Allies for Nature Breakfast, Melbourne 2026

Bush Heritage Australia invites you to join us for a thought-provoking networking breakfast. Featuring inspiring leaders sharing their insights on the importance of nature in every facet of our lives and across every sector, we'll explore how to bring nature to the centre of decision and policy-making.

Reimagining our world, with nature at its centre 

Our society, economy, food systems, business and industry, and health and wellbeing are all intrinsically connected to nature. So why wouldn’t we protect this most important, fundamental natural boon for future generations. 

Caring for our natural environment doesn’t have to come at the cost of development, innovation or success. Imagine a world that considers nature protection in policy making, where nature is considered as important as growth and we value the intrinsic right of species to thrive independently of humans. 

This vision can become a reality with collective intelligence, cross-sector collaboration and creating a united force for nature.  

Join our expert panellists and an audience of sector professionals in the Melbourne area to discuss these ideas and foster connections.

Date
Friday 11 September

Time
7.30am for a 7.45am start, to 10.15am. Plus 30 mins optional networking after formalities

Location
Evoque Events

123 Queen Street, Melbourne

PANELLISTS

Dr Jack Pascoe

Board Member, Bush Heritage Australia

Jack is a Yuin man living on Gadabanut Country. He is a board member at Bush Heritage and the Biodiversity Council's Co-Chief Councillor. Jack is also a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne in the School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, where he focuses on understanding and managing biocultural landscapes.

Jack is an honorary Strategic Advisor to the Conservation Ecology Centre and for the past decade has led their adaptive management and applied ecological research program across the Otway region. Jack currently sits on scientific reference groups for Zoos Victoria and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (formerly DELWP), and was previously a member of the Expert Panel that reviewed the Victorian Wildlife Act 1975.

Sara King

GM Purpose, Intrepid Travel

Sara is Intrepid’s General Manager of Impact and is responsible for delivering the company’s environmental, social and governance commitments, including as a signatory to the UN Global Compact and a certified B Corp. Her remit includes stakeholder engagement, social and environmental impact, and the B Corp certification.

Prior to joining Intrepid, Sara held a number of roles at the International Finance Corporation, which is a member of the World Bank Group, including working on inclusive tourism development and sustainability in the Asia Pacific region. Sara holds a Master’s in International Relations and Affairs from Macquarie University and a Graduate Certificate of Management from the UNSW Business School.

Mathew Nelson

Oceania Chief Sustainability Officer, EY

Mathew is EY Oceania’s Chief Sustainability Officer, and previously EY’s Global Climate Change and Sustainability Services leader. He has over 20 years’ experience in providing advisory and assurance   services related to ESG and climate change. His experience spans across both the private and public sector and includes sustainability and climate change strategy and governance, climate risk modelling and stress testing, sustainable supply chain and human rights, and non-financial reporting. Mat also has significant experience in the area of environment, health and safety.

Mat has been instrumental in creating EY’s Net Zero Centre which has been established to help governments and businesses navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead while accelerating Australia’s and the world’s progress towards the goal for net zero emissions by 2050. Prior to joining EY, Mat worked in the petrochemical industry as an operations engineer as well as a human resources analyst in the Financial Services sector.

Callie Donaldson

Co-Chief Conservation Regulator, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Callie Donaldson is an executive with the Conservation Regulator, responsible for regulatory strategy, statutory permissions and capability in Victoria’s forest and wildlife regulator. Over 16 years in the public service, Callie has led teams delivering environment policy, major reforms, and regulatory design. Callie believes strong outcomes are achieved through humanistic leadership, empowering people to do their best work delivering public value.

Note, Callie Donaldson is replacing Kate Gavens on the panel.

MC/PANEL MODERATOR

Emily Rice

Emily is an award-winning journalist and presenter with more than two decades at the cutting edge of Australian and international news and current affairs. Her presence and personable presentation style has been honed over more than 20-years of television presenting.

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER

Rachel Lowry, CEO, Bush Heritage Australia

TICKETS AND DONATIONS

Your ticket fee goes towards the conservation work of Bush Heritage Australia. As a not-for-profit organisation, we rely greatly on donations from supporters. Please consider making a donation to Bush Heritage Australia. 

For event enquiries please email events@bushheritage.org.au

TICKET SALES CLOSE 1 SEPTEMBER, UNLESS SOLD OUT PRIOR

Implied Film/Photo Consent
By attending this event you agree to being filmed or photographed, which may be used for marketing or promotional purposes. Bush Heritage reserves the right to use photographs and videos taken at this event without express permission. If you do not wish to have your image recorded, please make your wishes known to the photographer and event organisers.

We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Traditional Custodians of the Kulin Nation, upon whose land this event will take place. We recognise and respect the enduring relationships they have with their lands and waters, and we pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.