Presenters
Join us at Ecofest for engaging talks where passionate individuals will share their knowledge on sustainable living. These sessions will be held in the Auditorium and various other locations throughout the site. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired by experts and fellow enthusiasts. Together, we can make a positive impact on our planet!
Snake Awareness & Response
Scott Smith
Scott will talk about important topics such as; Why are snakes beneficial to the eco-system, Biography of Tasmanian Snakes, What are the threats to Tasmanian Snakes, How to live with snakes, and Snake Awareness. Scott Smith is the owner of Northwest Snake Catchers.
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Low Waste Living
Milca Perez
This is an opportunity about learning sparking inspiration, sharing challenges and feeling good about your own unique, perfectly imperfect journey with waste. You don’t need to be perfect—just curious, open, and willing to give it a go!Let’s learn, share, and grow together 🌱Come join us for a positive conversation facilitated by sustainability changemaker Milca Perez, founder of Malva Sustainability Tasmania -winner of the Tasmanian Sustainable Community (2023) Award- about something that touches all of us: waste. Not the “you-have-to-be-zero-waste-perfect” kind—instead this gathering is for people who care, but also juggle busy lives, budgets, and maybe even a bit of overwhelm.
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Why Buying Secondhand Is One of the Most Powerful Climate Actions You Can Take
Eve McIntyre
Fashion is one of the most resource-intensive industries in the world, yet most of the clothes we need already exist. This presentation explores why buying secondhand is one of the simplest and most effective ways individuals can reduce waste, cut emissions, and save money — without sacrificing quality or personal style. Drawing on local insights and real-world examples, the session will unpack how overproduction fuels fashion waste, why resale plays a critical role in a circular economy, and how shifting everyday shopping habits can create meaningful environmental and community impact.
Good-looking gardens to tickle your tastebuds!
Gabrielle Stannus
Would you like to create a garden that looks and tastes good? Find out how with local landscape designer and writer, Gabrielle Stannus from Inwardout Studio. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to plug a garden gap, Gabrielle will provide you with inspiration to grow more of your own food closer to home.
Opening the Heart to your Self through Nature
Jane Anderson
Jane Anderson formerly of Sage Drums Tasmania and now Open Heart Retreats will open discussion, share Sacred Song and Drumming with the intention to open our Hearts to the Beauty and Healing Power of Nature. Enjoy a guided meditation while being soothed by the healing tones of the Medicine Drum. A children's singing and drumming circle will be a fun way to enjoy the songs also.
Biochar On Site' explore the opportunities
Frank Strie
The purpose of "Biochar On Site' topic is to provide a comprehensive, practical guidance for making and using biochar, a charcoal-like substance, to improve soil health, sequester carbon, manage organic waste, enhance agriculture, and reduce environmental impacts like wildfire risk and nutrient leaching, serving as a key resource for farmers, gardeners, and anyone interested in climate-smart solutions. It combines research with hands-on methods to promote sustainable practices, creating fertile soils and a healthier planet.
The circular, collaborative systems approach at every scale: Family Garden & Farm, Local Community to Regional Biomass Refinery & Cogeneration Facilities.
A pair of hands to help designers and builders help you create your efficient and mould-free home
Wafaa Khalil
The Passivhaus Institute developed the Passivhaus Standard that sets limits on the projected annual energy demand and energy load of occupants while using their buildings together with a ‘hygiene criteria’ for minimising/eliminating the risk of surface mold. It can provide insight to the Building Designer into which aspects can be improved / optimised, which are optimal, and which need to be completely reworked. This analysis is repeated, following design updates, until the Passivhaus Standard is met. Once the Standard is met and the Building is constructed according to the plans, then it is certified as such, and the owner will then have the confidence that they are getting what they are paying for.
Gut Health in a Toxic World
Tanya Kurzbock
The gut is the seat of health, in this talk you’ll learn: How pesticides, food additives and microplastics affect your gut. What your gut microbiome is and why it’s central to immunity, energy, and mood. How to reverse gut imbalances and disease with NRF2 activating diet strategies Practical ways to support your microbiome, downstream organ systems, and mental health using simple, natural methods.
Sourdough Without Fail
Kate Downham
A demonstration and discussion of techniques for making great bread, pastries, and pizza using 100% whole grain flours and minimal hands-on time.
Bring along a jar and you can take home some sourdough starter.
Finding Hope & Strength in a Damaged World -author & artist talk and book signing
Francesca Cairns
Author and artist talk about the writing & cover design for Falling for Water, a novel for our uncertain times that has universal appeal across the generations.
'A mystical, thoughtful meditation on our relationship to nature and how to find strength and hope in a damaged world.'
Growing nutrient dense vegetables
Steve Solomon
Steve will consult one on one with gardeners about their soil fertility profile and the nutritional consequences thereof. He will offer inexpensive soil testing resulting in a bespoke prescription.
The Politics of Sustainability
Kym Nick & Micheal
An in the round discussion on the politics of Sustainability looking at the local and the global, greenwashing from both philosophical and practical considerations.
Discussion ending with audience interaction.
Geology behind the scenery
Roger Poltock
Roger is a retired mineral exploration geologist, he worked in Australia, Asia and South America.
He will have a display of rocks, maps, focusing on local geology and associated plant communities.