We're thrilled to welcome some amazing speakers

• Graham Creed - Former ABC weatherman turned farmer, bringing insights on climate change, sustainable agriculture, and weather patterns that affect our region

• Andrew the Bird Guy - Local bird expert sharing knowledge on attracting birds to your garden and understanding bird behavior

• Chris Ormond, Brian Hawkins & Shane Ruming - From the NSW Department of Environment Climate Change and Water discussing the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle Recovery program

• Jennie Fenton & Mala Colmer - Leading conversations on inclusivity and accessibility in our community

• Jules Laurent - The Waste Wizard offering practical guidance on waste reduction and circular economy principles

• Paula Flack - Speaking about the Great Koala National Park initiative

• And more…

Celebrating Our Beautiful Region & Wildlife

SustainaBellingen offers a unique opportunity to learn about the natural treasures that make our region special:

• Jaliigirr and the Koala Dogs - Discover how specially trained detection dogs are helping locate and protect our precious koala population

• Bellinger River Snapping Turtles - Learn about conservation efforts for this endangered species found nowhere else in the world

• "Whispers of Wilderness" - Experience this stunning short film created by the Coffs Coast National Parks Association and brought to life by local filmmakers Bathtime Productions. The film showcases the extraordinary biodiversity and natural beauty of our region, reminding us of what we're working to protect including the establishment of the Great Koala National Park.

Building an Inclusive Community

• "You Can't Ask That!" - Join Jennie Fenton, Mala Colmer & friends for an engaging and enlightening conversation about inclusion in our community

• Women Who Farm Network present Learning from our living relationship with farming, permaculture and nature.

• Harmony for Health: the benefits of community singing - Experience the joy of community choirs with performances by AkaBella (Saturday) and Bellingen Singers (Sunday). Research has shown that group singing provides remarkable benefits for mental and physical wellbeing— reducing stress hormones, boosting immunity, alleviating loneliness, and even helping those with dementia reconnect with memories. Singing in community strengthens social bonds, improves cognitive function, and releases endorphins that elevate mood. Come be uplifted by these talented local voices and discover how music might enrich your own well-being journey!

SATURDAY, MAY 24

In the Studio

• 8:45am | Welcome to Country & Showcase Opening

• 9:00am | Powering Change: Electrification for the Future

  With Geoff Tosio
  Discover practical ways to reduce your carbon footprint through home electrification and renewable energy solutions.

• 10:00am - 10:30am | Climate Insights: Understanding Our Changing Weather with Graham Creed, Former ABC Weatherman
  An engaging exploration of climate patterns and their impacts on our region, with insights from Graham's extensive experience in meteorology.

• 10:30am - 11:00am | Morning Tea

• 11:00am - 11:30am | Bringing Biodiversity Home: Attracting Birds to Your Garden with Andrew the Bird Guy
  Learn how to create bird-friendly spaces in your garden and the role birds play in our ecosystem.

• 11:30am - 12:30pm | HYPOTHETICAL: Sustainable Futures for Our Shire
  Featuring: Graham Creed, Rob Curnow (Community Psychologist), Luke Barbagallo (Reconstruction NSW) and Dr. Lisa Seigel (Centre for Ecological Learning)
  An engaging scenario-based discussion exploring potential futures for the Bellingen Shire and how we might respond to challenges together.

• 12:30pm - 1:00pm | Lunch

• 1:00pm - 1:30pm | NSW National Parks Association (Coffs Coast Branch)
  Featuring: "Whispers of Wilderness" film screening, and Paula Flack speaking about The Great Koala National Park
  Experience the beauty of our region through film and learn about efforts to protect our unique koala habitats.

• 1:30pm - 2:00pm | Jaliigirr and the Koala Dogs
  Discover the fascinating world of conservation detection dogs and their role in koala protection.

• 2:00pm - 2:30pm | Afternoon Tea

• 2:30pm - 3:00pm | Women Who Farm Network
  Celebrating the vital role of women in agriculture and sustainable farming practices.

• 3:00pm - 4:00pm | Weather and Climate Change Panel
  Graham Creed, Kev Doye (Bellingen Weather) and Andrew Turbill (local ecologist and climate expert)
  A dynamic panel discussion on climate impacts and adaptations specific to our region.

  4:00pm - 5:00pm | Harmony for Health: The Benefits of Community Singing
  Performance by Akabella, Bellingen's Community Choir
  Experience the joy and wellness benefits of community singing with a beautiful performance.

  in the Bunker Room

  • All day | Alex from the Bellingen Alternatives Bookshop
    Browse a curated selection of books on sustainability, regenerative agriculture, and environmental topics.

  • All day | Geoff Tosio from Better Volt Solar and Batteries
    Showcasing renewable energy solutions and answering your questions about solar and battery systems.

SUNDAY, MAY 25

In the Studio

• 10:00am - 11:00am | "You Can't Ask That": An Inclusive Conversation
  With Jennie Fenton, Mala Colmer and friends
  An open dialogue about inclusion, accessibility, and how we can create a more equitable community.

• 11:00am - 11:15am | Morning Tea

• 11:15am - 12:00pm | Practical Steps for Living Sustainably
  With Graham Creed
  Actionable advice for reducing your environmental impact in everyday life.

• 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Harmony for Health: The Benefits of Community Singing
  Performance by Bellingen Singers
  Another beautiful choral performance highlighting the joy of community music-making.

• 1:00pm - 1:30pm | Saving Our Native Species: The Bellinger River Snapping Turtle Recovery
  With Chris Ormond, Brian Hawkins & Shane Ruming from the NSW Department of Environment Climate Change and Water
  Learn about conservation efforts to save this iconic local species from extinction.

• 1:30pm - 2:00pm | Lunch

• 2:00pm - 2:45pm | The Waste Wizard
  With Jules Laurent talking all things waste and circular
  Fascinating insights into waste reduction, recycling, and creating a more circular economy.

• 2:45pm - 3:30pm | Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation
  With WIRES
  Discover the important work of wildlife rescuers and how you can support native animal conservation.

• 3:30pm | Bellingen Show Raffle Draw
  The conclusion of our raffle featuring fantastic prizes donated by generous local businesses.

  in the Bunker Room

  • All day | Alex from the Bellingen Alternatives Bookshop

  • 11:00am - 1:00pm | Carole Sampson from Bellingen Shire Council with the SIM table
    Interactive simulation demonstrating environmental management principles in action.

  • 1:00pm - 2:00pm | Chris Ormond, Brian Hawkins & Shane Ruming to chat about our Bellinger River Snapping Turtle
    An opportunity for one-on-one conversations about this unique local species.