The Space Between Hunger and Hope: Finding Our Common Ground.

Professor Kate Auty: “S.O.S = start where you are, organise and show what you did. In the small town of Euroa, on a shire of 10,500 people, our theory of change is SOS. We always encourage people to start right where they are, take responsibility for change and organise to effect it, and show what we have done to inspire and enable others to do the same.”

Susan Fayad: “Delivering a legacy: taking the unsealed road to World Heritage. World Heritage is a big idea. It has status and conjures up the Taj Mahal, the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Great Barrier Reef. It can also send shivers down the spine of those wary of heritage protection, over-tourism and exclusive narratives. National governments and high-level experts have dominated this sphere for decades. Now First Peoples, local communities, and the need for sustainable development are taking centre stage.”

Dr Sophie Bickford: “How to build a vibrant, healthy and climate resilient environment. Local communities are the engine room in the response to the global biodiversity crisis. Their local knowledge, environmental stewardship and their many hands are critical to forging the solutions at scale that produce healthier river systems, woodlands, soils and native species populations, able to withstand the impacts of climate change. In Central Victoria, a region with more species than all of Europe, communities are working together to restore the ecological functionality of the region at scale. This is empowering many to act in a coordinated way to rapidly restore damaged landscapes and build climate resilience.”

Dr Greg Moore: “Trees are vital urban infrastructure essential to human development, health and well-being. They are key to the liveability, sustainability and affordability of the places where we live. How is it that at a time of climate change, the number of urban trees and the canopy cover they provide is diminishing in towns and cities every year. Those responsible for these decreases should be held to account. Those presiding over inappropriate development and utility clearing legislation that threatens trees and their canopy cover are negligent in terms of human development, health and well-being: they must be held to account.”

Aiden Choy and Kaley Chu: “The world’s biggest challenges require collaboration, and collaboration starts with connection. Our talk explores how fostering genuine relationships is essential for creating sustainable communities. Drawing from a project of having 100 lunches with strangers, we will share how small, meaningful connections can spark collective action, bridge divides, and inspire collaboration. In a world increasingly driven by technology and isolation, we argue that sustainability isn’t just about environmental efforts—it’s also about sustaining the bonds that bring people together. By creating opportunities for deeper human connections, many hands can work together to solve problems and build a more resilient and inclusive future for Bendigo and beyond.”

Sally Pymer: “Building Connections for a Sustainable Future: The Power of Belonging. A sustainable future depends on individuals finding a sense of belonging within a supportive community. Too many people experience loneliness, either because they are surrounded by the wrong company or feel unaccepted for who they truly are. Research shows that when people feel happy, accepted, and connected, it leads to better health outcomes, stronger relationships, and a more resilient society. By fostering authentic connections, we can build a healthier, more sustainable world for everyone.”

What if we had our own unique local currency for Djaara Country?

Photo credit: Leonie Van Eyk

What if money was created, not by banks in exchange for debt, but by communities in exchange for good deeds? Imagine if we had a monetary system that created, not scarcity, but abundance. One that was designed to offer security for the most vulnerable in our society, rather than preying upon them. One that celebrated the uniqueness of a particular people and place, and supported a shared community vision for economic resilience, security and thriving, rather than exploiting and exporting local sources of wealth to feed a global network of corporate elites.

Cathy Oke OAM: “Cities: Our Climate Change Superheroes” challenges us to reimagine cities as powerful climate solutions rather than just sources of emissions. While national governments debate, cities are becoming command centers for climate action - a role so crucial that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is preparing its first-ever special report focused on cities. Through examples from Bendigo to Singapore, Cathy Oke shows how 13,000 local governments worldwide are already leading bold climate initiatives, often outpacing national action. The future of our climate will be decided in our cities, and every citizen has a role in this transformation.

Jimmy Stanton-Cooke: “How Half a Beard Sparked a Movement. From a peaceful, disruptive protest to a national movement—how rewilding, reconciliation, and Indigenous leadership hold the key to restoring our forests and securing our future. The solution lies in rewilding, reconciliation, and Indigenous self-determination. Through the Heal Country, Heal Culture program, we’re working alongside Traditional Owners to acquire, restore, and regenerate critical ecosystems, ensuring both environmental and cultural survival. This is more than conservation—it’s about building a green economy that creates long-term employment, supports Indigenous enterprises, and aligns with 11 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. We can’t afford to wait. The future of Australia’s forests, biodiversity, and climate resilience depends on bold action now. This is how we move from destruction to regeneration, from extractive industries to sustainable solutions. The question is—will we be the generation that lets it all slip away, or the one that stands up to heal our country and culture?

Ivy Sheng: “Sustainable Living in an Unsustainable System. Every day, as a young person trying to live sustainably, I find myself up against a system that seems designed to prevent me from doing so. I can't shake the feeling that this struggle is entirely unnecessary - if only the system were better, we wouldn't have to work so hard just to achieve the bare minimum. Action is the antidote to despair. It's no use only talking to decision-makers without the backing of our communities. The climate justice movement is a people-powered movement, and without community, it's nothing more than empty slogans. Together, let’s discover how, with “many hands” working together, we can produce our way out of feeling powerless and build a sustainable future.”

Yashashwi Karki: “The Lived Experience of Women and Creating a Sustainable Future. Last year in a report UN mentioned that it will take is 132 years from now to achieve gender parity on a global scale. That is 1584 months of women being denied education, that many days to give women a seat on the table. It takes us that many years for us as a society to even stand a chance to work towards a sustainable future. Last year in a report UN mentioned that it will take is 132 years from now to achieve gender parity on a global scale. That is 1584 months of women being denied education, that many days to give women a seat on the table. It takes us that many years for us as a society to even stand a chance to work towards a sustainable future.”

Rob Miller shares an incredible story: what started as a few friends transporting small parcels of food to local charities has now grown into an organisation with hundreds of volunteers delivering tonnes of food each year. Today, FoodFilled is supported by a dynamic and diverse community of volunteers, including a large cohort of school and university students committed to making a difference.

Julie Fisher: “Many Hands Create an Inclusive Community. Entering the world of disability in 2005, we discovered an amazing world of support where people lift you up no matter what. Unfortunately, we also discovered a world of judgement. This world of judgement sees people staring, pointing, laughing and even making snide remarks towards someone creating a very uncomfortable space. It makes some people feel as though they shouldn't be in the community. Creating a world where it is more inclusive and accepting is so important so everyone can feel comfortable and live life as it should be lived. Raising awareness about this and letting people know how these actions make others feels creates a better community. The more people that stand up, the better. Many hands will make this achievable so that everyone can access the community safely and with confidence.”

Samantha Wittenberg: The Future Needs All Hands: Autism, Inclusion, and a Sustainable World. How the inclusion of autistic voices enriches communities and creates innovative solutions for sustainability by leveraging diverse ways of thinking.”

Jess Price: “Building a Sustainable Future Starts with You. Life consists of 5 elements - People, Innovation, Technology, Economics and Norms- and in the centre sits you. When you understand who you are, you learn the valuable contribution you can make to the world. When we all embrace and celebrate who we are, we create a world that benefits individuals, organisations and societies.”

The Community Empowerment Program is about …

Dr Stevie Carnegie: “Conscious Leadership for a Sustainable World. A symphony orchestra will have a great “many hands” with musicians playing a great many instruments. But without a good conductor coordinating those many hands, that magnificent symphony will never be enjoyed as intended. Similarly, the many diverse sustainability projects required for an ethically sustainable future for us all needs leaders to coordinate those outcomes. But not just anyone can take on that leadership role. The leader must be, what is now referred to as, a CONSCIOUS Leader.”

Cr Karen Corr: “Raising Hands to Raise Communities. In a world grappling with significant environmental challenges, the power of collective action cannot be overstated. My proposed talk, "Raising Hands to Raise Communities," explores the critical need for increased civic engagement and how we can inspire more individuals to contribute to local solutions. Drawing on over 15 years of leadership and community activation, I will delve into my journey from taking the initiative to become the inaugural President of the Bendigo Sustainability Group to founding Make a Change—a platform dedicated to mobilising community involvement.”

Aparajitha Arunachal: “Finding Your Voice: The Path To Your Success. "Finding your voice" is about embracing your authentic self, expressing your unique perspective, and unlocking the confidence to share your truth. It’s about shedding the layers of conditioning, tapping into your true essence, and using your voice as a tool for connection, empowerment, and success.”

Ben O’Brien from SolarPro Bendigo: “The top five costly mistakes and how to avoid them (when going solar).”

This interview with Kai Humphries will delve into Kai's journey from a tech-savvy teenager to an advocate for reconnecting with nature. The Unplug & Play campaign challenged Gen Z to put down their phones and embrace the outdoors, and Kai's inspiring story of paddling down Bendigo creek. Don't miss this opportunity to hear firsthand how Kai showcased the ecological importance of our waterways and promoting a healthier, more connected community.

Tavish and Caromy Bloom and Sonny Willis discussing and showcasing the way they have been involved in environmental initiatives at both school (Castlemaine Steiner’s Eco Club) and in their local Landcare group. Tavish and Sonny co-founded the school’s Eco Club and Tavish won the Victorian Junior Landcarer of the Year award in 2024 for his work with Post Office Hill Action Group in Castlemaine. Facilitated by Nicole Howie, North Central Catchment Management Authority.

Claire Wu: “Building the Sustainable Future Through Co-Regulation in Nervous System”. The concept of "many hands" speaks to the power of collective action for a sustainable future, emphasizing how each individual’s mental and emotional state can affect one another when we are coming together. Building sustainability through co-regulation involves people understanding their emotional state, triggers, fears and needs to create a resilient, conscious, and supportive environment. By actively engaging in co-regulation daily—building awareness, listening, adapting, and supporting each other’s emotional needs, individuals can collectively achieve lasting, positive change that no one could accomplish alone. This approach values each person's unique nervous system, fosters a sense of shared humanity and responsibility, and reinforces sustainable practices, creating a ripple effect that strengthens our community.”

Michelle Richardson: “Envision a World Where Healing Solutions Flow as Naturally as Our Blood. By empowering individuals to harness their body's natural cellular regeneration abilities, this idea can significantly impact society by reducing reliance on conventional treatments and fostering a more proactive approach to health. Less demands on our hospitals, mental health system, very lengthy wait list for surgeries, cut down the cost of health care, build a new inter - structure of new facilities non- surgical and Lymphology centres.”