never been more commitments from financial service organisations to sustainability, justice and equality we pass the dreaded 1.5C threshold. Pick your ESG topic and you don’t have to look too far to find a record breaking statistic from the last 12 months. So how can there be record levels of commitments and positive action at the same time that just about every form of deleterious real world problem seemingly worsens? When finance is the lifeblood of the modern economy, what are the equivalent of the Klamath Dam walls blocking the flow of life, where capital becomes a tool in the pursuit of the type of society we want to live in and not the end in and of itself. So what is happening in finance that is preventing the real flow of the types of capital we all know and hope can be deployed to create the future society we all imagine? A $43 trillion new economy opportunity over here. $178 trillion in losses over there in damages from a changing climate. A $7 trillion hit to Australian GDP just by not adopting a renewable energy future. Big sums. Numbers financiers salivate over you’d think? But apparently not. Finance sits at the heart of our economy. We work in it because we believe it can utilised as The Tool to bring about the futures we imagine. But blockages exist. What are they?

Note: This event is conducted by Climate Action Burwood-Canada Bay in partnership with City of Canada Bay. Attendance is by invitation only and numbers are limited. Reports, visuals of the event will be made available for public information.

First Nations Culture in Australia is the oldest living Culture in the world. Caring for land, sea and sky are our stories of sustainable practices and sustainable living. Experiencing and creating arts, as well as storytelling has the potential to be healing across cultures. Artist and designmaker, Debra Beale, will guide you through various First Nations sustainable textile practices in this workshop. After a full day of eco-dyeing and creating bush jewellery, you will leave with your own silk scarves and pieces to show friends and family.

Learn About Sustainable Fashion is a workshop designed for everyday people to explore the essential concepts of sustainable fashion and its impact on communities and the environment. The session dives into the world of fabrics and fibres, explaining the differences between the materials that make up our clothes. Practical tips on how to participate in sustainable fashion are shared along with garment care insights to extend the lifespan of clothing. The workshop invites attendees to imagine a future where sustainable practices change the way we wear and live with our clothes. By focusing on foundational concepts and actionable insights, this workshop empowers participants to make informed clothing choices for a better relationship with fashion for our future.

Children make up a third of the world’s population. They are least responsible for the climate crisis yet face the burden of its worsening impacts. Children are disproportionately impacted by climate change due to their unique physiological and developmental characteristics. The effects on their development, health, and education can be lifelong and irreversible. Indeed, a staggering 88% of the global disease burden associated with climate change is borne by children under the age of five, with greater impacts for children from marginalized backgrounds. Children are also agents of change in responding to the effects of climate change, whether as activists, campaigners, first responders, or peer educators. Their participation in climate decision-making critical to effective, long-term climate action. Despite these realities, children’s needs, perspectives, and voices are routinely invisible in climate decision-making, policy-making, and action. Hosted by UNICEF Australia, this expert panel discussion delves into the unique impacts of climate change on children’s health and wellbeing, and the services that are critical to their development, including early education, and mental health. It considers the solutions at the local, national, and Asia-Pacific levels, and explores the importance of investing in innovative forms of child participation in climate policymaking to ensure that interventions are targeted and effective.

The Blue Minds Newcastle Youth Ocean Leadership Summit brings together students from diverse schools to develop leadership skills, tackle eco-anxiety, and create real-world solutions. Through keynote talks, interactive workshops, and expert feedback, participants will gain awareness, build confidence, and craft action plans to drive positive change in their communities. The event fosters collaboration, resilience, and youth-led environmental leadership.

We are making decisions today that will shape the lives of future generations, yet too often, young people are not at the table. Future Generations Day is about changing that. This is your moment. Your voice matters. The day will open with a welcome to youth from Matt Kean Chair of the Climate Change Authority a dedicated advocate for climate action and the youth voice. He will set the tone for an inspiring and empowering event, calling on young people to claim their seat at the table and drive the change they want to see in the world. The youth keynote speakers will be: Eezu Tan, a proud Malaysian-Australian whose startup focused on using data to restore nature. As part of Australia’s delegation to COP29 in Azerbaijan, Eezu brings firsthand experience of what it means to be a youth leader in climate diplomacy. She will share her journey and insights on how young people can influence global policy and make their voices count on the world stage through writing and expressing their voice for change. Kal Glanznig, an ocean advocate on a mission to combat eco-anxiety, will speak on how young Australians can channel their climate concerns into leadership. With 67% of young people in Australia experiencing anxiety about the future of the planet, his work focuses on empowering youth to take tangible action and be at the forefront of Australia’s shift toward a regenerative economy. This event is not just about conversations; it’s about action. One of the key sessions will focus on how young people can create real policy change by writing to MPs, mobilising communities, and influencing decision-makers. Climate activists will share their experiences of turning grassroots efforts into legislative impact, proving that when young voices unite, they can shape the future. Climate change has become the number one concern for young Australians. This generation is the first to fully experience its effects and the last with the power to change its trajectory. The urgency has never been greater, and the moment to act is now. Join us live in Sydney or via YouTube livestream to be part of this defining moment. Whether you attend in person or tune in from rural Australia, your presence matters. We don’t want a single seat left empty. Be part of the generation that changes the course of history. Be a game changer. Coffee/tea and light breakfast pastries will be served in the Great Gallery Foyer from 8.15am Come and mingle, record a short message in our youth box, be part of amplifying the youth voice at Future Generations Day.

Climate Action Week Sydney | A Must-Attend Panel for Media & Storytellers The climate crisis is one of the biggest stories of our time—but are we telling it in a way that drives action or disengagement? Research shows audiences are switching off from headlines filled with disaster: ‘climate emergency,’ ‘megafires,’ ‘failed crops,’ ‘hottest year on record.’ So how do we shift the narrative and use media, advertising, and film to inspire solutions, not just highlight problems? This powerful session, led by Robyn Foyster (CEO of Women Love Tech and former Women’s Weekly editor), brings together a panel of top media professionals to explore how we can use storytelling to create positive tipping points for climate action. What’s at stake? • How journalists, filmmakers, advertisers, and influencers can drive change from the inside. • Why climate doom fatigue is real—and how to engage audiences with solution-driven storytelling. • The role of tech, social media, and brand messaging in mobilizing action. • How to navigate greenwashing in an era of disappearing fact-checking. Meet the Experts: • Robyn Foyster – CEO, Women Love Tech, ex-Editor Women’s Weekly • Angela Priestly – Co-Founder, Women’s Agenda • Chris Williams – Media Consultant, Kaizenco • Liz Courtney – International Climate Film Director This is a must-attend for journalists, filmmakers, advertisers, content creators, and media professionals looking to be part of the solution rather than bystanders to the crisis. Climate storytelling isn’t just about raising awareness—it’s about shaping the future. Join us for an eye-opening conversation on the power of media to drive real change.

Climate Action Week Sydney | A Must-Attend Panel for Media & Storytellers The climate crisis is one of the biggest stories of our time—but are we telling it in a way that drives action or disengagement? Research shows audiences are switching off from headlines filled with disaster: ‘climate emergency,’ ‘megafires,’ ‘failed crops,’ ‘hottest year on record.’ So how do we shift the narrative and use media, advertising, and film to inspire solutions, not just highlight problems? This powerful session, led by Robyn Foyster (CEO of Women Love Tech and former Women’s Weekly editor), brings together a panel of top media professionals to explore how we can use storytelling to create positive tipping points for climate action. What’s at stake? • How journalists, filmmakers, advertisers, and influencers can drive change from the inside. • Why climate doom fatigue is real—and how to engage audiences with solution-driven storytelling. • The role of tech, social media, and brand messaging in mobilizing action. • How to navigate greenwashing in an era of disappearing fact-checking. Meet the Experts: • Robyn Foyster – CEO, Women Love Tech, ex-Editor Women’s Weekly • Angela Priestly – Co-Founder, Women’s Agenda • Chris Williams – Media Consultant, Kaizenco • Liz Courtney – International Climate Film Director This is a must-attend for journalists, filmmakers, advertisers, content creators, and media professionals looking to be part of the solution rather than bystanders to the crisis. Climate storytelling isn’t just about raising awareness—it’s about shaping the future. Join us for an eye-opening conversation on the power of media to drive real change.

As climate change accelerates, cities are facing a new era of extreme weather, economic instability, and digital vulnerabilities. The need for climate-resilient urban design has never been more urgent. How do we build cities that not only survive but thrive in an unpredictable future? How can urban planning integrate sustainability, equity, and economic stability into its foundations? Join Loren Sorkin, Global CEO of Resilient Cities, alongside a distinguished panel of global experts, for an unmissable discussion on how design, planning, and materials are reshaping the way we build and govern cities. This session will explore the cutting-edge innovations driving climate adaptation, digital preparedness, and regenerative urban development, with insights from thought leaders at the forefront of sustainable city-building. The session will feature real-world case studies that showcase breakthrough solutions in urban resilience. Emma Bacon (Sweltering Cities, Australia) will share strategies for tackling extreme heat and creating cooler, more equitable cities. Loren Sorkin (Resilient Cities) will present Rotterdam’s water squares, a revolutionary design that mitigates flooding while enhancing public spaces. Caroline Pidcock will explore how regenerative design and nature-based solutions are transforming the built environment, while Scott Dunn (AECOM, Singapore) will discuss how innovative materials and net-zero design are reshaping sustainable construction. Gabriela Quintana Vigiola (UTS, Sydney) will offer insights into how urban design can foster social engagement in the cities of the future. This session goes beyond theory—it’s a roadmap for action. Our expert panel will discuss how policy, governance, and cross-sector collaboration can fast-track resilience strategies, ensuring cities are better prepared for the next climate shock. From extreme heat to flooding, from digital infrastructure to sustainable building materials, this event will challenge conventional thinking and spark new ideas for the future of our urban spaces. If you’re an urban planner, architect, policymaker, developer, or sustainability leader, this is the one session you can’t afford to miss. Join us and be part of the movement shaping the cities of tomorrow. Key Speakers and panel: 1. Gabriela Quintana Vigiola -Senior Lecturer Planning /UTS, Gabriela is an urban planning and urban design researcher with an interest in the construction of place. Her work explores the meanings that people associate with physical urban spaces and how those meanings are enhanced or diminished by the activities that happen within them. She is an advocate for the design and development of spaces that reflect the needs of local communities and the potential of construction of place as a tool for social justice. 2. Emma Bacon – CEO and founder of Sweltering Cities working with city communities in hot homes and hot suburbs to campaign for and win more liveable, sustainable and equitable cities and prevent heatwave disasters. 3. Scott Dunn via video Singapore - Chief Strategy Officer and Vice President (Asia) at AECOM and Executive Committee Chair of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Asia Pacific, participated as a panellist at the ULI Singapore-Singapore Land Authority (SLA) Geospatial Forum. Key topics included the role of geospatial technologies in fostering inclusivity, mitigating urban heat and driving decarbonization efforts 4. Caroline Pidcock - Caroline Pidcock has been shaped by the mighty water systems of the lands in which she was born (Grafton) and raised (Sydney) in NSW, Australia. She is inspired by the creative capacity of architecture and finding ways to explore potential for innovative and regenerative ideas bringing nature into the built environment. * Keynote address by Loren Sorkin, Global CEO of Resilient Cities

As climate change fuels increasingly destructive wildfires, the need for better preparation has never been more urgent. Fires are becoming larger, faster, and more unpredictable, creating dangerous conditions for both firefighters and communities. Traditional training is no longer enough. The question we now face is: how can we prepare for fires that defy expectations? This keynote address by Professor Dennis Del Favero, ARC Laureate Fellow and Executive Director of the iCinema Research Centre at UNSW Sydney will introduce iFire, a groundbreaking immersive technology using Ai, Virtual Reality, Media Design and Data Labs to create fires of the future. iFire places firefighters inside a virtual inferno, allowing them to experience and rehearse real-life fire scenarios before they happen. This cutting-edge training system, developed by the University of New South Wales’ iCinema Research Centre, is transforming how emergency responders prepare for extreme fire events It is not just about data—it is about experiential preparedness, ensuring that those on the frontlines can anticipate and react to the chaos of future fires with greater accuracy confidence and understanding of their potential behaviour, characteristics and sounds as our planet heats to 428 parts per million (ppm) will above the Earth’s safe operating system at 350ppm, with no sign of abating. Fire and Rescue NSW will share insights from the frontline, explaining how iFire is revolutionizing their training and decision-making. Technology pioneers will delve into the role of artificial intelligence and data-driven simulations in predicting fire behaviour, while policymakers and community advocates will explore how governments, businesses, and individuals can act now to mitigate fire risks. We are honoured to welcome Professor Dennis Del Favero, ARC Laureate Fellow and Executive Director of the iCinema Research Centre at UNSW Sydney. A globally recognized expert in immersive visualization and AI-driven training technologies, Professor Del Favero has been instrumental in developing iFire. His work is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge digital technology into real-world crisis training, ensuring that emergency responders are better equipped to handle escalating climate threats. This is not just a conversation—it is an immersive experience that will challenge perceptions and drive real change. With applications extending beyond firefighting to flood, earthquake, and extreme weather preparedness, iFire represents a new frontier in climate resilience. The world is burning, and the time to act is now. Join us for this compelling discussion and discover how cutting-edge innovation is shaping the future of disaster response.

From Inspiration to Action: Be Part of the Change with the Women’s Climate Congress. Are you asking yourself, “What can I do to help?” This is the session that will give you the answers. Join Janet Salisbury CEO of the Women’s Climate Congress, alongside a panel of engaged female climate leaders to share an unmissable keynote that will challenge the traditional notion of climate activism and inspire all women to take meaningful action. This is not just about protests or petitions—it’s about building a movement for systemic change that connects individual efforts to larger, transformative initiatives. Janet will reveal how collective action, deep collaboration, and gender-balanced governance are the keys to accelerating climate solutions. She will share practical ways you can contribute—whether through advocacy, grassroots initiatives, or creative expression. You’ll leave with a clear roadmap for engagement, equipped with strategies to amplify women’s voices in climate leadership and drive real impact. This sessions panel will include: Nattalie Issacs, founder of 1 Million Women and Author of 'Right Here Right Now' and 'Every woman’s guide to saving the planet'. Bec Blurton, a Ballardong Noongar advisor leads the way on how supporting Indigenous economies can help solve climate change Janet Salisbury, CEO Women’s Climate Congress, drives collaboration and partnership across Australia and Oceania, bringing women together to drive solution based initiatives. Liz Courtney, International Film Director, awarded Woman Changing the World in Media 2024 for her work in climate change. This session will ignite your sense of purpose and show you how to turn inspiration into action. Because when women unite, we don’t just demand change—we lead it. Don’t miss this powerful call to action. Be part of the movement. Be part of the solution. Book your ticket today.

We often hear about climate tipping points as looming disasters—melting ice sheets, vanishing coral reefs, and irreversible system collapses. But what if we could turn that concept on its head and use it to drive rapid, self-sustaining climate solutions? Join Professor Tim Lenton, a leading climate scientist from the University of Exeter, for a groundbreaking session that explores how we can trigger positive tipping points to accelerate solutions like renewable energy, electric vehicles, and clean heating technologies. Lenton, known for his pioneering work on climate risk, now focuses on how small, strategic shifts—such as policy mandates and incentives—can set off unstoppable waves of positive change in our economy and society. His latest research reveals the most effective ways to create self-reinforcing progress and why some climate solutions are already reaching critical mass. This keynote will be followed by a distinguished panel from the fields of science, technology, and nature based solutions. MC for this session is Liz Courtney, award winning international film director who was awarded Women Changing the World in Media in 2024 for her work in climate change. This session is a must-attend for policymakers, business leaders, climate advocates, and anyone looking for a hopeful, action-driven perspective on tackling climate change. Discover how we can harness the same forces that threaten our planet to save it—before it’s too late.

Connect @ Tech Central brings together key decision makers, businesses, universities, investors, supporters, government and stakeholders to showcase activity from across the Tech Central Innovation precinct.

Let’s round out the work week by diving into the power of our finances to shape a world that’s better for climate, nature and people - accompanied by good food and drink, of course! Ethical trading and shareholder activism startup SIX, together with leading ethical investment advisors Ethinvest are partnering up and would love you to join us. Here’s what to expect: - We’ll ease into the afternoon with nibbles, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options provided) and networking. - Enjoy a short and sweet panel discussion hosted by Blair Palese (Director of Philanthropy, Ethinvest) exploring how ethical investing and shareholder activism is for all of us, whatever amount of money you may have to play with! Blair will be joined by Adam Verwey (CEO and co-founder, SIX), Trevor Thomas (Managing Director, Ethinvest) and Christina Hobbs (co-founder of Verve Super). - We’re in talks with the Green Music Australia team to organise a musician to finish out the afternoon with a short performance. This event is open to everyone, whether you’re a seasoned ethical investor and/or shareholder activist, have just started dabbling in the space, or don’t know what it’s about but would like to learn. We hope you’ll step away from this conversation feeling inspired on how to use your money for good - and excited to be part of this big community of Ethinvest, SIX and many others using finance to create change.

As the world transitions away from a wasteful, extractive economy, circular business models are emerging as the key to building a more sustainable and resilient future. But what does it take to design a successful circular business? How do circular startups stand out against traditional, linear competitors? And what impact do they create for people and the planet? Boomerang Labs and Leila Alem invite you to a thought-provoking session during Sydney Climate Action Week, where we will explore how businesses are integrating circular economy principles to drive innovation, reduce waste, and unlock new market opportunities. The event will begin with two startup founders sharing their journeys in launching and scaling circular businesses. These speakers will discuss the challenges and opportunities of creating solutions that regenerate resources, extend product lifecycles, and create measurable environmental and economic benefits. Next, Boomerang Labs will present an overview of circular economy business models, highlighting key frameworks, successful case studies, and the broader impacts of transitioning to a circular system. This scenesetting will provide valuable context for the interactive workshop that follows. The second half of the event will be a facilitated workshop led by Boomerang Labs and Leila Alem. Attendees will work in small groups to analyse real-world circular business case studies and explore the circular opportunities for their own organisations to thrive. The workshop will include group discussions and exercises to: Identify the value proposition of each business and how it differs from linear competitors. Assess the efficiency and competitiveness of the circular model in terms of market demand, cost-effectiveness, and scalability. Explore the social and environmental impact, measuring how these businesses contribute to sustainability, climate action, and economic resilience. This session is designed to be highly interactive, offering hands-on learning opportunities for entrepreneurs, sustainability professionals, and business leaders. Whether you're already working in the circular economy or looking for ways to integrate sustainability into your business strategy, this event will provide actionable insights and a deeper understanding of circular innovation. Join us to connect with like-minded changemakers and discover how circular solutions can drive long-term success in a climate-conscious world.

Join us for a panel discussion and audience Q&A on making streets in Western Sydney safer for kids, cyclists and pedestrians. Learn from success stories and practical advice to push for change in your neighbourhood. Panelists: - Sara Stace, Better Streets - Jennifer Kent, University of Sydney - Parramatta Council Transport team (person TBD)