The Learning for Sustainability Conference offers professional development and networking opportunities for early years, school and community members interested in living and acting more sustainability.

We are excited to announce our Keynote Speaker, Zena Cumpston, a Barkandji woman who has lived in Melbourne for many years. Zena works as a writer, artist, researcher, curator and storyteller. She is passionate about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' sustainable practices (particularly plant use) science, food sovereignty, history and art. She co-authored several chapters of the Federal Government's State of the Environment Report 2021. She is co-author of the book 'Plants: past, present, future', published as part of the highly-popular First Knowledges series. She recently curated and led the education components for the exhibitions Emu Sky for the Ian Potter Museum of Art and ngaratya (together, us group, all in it together) for Bunjil Place Gallery. Zena recently won an Award of Excellence at the WAMA Environmental Art Prize and is the proud recipient of the Creative Victoria Creators Fund (2023).

Djirri Djirri, a Wurundjeri women’s dance group, will give an afternoon performance and a workshop.

The day will motivate and inspire all who attend. Join us for a workshop and browse the foyer to hear from education for sustainability providers.

Workshop list

Chooks, Composting and Closing the Food Loop at schools and early years - Ella Boyen (Chooktopia)
Understanding the impacts of Car Idling during after-school pickup - Yash, Isa and Emma (Monash University, Bachelor of Applied Sciences, Global Challenges students
Supporting Students to take Circular Action this Easter - Katrina Naish (A Fitting Connection) and Roxy Uzureau (Upcycle for Better)
Activate parents as advocates: Learning from Parents for Climate - Mick Pulsford (Parents for Climate)
Sustainable Development Goals in Schools – Debbie Rovere (Sustainability Victoria)
Embedding Indigenous Perspectives into your school curriculum – Darren Wandin (Yarra Ranges Council)
What is the Role of Arts & Culture in promoting student voice for a Sustainable Future – Deb Harte (Climarte)
Opportunities to embed sustainability and environmental education in the Early Years – Carolyn Luder (Little Sprouts)
Towards Zer0 Bremissions: Celebrating achievements and building a Team - Venkata Kalva (Brentwood Secondary College)
How can your school or kinder adapt to Climat Change, and provide a safe learning environment for students and staff – Jo Connor (Environment Education Victoria)
Empowering Students to take Action – Jodie Doble (Principal ) and students from the Soft Plastics Environmental Earth Defence (SPEED) team at Parkmore Primary School
Innovation and Inspiration from Nature – it’s worth more than you realise! – Anne-Maree McInerney (Gould League)

Conference Schedule

8.30am: Registrations open
9.00am: Welcome to Country and Introduction
9.15am: Keynote Address by Zena Cumpston
10.15am Morning Tea and Exhibition Time
10.45am: Workshop Session A
11.45 am: Workshop Session B
!2.45 pm: Lunch and Exhibition Time
2.00pm: Djirri Djirri performance and workshop
3.00pm Door Prizes, Conclusion Farewell
3.30pm: conference close

Cover for CRT may be available upon application.

Please note that there will be photography and videography taken throughout the day. The majority of these will be crowd shots. If you prefer to opt out of all photography, please collect a coloured sticker from the registration desk on the day.