Allies for Nature Breakfast, Perth 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, we'll explore how to bring nature to the centre of decision and policy-making.

Date
Friday 31 July

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

Location
State Reception Centre, Frasers Kings Park

60 Fraser Ave, Kings Park

PANELLISTS

Dr Bruce Webber

Executive Manager, Science & Conservation, Bush Heritage Australia

Bruce has over 20 years' experience as a global change ecologist, delivering applied conservation solutions for addressing the impacts of climate change, biological invasions and landscape change. Along with leading the Bush Heritage Science & Conservation team, Bruce is Adjunct Professor in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Western Australia.

With experience working across government, academia and the not-for-profit sector, and collaborating with a diversity of stakeholders, Bruce combines science strategy and leadership with applied research delivery and science communication. His portfolio of work focuses on the impacts of global environmental change on biological diversity and the role of species interaction networks in shaping ecological communities.

Bruce leads initiatives that translate novel research findings into improved management solutions, addressing high priority challenges for biodiversity conservation at the nexus of climate change, species invasions and landscape change.

Emily Briggs

Deputy Director General, Climate & Sustainability, Department of Water and Environmental Regulation

Emily became the inaugural Deputy Director General Climate and Sustainability in April 2023, bringing international experience in decarbonisation and economic development across government and the private sector. Emily began her career at BP Australia and has held senior roles in the UK Government, focusing on renewable energy, Brexit and the COVID Green Economic Recovery. Prior to joining DWER, Emily was Executive Director at Pollination.

Passionate about climate action and ensuring the long‑term prosperity of Western Australia, Emily has overseen the establishment of the Climate and Sustainability portfolio which is delivering key policies to support the state’s transition to net zero emissions.

Matthew Herington

Executive Manager, Pollination

Matt Herington is Executive Manager, Science and Technical Services at Pollination, where he leads the technical work program across carbon and nature market project origination and development. His career has been shaped by work at the intersection of science, policy and practice, with a focus on translating complex environmental challenges into credible and practical outcomes in Australia and across emerging economies.

Before joining Pollination, Matt was Principal Consultant at Anthesis (formerly Ndevr Environmental), where he led the firm’s nature-based solutions workstream and delivered advisory services spanning land-based carbon project due diligence, origination, audit and assurance. He has also held advisory roles in Queensland and Western Australian energy policy, as well as science-based positions with CSIRO and The University of Queensland’s Centre for Policy Futures.

Matt’s work in project origination is grounded in partnerships with First Nations, landholders and local communities, with a focus on delivering strong environmental outcomes alongside lasting local benefits. He works to shape projects that are place-based, commercially credible and informed by the priorities of Country and community. His approach brings together technical integrity and practical partnership models to support projects that can endure over the long term.

Samantha Murray

CEO, Indigenous Desert Alliance

Samantha Murray is a proud Yilka/Wongutha/Noongar woman. She is a Traditional owner of Yilka Country.  It is situated in the Great Victorian Desert in Western Australia and has connections to the broader Goldfields and Central Desert area. Cosmo Newberry remote aboriginal community is based on Yilka country.

Indigenous Desert Alliance (IDA) is a not-for-profit member-based organisation which supports Land Management Organisations and Ranger Teams from the Desert. IDA’s Membership stands at 29 Members which encompasses up to 70 ranger teams across three states in the middle of Australia. 

For nearly 6 years, she has played a vital role at the IDA, supporting people and managing programs. As the IDA's first Indigenous CEO from the desert, Sam approaches the role with passion and focus, dedicated to ensuring that Indigenous rangers are enabled to collaboratively manage the Australian desert and are empowered to realise their aspirations for community, culture, and Country.

MC/PANEL MODERATOR

Meri Fatin

A versatile facilitator Meri regularly convenes public conversations with a particular interest in the transformation of leadership and culture that is needed to secure a safe future for us all. A chance opportunity to bring Christiana Figueres, the chief architect of the Paris Climate Agreement, to Perth in early March 2020 led to her focus on leadership, climate transition and environmental issues. Meri was guest curator of the TEDxPerth COUNTDOWN: WA Climate Leadership Summit 2020 which led to founding WA Climate Leaders. This informal network is intended to inspire visionary leadership on climate action in WA in this critical decade.

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS

• The Hon. Matthew Swinbourn, Minister for the Environment, Community Services, Homelessness

• Karen Jacobs, Board Member, Bush Heritage Australia and Principal at Indigenous Economic Solutions

THEME

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.  

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 23 JULY, UNLESS SOLD OUT PRIOR

We acknowledge the Whadjuk Traditional Custodians of the Noongar 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.