Inconvenient Truths: A climate and nature dinner conversation
Description
An evening for climate and nature leaders to talk honestly about the hard parts of our work without the performance that often comes with professional events.
Melbourne is entering a period when some difficult questions can no longer be deferred. How we grow, where housing gets built, how we live with floods, and how we adapt to a rapidly changing climate are decisions being made now.
The information needed to make those decisions is improving. Flood mapping is one example. As risk becomes clearer, so do the implications for planning, development, infrastructure and liability. But bringing uncomfortable information into public decision-making is never just a technical exercise.
What does it take to be the person carrying that information into the room? To explain it clearly when others may not want to hear it? To hold the line and keep going when the public conversation gets complex, and it is all too easy to focus on the negatives.
Chris Brace, Executive General Manager - Service Futures at Melbourne Water, will join us for this conversation. We'll start with flood risk and the future of Melbourne's water systems, and from there open up a wider discussion about what happens when difficult information comes into view.
We also want to hear from you. In your own work, what happens when the information says something people aren't ready to hear?
About The Long Table: Climate and nature conversations
This is the second in a series of dinner conversations we're bringing to Naarm/Melbourne for leaders and decision-makers working in climate and nature. We wanted a space to talk about the hard parts of this work honestly - the gaps between what organisations say and what they actually do, the loneliness of holding a long-term view in a short-term world, the things you might not be prepared to say in professional settings.
The format is simple. Drinks, share plates and real conversation hosted by Nicole Baker and Sarah Patterson at Sanders Place. In this conversation, we’ll open with an honest, reflective discussion with our special guest, then move between paired and whole-table conversations. No panels. No pitches. No fancy job titles. Just a meal and a conversation with others who don't need the context explained.
If you're doing this work and want a night to share and be inspired by others without the usual small talk — come and join us!
Twenty people at one table. Off the record.
📷 Photos by Evan Lim - https://evanlim.co
Special Guest and Hosts
Chris Brace, Special Guest
Nicole Baker, Co-host
Nicole Baker is a strategic adviser on climate, nature and energy, working with governments and communities across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. With over 25 years' experience, she brings systems thinking to complex sustainability challenges. She is Chair of CERES, Melbourne's community environment park and education centre.
Sarah Patterson, Co-host
Sarah Patterson is a strategic designer and partnership broker helping systems leaders navigate complex collaboration challenges. With over 20 years' experience spanning government policy, strategic design and cross-sector partnerships, she specialises in creating the conditions for collective action that results in enduring change.
Our venue partner
Sanders Place
Sanders Place is Melbourne’s hub for purpose-driven leaders, teams, and investors/funders. Based in Richmond, our shared office and event space connects people driving change in climate, health, and social justice. Here, thoughtful hospitality meets a thriving community, so you can do your best work and amplify your impact. Follow us on Instagram: @sanders_place Visit our website: https://www.sandersplace.com.au/ Find out about more impact and purpose-aligned events by signing up to our newsletter: https://www.sandersplace.com.au/sign-up
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