An important moment in global climate action and policy, COP26 also provides an opportunity to reflect on the innovations that are being developed locally in Victoria to address the impacts of climate change on our environment.

From fashion and agricultural production to ground-breaking scientific research and First Peoples knowledge, how are we addressing environmental sustainability and actions to protect our biodiversity?

As a public institution steeped in natural sciences, history and culture, Museums Victoria is a source of trusted knowledge in the community and is uniquely placed to foster conversations about the most important issues of our time. This conversation took place in October 2021.

If you would like to support Museums Victoria in presenting more programs of this nature and inspiring a future that is propelled by science, advanced through education and enriched by a shared humanity, we warmly invite you to make a donation.

Moderator

Holly Ransom, Chief Executive Officer, Emergent

Holly Ransom is a globally renowned content curator, powerful speaker and master questioner. In 2017 she was Sir Richard Branson’s nominee for Wired Magazine’s ‘Smart List’ of Future Game Changers to watch and has been named one of Australia’s 100 Most Influential Women by the Australian Financial Review.

Holly fights complexity with curiosity, apathy with empowerment and fear with fact. Her new book, The Leading Edge: Dream big, spark change and become the leader the world needs you to be, helps people harness their own potential to lead by asking better questions, thinking beyond biased answers, and building collective momentum for change.

Speakers

Dr Vicky Au, Engagement and Strategy Lead, CSIRO Hydrogen Industry Mission

Dr Vicky Au is Engagement and Strategy Lead for the Hydrogen Industry Mission at CSIRO, Australia's national science agency. CSIRO Missions are major collaborative research initiatives aimed at solving the greatest challenges on issues that matter the most for our quality of life, for the economy and for the environment.

After obtaining her PhD in Physics from the Australian National University (ANU), Vicky’s interests have been in facilitating stronger, more effective transfer of knowledge and information between commercial and research environments. She has achieved this through roles in strategic engagement and advice, building new and expanding advisory consulting services in Australia and overseas, and mentoring.

Maddison Miller, Research Fellow, Ecological Knowledge of Country, The University of Melbourne

Maddison Miller is a Darug woman, archaeologist, creative, and researcher at The University of Melbourne.

Maddi is interested in the bringing together of ways of knowing Country through story. She has previously held advisory positions as part of the National Environmental Science Program.

Her most recent storytelling work, Yilabara Ngara, is being showcased as part of Emu Sky, an exhibition of Indigenous art and stories exploring ecological knowledges in Melbourne.

Josh Murray, Founder, Josh’s Rainbow Eggs

At age 9 with 40 hens Josh Murray started his own free range egg business, Josh’s Rainbow Eggs. Twelve years later Josh’s hens lay eggs that are sold in over 80 Coles and Woolworths stores in Victoria.

During this time he has helped develop one of the most environmentally sustainable and innovative models of egg farming, using unique state-of-the-art solar powered mobile sheds. He has given talks to thousands of school children about his egg business. Giving eggs to those in need is an intrinsic part of his business, with 5% of total production being donated to a dozen food charities each week.

Bianca Spender, Founder and Fashion Designer, Bianca Spender

Bianca Spender is a designer at the forefront of Australian fashion. With a steadfast dedication to creating lasting and elegant pieces for the modern woman, she makes ethically accredited and sustainable clothing for the conscious consumer. Bianca’s background includes studying both Commerce and Fashion. She has extensive experience in European fashion, having worked as a stagiaire in Milan and spending 3 years with Martine Sitbon in Paris as a junior designer.

In 2004, she returned to Australia to design under Carla Zampatti and launched her own eponymous line in 2009. She has shown at Australian Fashion Week since 2010. Bianca Spender continues to be an iconic and revered Australian brand, with a commitment to a strong and sustainable future for Australian fashion.