Past Event

The Age of Humans

On 13 March 2012, more than 330 people attended Stirring the Possum, ‘The age of humans’ event. The event explored the implications of a time when humans and their societies have become a profound, global geophysical force. This is resulting in a world that is rapidly becoming less biologically diverse, less forested, warmer, and probably wetter and stormier.

Joining Allan Holmes, Chief Executive of DENR to explore the topic were special guests:

Professor Will Steffen, Executive Director of the Climate Change Institute at the Australian National University, Canberra
Professor Barry Brook, Director of Climate Science, Environment Institute, University of Adelaide
Robyn Williams, journalist and presenter of ABC Radio National's Science Show.

If you missed the event, or would like to hear the discussion again, you can listen to the podcast.

The Environment in 2020

The environment in 2020 what will it look like for government, business and the community?

On 2 November 2011, more than 300 people attended Stirring the Possum, ‘The environment in 2020’ event, which explored the likely environmental challenges we’ll be facing then, and how government, business and the community might respond to them.

Joining Allan Holmes, Chief Executive of DENR to explore the topic were special guests:

Dr Kristin Alford - futurist, technologist and communicator, Founder and Managing Director at Bridge8
Prof Chris Daniels – professor of Urban Ecology in the Division of Information Technology, Engineering and Environment at the University of South Australia, and Director of the Barbara Hardy Institute, a major research Institute with a large research agenda focused on creating sustainable communities. He is also Presiding Member of the Adelaide Mount Lofty Natural Resources Management Board.
Charles Massy, author of Breaking the Sheep’s Back, a new book that exposes the story behind the A$10 billion collapse of Australia’s wool industry and explores the important issue of governance in the public interest

Our panelists provided thoughtful and challenging insights into this complex topic, and agreed re-engaging with our environment was fundamental to creating change. For example, Charles Massy suggested growing our own food and engaging in local food is a driver for change, as food connects with people’s emotion and ‘mother earth’. Chris Daniels spoke about the concept that if people have a connection with the environment (for example, a magpie in their backyard), then they will care more for the environment. These are simple ideas that are important and can make a big difference.

If you missed the event, or would like to hear the discussion again, you can listen to the podcast.

The Nature Connection

Brought to you on 13 April 2011, The Nature Connection explored the importance of greenspace to community health - mental and physical - and the associated impacts for urban planning and design. Joining Allan Holmes to explore the topic was our expert panel:

Associate Professor Mardie Townsend, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University
Professor Tony Capon, National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University
Timothy Horton, Commissioner for Integrated Design, South Australian Department of the Premier and Cabinet

Play the podcast of the event.