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2025 Program

Day 1 – 1 April
Day 2 – 2 April
Day 3 – 3 April

Day One – Tuesday 1 April, 2025

Day 1
:
April 1, 2025
11:00 am
–
4:00 pm
Pre-Forum Workshops
Ticketed Separately

Workshop offerings 'Warm Data' with Nora Bateson, ‘Elevating Consciousness' with Alexander Beiner, ‘Wellbeing Economics' with Julia Kim, 'Hope in Action' with Jenny Gray

Find out more
Designer note: the speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 1
:
April 1, 2025
5:30 pm
–
8:00 pm
Heritage Lawn
Autumn Equinox Welcome Gathering
A Celebration of Nature, Food & Community

A special evening to mark the beginning of the Wisdom & Action Forum - an opportunity to gather, honour the rhythms of the season, and enjoy a festive dinner in the garden.

Designer note: the speakers will only appear on the published site.

Day Two – Wednesday, 2 April

Day 2
:
April 2, 2025
8:00 am
–
9:00 am
The Packing Room
Registration Open
Lanyard collection and cloakroom available

Check in at registration and collect your lanyard. Get settled with morning snacks and a tea or filter coffee provided by Market Lane Coffee.

Designer note: the Speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 2
:
April 2, 2025
9:00 am
–
9:45 am
Magdalen Laundry Hall
Forum Welcome
Opening & Intention Setting

This forum is a space to explore the deep questions of our time with both wisdom and action. What principles should guide us? What policies, practices, and collaborations can we build together?

Designer note: the Speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 2
:
April 2, 2025
9:45 am
–
10:45 am
Magdalen Laundry Hall
The Fifth Element: Earth, Fire, Air, Water & Spirit
with Lesley Hughes, Rachel Lowry, Ewan Waller, Tishiko King and Danny Almagor

How do we influence nature and how does it shape us? Nature is wild and calls for humility and respect. How do we to coexist with nature, finding balance without causing harm to it or ourselves?

Designer note: the Speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 2
:
April 2, 2025
10:45 am
–
11:15 am
Break

A 30 minute break to grab a cup of tea and move into conversation circles

Designer note: the Speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 2
:
April 2, 2025
11:15 am
–
12:30 pm
Breakout Sessions
Follow what resonates and gather in smaller groups to listen, reflect, and engage in one of the sessions below.

11:15AM - 12:30PM

Designer note: the Speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 2
:
April 2, 2025
11:15 am
–
12:30 pm
Oratory
Self and Belonging
Rewilding and Reconnecting through Psychedelics
with Alexander Beiner, Paul Liknaitzky and Eleanor Gammell

Can psychedelics connect us to our deeper priorities, help us transcend group-based polarisation, and cultivate a greater sense of ecological belonging?

Designer note: the Speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 2
:
April 2, 2025
11:15 am
–
12:30 pm
South Laundry
Equality and Democracy
A Voice for Nature
with Pella Thiel, David Ritter, Simon Holmes a Court and Tamsin Jones

In some places around the world, nature is starting to have a voice, and legal rights. How can we shift from viewing nature as property to acknowledging its intrinsic value through legal frameworks?

Designer note: the Speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 2
:
April 2, 2025
11:15 am
–
12:30 pm
Community & Linen Room
Business and Economics
Financing Change or Changing Finance
with Dara Parker, Alison George, Dan Pediaditis and Claire O'Rourke

From green investments to impact funds to reimagining economic models, how can we shift the way we think about money, business, and economic systems that prioritise repairing our planet over profit?

Designer note: the Speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 2
:
April 2, 2025
11:15 am
–
12:30 pm
The Salon
Nature and Environment
Ecosystem Intelligence
with Peter Apell, Sally Sherwen, Morag Gamble and Kirsty de Garis

We’ll explore the fascinating world of ecosystem intelligence, uncovering how nature 'speaks' to itself and, more importantly, how it is trying to communicate with us right now.

Designer note: the Speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 2
:
April 2, 2025
11:15 am
–
12:30 pm
Magdalen Laundry (Side Room)
The Built Environment
Rewilding Education
with John Stewart, Cathy Wilkinson and Mietta Symons-Joyce

The way we educate the next generation needs to evolve. How can we innovate and integrate environmental principles and a deep respect for the natural world into the core of our education systems?

Designer note: the Speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 2
:
April 2, 2025
12:30 pm
–
1:25 pm
Industrial School Canteen Hall & Sacred Heart Courtyard
Lunch

Local and Seasonal nourishment from Chef Chase White and the Slow Food Catering team

Designer note: the Speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 2
:
April 2, 2025
1:30 pm
–
2:00 pm
Magdalen Laundry Hall
Through our Eyes: In the Wild
with Peter Apell and Jenny Gray

Designer note: the Speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 2
:
April 2, 2025
2:00 pm
–
3:00 pm
Magdalen Laundry Hall
Can Technology Save the Planet?
Panel discussion with Alexander Beiner, Helena Norberg-Hodge, Lisa Miller and Matt Kuperholz

Can we reconcile the desire for innovation with the need for ecological balance? How do we bring these seemingly opposing forces into harmony, or will progress lead us further from the living world?

Designer note: the Speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 2
:
April 2, 2025
3:00 pm
–
3:30 pm
Break

A 30 minute break to grab a cup of tea and move into conversation circles

Designer note: the Speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 2
:
April 2, 2025
3:30 pm
–
4:30 pm
Breakout Sessions
Follow what resonates and gather in smaller groups to listen, reflect, and engage in one of the sessions below.

3:30PM - 4:30PM

Designer note: the Speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 2
:
April 2, 2025
3:30 pm
–
4:30 pm
Magdalen Laundry (Side Room)
Nature and Environment
Planetary Boundaries – The Environmental Metacrisis
Cathy Wilkinson, Alison Whitten and Claire O'Rourke

Can true democracy exist in a world where ecological limits are breached? How can we build a global movement for equality and democracy that takes local needs into account?

Designer note: the Speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 2
:
April 2, 2025
3:30 pm
–
4:30 pm
South Laundry
Business and Economics
Business as a Force for Good
Lisa Miller, Adam Milgrom, Mariam Azzo and Danny Almagor

Together, we’ll examine the role of incentives, corporate responsibility, and the potential for business-driven tech solutions - can we trust businesses with the well being of the planet?

Designer note: the Speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 2
:
April 2, 2025
3:30 pm
–
4:30 pm
Community & Linen Room
Self and Belonging
The Old Narrative is Dead
with Joshua Yeldham, Dane O'Shannassy, Erica McCalman and David Ritter

How do we share the urgent yet hopeful narrative of nature and the ecological crisis in a way that inspires action and connection? Can we shift people from overwhelm into positivity and participation?

Designer note: the Speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 2
:
April 2, 2025
3:30 pm
–
4:30 pm
The Salon
Equality and Democracy
Scale vs Intimacy
with Helena Norberg-Hodge, Ronie Mak and Pella Thiel

How do we balance the drive for global solutions with the need for local action, and where do we find the space to play in between? How can we bridge the gap between globalisation and localisation?

Designer note: the Speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 2
:
April 2, 2025
3:30 pm
–
4:30 pm
Oratory
The Built Environment
Ancient Wisdom in a Modern World
with Indy Johar, Julia Kim, Oliver Costello and Mele-Ane Havea

What can we learn from ancient knowledge systems that will help us rethink our relationship with the natural world and each other?

Designer note: the Speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 2
:
April 2, 2025
3:45 pm
–
4:30 pm
Mercator Lawn
Equine-Guided Meditation
with Beatrice Imbert & Peter Bland

This unique practice combines mindfulness with the presence of horses, helping you connect with your inner peace and enhance emotional awareness in a serene, supportive environment.

Designer note: the Speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 2
:
April 2, 2025
4:45 pm
–
5:30 pm
Magdalen Laundry Hall
Rewilding our Hearts and Lands
Keynote with Ben Goldsmith (Virtual) and Berry Liberman

Exploring the profound connection between the restoration of the natural world and personal transformation. We’ll discuss how healing the earth can rescue our inner landscapes.

Designer note: the Speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 2
:
April 2, 2025
5:30 pm
–
6:30 pm
Unwind & Recalibrate

With the official program over for the day, choose from drinks and mingling in the courtyard, a walk through nature, or a meditation session with horses

Designer note: the Speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 2
:
April 2, 2025
5:30 pm
–
8:30 pm
Sacred Heart Courtyard
Forum Feast
Courtyard gathering with dinner & drinks

Wrap up the day with a laid-back evening of delicious bites from our curated food trucks, set in the cozy courtyard atmosphere. The perfect way to relax, mingle, and unwind with fellow attendees.

Designer note: the Speakers will only appear on the published site.

Day Three – Thursday 3 April

Day 3
:
April 3, 2025
8:00 am
–
9:00 am
The Industrial School
Tea, Coffee and Morning Mingle

Tea, Filter Coffee and morning refreshments provided by Market Lane Coffee. Optional meditation with the horses behind Magdalen Laundry.

Designer note: the speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 3
:
April 3, 2025
9:00 am
–
9:10 am
Magdalen Laundry Hall
Forum Welcome

Designer note: the speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 3
:
April 3, 2025
9:10 am
–
9:45 am
Magdalen Laundry Hall
Through our Eyes: The Art of Nature
with Joshua and Jo Yeldham

Designer note: the speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 3
:
April 3, 2025
9:45 am
–
10:45 am
Magdalen Laundry Hall
Meeting in the Meadowverse - Communication is Life
Keynote with Nora Bateson

Developing the idea that nothing in nature exists in isolation, Nora will discuss how our human systems have fragmented us and how to listen to deep-time wisdom and think like Nature's ecosystem.

Designer note: the speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 3
:
April 3, 2025
10:45 am
–
11:15 am
Break

A 30 minute break to grab a cup of tea and move into conversation circles

Designer note: the speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 3
:
April 3, 2025
11:15 am
–
12:30 pm
Breakout Sessions
Follow what resonates and gather in smaller groups to listen, reflect, and engage in one of the sessions below.

11:15AM - 12:30PM

Designer note: the speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 3
:
April 3, 2025
11:15 am
–
12:30 pm
South Laundry
Nature and Environment
Save or Savour? How We Live
with Nora Bateson, Tyson Yunkaporta and Eleanor Gammell

Do we fight to save the world, or do we simply savour its beauty? We explore the tension between grief and love, urgency and presence—how we hold both the pain and wonder and show up for this time.

Designer note: the speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 3
:
April 3, 2025
11:15 am
–
12:30 pm
Oratory
Business and Economics
Can Regenerative Agriculture Really Feed the World?
with Hayley Morris, Gadi Kenny, Jo Barrett and Danny Almagor

Can we make regenerative agriculture accessible and scalable to meet the growing global demand for food? What support is needed for businesses, farmers and consumers to generate change.

Designer note: the speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 3
:
April 3, 2025
11:15 am
–
12:30 pm
Community & Linen Room
Equality and Democracy
Putting Nature on the Board
With Francie Doolan, Dane O'Shanassy, Nick Thomas & Mele-Ane Havea

We will explore a radical reimagining of corporate governance: How can we shift from a model that prioritizes profit to one that embeds nature as a central stakeholder?

Designer note: the speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 3
:
April 3, 2025
11:20 am
–
12:30 pm
The Salon
The Built Environment
Reimagining Our Future Cities
with Paul Hameister, Laura Hamilton-O'Hara, Kaj Löfgren

Imagine cities where nature is not just an afterthought but the very foundation of design. We’ll dive into the transformative potential of biophilic design & what our urban landscapes could look like.

Designer note: the speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 3
:
April 3, 2025
11:20 am
–
12:30 pm
Bishops Parlour
Self and Belonging
Finding Stability in the Wisdom of the Cycles
with Tammy Ben Shaul & Anna Yelland

Nature moves in rhythms, as do our bodies. In this session we explore finding stability through the wisdom of the cycles in troubled times and through embodied awareness. A workshop for men and women.

Designer note: the speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 3
:
April 3, 2025
12:30 pm
–
1:30 pm
Industrial School Canteen Hall & Sacred Heart Courtyard
Lunch

Local and seasonal nourishment from Chef Chase White and the Slow Food Catering team

Designer note: the speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 3
:
April 3, 2025
1:30 pm
–
1:50 pm
Magdalen Laundry Hall
Through our Eyes: Wild Journeys
with Paul Hameister & Jade Hameister

Designer note: the speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 3
:
April 3, 2025
1:50 pm
–
2:50 pm
Magdalen Laundry Hall
The Politics of Nature & The Nature of Politics
Panel conversation (With Special Guests)

Why is it so hard to agree on safeguarding what sustains us all? What stands in the way of meaningful, lasting environmental protection?Can a new kind of leadership emerge with our ideals and ecology?

Designer note: the speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 3
:
April 3, 2025
3:00 pm
–
4:00 pm
Action Sessions
Breakout into various action sessions to collaborate and support meaningful solutions.

3PM - 4PM

Designer note: the speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 3
:
April 3, 2025
3:01 pm
–
4:00 pm
The Salon
Nature and Environment
Rewilding the Planet
with Peter Apell, Sally Sherwen, Bram Mason and Rachel Lowry

This breakout circle will showcase inspiring examples of rewilding projects that are actively working to restore ecosystems and reintroduce species to their natural habitats.

Designer note: the speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 3
:
April 3, 2025
3:01 pm
–
4:00 pm
Rotunda/Lawn area
Business and Economics
Global Agreements in Nature
with Pella Thiel, David Ritter and Nicola Rivers

We’ll dive into the details of key global agreements aimed at protecting our natural world, including the Paris Agreement, the Climate and Biodiversity COPs, and international laws surrounding nature.

Designer note: the speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 3
:
April 3, 2025
3:05 pm
–
4:00 pm
Indigenous Systems Knowledge labs
with Tyson Yunkaporta and Jack Manning Bancroft

Tyson and Jack will share with participants the knowledge labs networks that explore Indigenous frameworks for understanding systems, interconnectedness, and sustainability.

Designer note: the speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 3
:
April 3, 2025
3:10 pm
–
4:00 pm
South Laundry
Organising Resilient Cities
with Regen Melbourne, Nature Based Cities and Living Lab Northern Rivers

How can cities properly prepare for a changing environment. From fires and floods to food security and energy needs. Can we create resilient and regenerative cities?

Designer note: the speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 3
:
April 3, 2025
3:30 pm
–
4:30 pm
Community & Linen Room
Business and Economics
Using Money to Heal the Planet
with Dara Parker, Keenan Bunning, Claire O'Rourke and Francie Doolan

How can we reimagine the role of money in supporting ecological restoration, biodiversity, and climate resilience? Listen to examples of those activating capital towards nature based solutions.

Designer note: the speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 3
:
April 3, 2025
4:10 pm
–
4:25 pm
Magdalen Laundry
Future Council
with Damon Gameau

Designer note: the speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 3
:
April 3, 2025
4:25 pm
–
5:20 pm
Magdalen Laundry Hall
A Sacred Vision for Nature
Closing panel conversation with Berry Liberman, Alexander Beiner, Indy Johar and Julia Kim

We are Nature... where to from here? Through a lens of reverence and transformation, we challenge conventional views of progress and delve into the urgent need for a radical shift in consciousness.

Designer note: the speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 3
:
April 3, 2025
5:20 pm
–
5:30 pm
Magdalen Laundry Hall
Forum Close
Led by Julia Kim

To close our time together, Julia Kim will guide us through an exercise to help integrate the insights and actions that have emerged within us over the past few days.

Designer note: the speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 3
:
April 3, 2025
5:30 pm
–
7:30 pm
Not Ready For it To End?
Casual Drinks & Dinner

The Wisdom & Action 2025 Forum has come to a close. Join us for an optional drink at Julie's Restaurant as we reflect on the conversations and connections that have shaped these last few days.

Designer note: the speakers will only appear on the published site.
Day 3
:
April 3, 2025
6:00 pm
–
6:30 pm
Save The Date For Our 3rd Forum
'Equality & Democracy', 5th - 7th may 2026

Designer note: the speakers will only appear on the published site.
Kym Powell

Geography teacher at John Paul College

Keenan Bunning

National Manager Private Wealth & Family Office Distribution at Australian Ethical Investment

Jack Manning Bancroft

CEO

Kirsty de Garis

Curator, Facilitator and Editor at TEDx

Bram Mason

Manager, Nature and Biodiversity

Jo Barrett

Chef and Author

Morag Gamble

Founder of Permaculture Education Institute

Dan Etheridge

Engagement Director of Living Lab Northern Rivers

Nicola Rivers

Co-CEO at Environmental Justice Australia

Tishiko King

Ocean & Climate Advocate, Grant Manager at Groundswell

Ronie Mak

Managing Director at RS Group

Matt Kuperholz

Artificial Intelligence Scientist and Advisor

Erica McCalman

Creative Producer and Co-CEO of Theatre Network Australia

Gadi Kenny

Impact Investor, Philanthropist & Co-founder of RegenIL

Dan Pediaditis

Head of Philanthropy at Boundless Earth

Sally Sherwen

Director of Wildlife Conservation and Science at Zoos Victoria

Mariam Azzo

Special Counsel at Clayton Utz

Anna Yelland

Brand Director at Small Giants Academy

Nick Thomas

Partner at Clayton Utz

Adam Milgrom

Partner at Giant Leap

Francie Doolan

CEO of Small Giants Family Office

Dane O'Shanassy

Country Director of Patagonia

Laura Hamilton-O’Hara

CEO of Living Future Institute of Australia

Alison Whitten

Director of Research at Regen Melbourne

Lisa Miller

CEO of Wedgetail

Jenny Gray

CEO of Zoos Victoria

Samuel Beard

Chief of Staff, Small Giants Family Office

Paul Hameister

Executive Chairman & Founder of Nature Based Cities

Tammy Ben-Shaul

Relational Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist

Jo Yeldham

Photographer

Mietta Symmons-Joyce

Researcher and Storyteller at Learning Creates Australia

John Stewart

Creator at Living School

Peter Bland

Founder of Wattle Bank Farm

Jade Hameister

Polar Explorer & Environmental Advocate

Cathy Wilkinson

CEO of Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation

Ewan Waller

Chief Officer - Fire & Emergency Management DSE

Hayley Morris

Executive Director at Morris Group

Beatrice Imbert

Founder of Wattle Bank Farm

Paul Liknaitzky

Head of the Clinical Psychedelic Lab at Monash University

Claire O'Rourke

CEO of Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network (AEGN)

Dara Parker

CEO of Toniic

Oliver Costello

Executive Director of Jagun Alliance Aboriginal Corporation

Lesley Hughes

Climate Scientist & Pro Chancellor at Macquarie University

N'arwee't Carolyn Briggs

Chairperson & Founder of Boon Wurrung Foundation

Peter Apell

Program Director of The Jane Goodall Institute

Alexander Beiner

Author, Founder of Kainos & co-Director of Breaking Convention

Monica Gagliano

Evolutionary Ecologist & Research Scientist

Pella Thiel

Co-Founder of Swedish Transition Network & End Ecocide Sweden

Helena Norberg-Hodge

Founder of Local Futures

Stan Grant

Yindyamarra

Dasho Lhatu

Former Bhutanese Parliamentarian

Daniel Schmachtenberger

Philosopher (Virtual)

Ronni Kahn

Founder

Ariel Burger

Teacher, Writer, and Philosopher

Rachel Lowry

CEO of Bush Heritage

Jo Brick

Royal Australian Airforce

Benson Saulo

Strategic Advisor

Mele-Ane Havea

Co-Chair B Lab Australia & NZ

Damon Gameau

Filmmaker & Founder of Regen Studios

David Ritter

CEO of Greenpeace

Cindy Ko

Head of APAC

Indy Johar

Executive Director

Tyson Yunkaporta

Author and Founder of Indigenous Knowledge Systems Lab

Frances Haugen

Civic Integrity Advocate

Berry Liberman

Co-Founder of Small Giants Academy

Kaj Löfgren

CEO of Regen Melbourne

Danny Almagor

Co-Founder of Small Giants Academy

Nicole Barling-Luke

Portfolio Lead

Alison George

Head of Impact and Ethics at Australian Ethical

Tamsin Jones

Head of Programs at Small Giants Academy

Eleanor Gammell

Director at First Light

Simon Holmes à Court

Founder

Dr. Arne Rubinstein

CEO

Ingrid Burkett

Professor and Director

Joshua Yeldham

Artist

Julia Kim

Global Wellbeing Economy Expert

Nora Bateson

President of International Bateson Institute

Ben Goldsmith (Virtual)

Founder and CEO of Menhaden Capital PLC

Join us for this invitation only gathering

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