Guest Speakers & Techsperts

Meet and learn from a range of guest speakers and techsperts as they share their knowledge, experience and expertise on a range of sustainability topics.

Where & WhenWhoActivityDescriptionAudienceDuration
Ecolinc Demo Room
10.00amAlice BeveridgeWater is preciousOur mascot puppets, Sammy the Snake and Frances the Frog will share their Big Book all about how to save water. Children will also get to open and explore a treasure box, and sing and dance along to songs, all the while learning just how precious our water is. Kindergarten children45 mins
10.45amAlice BeveridgeExploring Wonderful WaterChildren will be given the opportunity to explore the concept of water, how it gets from the sky to our taps and the many ways we use it everyday. Children can participate in exciting action songs, role plays, and use the engaging felt Water Wall to see the different roles water plays in our lives. Kindergarten children45 mins
11.30amAlice BeveridgeThe Water CycleChildren will dress up and engage in a fun role-play to explore the water cycle, from precipitation to clouds to the sun and rain. They will also hear the story of Donna the Water Droplet as she journeys through the different stages of rain.Primary45 mins
12.15amAlice BeveridgeWater for HealthChildren will follow the journey of water through our bodies using a human model and discover why water is the healthiest drink. They will also have the opportunity to look at different everyday drinks and play a hands-on activity to guess their sugar content.Primary45 mins
1.00pmDavid TaitMeet the Ecolinc AnimalsGet up close and personal with the Ecolinc animals.All agesAnytime
1.30pmDavid TaitMeet the Ecolinc AnimalsGet up close and personal with the Ecolinc animals.All agesAnytime
2.00pmDavid TaitMeet the Ecolinc AnimalsGet up close and personal with the Ecolinc animals.All agesAnytime
2.30pmDavid TaitMeet the Ecolinc AnimalsGet up close and personal with the Ecolinc animals.All agesAnytime
Ecolinc Resource Room
10.00amNicole & SophieExploring MacroinvertebratesWhat are macroinvertebrates? Come and find out more. Scoop them up and take a look at them under the microscope.All agesAnytime
10.30amNicole & SophieExploring MacroinvertebratesWhat are macroinvertebrates? Come and find out more. Scoop them up and take a look at them under the microscope.All agesAnytime
11.00amDavid TaitExploring MacroinvertebratesWhat are macroinvertebrates? Come and find out more. Scoop them up and take a look at them under the microscope.All agesAnytime
11.30amDavid TaitExploring MacroinvertebratesWhat are macroinvertebrates? Come and find out more. Scoop them up and take a look at them under the microscope.All agesAnytime
12.00pmDavid TaitCleanup/change over
12.30pmNicole & CorneliaCraft MakingCome and make a range of crafty things to take home.All agesAnytime
1.00pmNicole & CorneliaCraft MakingCome and make a range of crafty things to take home.All agesAnytime
1.30pmNicole & CorneliaCraft MakingCome and make a range of crafty things to take home.All agesAnytime
2.00pmNicole & CorneliaCraft MakingCome and make a range of crafty things to take home.All agesAnytime
2.30pmNicole & CorneliaCraft MakingCome and make a range of crafty things to take home.All agesAnytime
Ecolinc Conference Room
Keynote Presentations
10.00amCERES - Shane FrenchUrban Food Systems & Energy Food and energy are key areas of sustainable living. As our cities expand and our urban lifestyles take more and more toll on the planet, it is vital we reimagine how we power and feed ourselves. CERES has been working in the realm of Urban food systems and renewable energy generation for over 30 years and is a perfect example of a successful urban food system (through it's Market and grocery shop, urban organic farm, fairfood delivery service and Merri Restaurant). We also have a sustainable house that focusses on energy generation and conservation and a large energy park using conventional solar and trial renewable energy technologies such as urban Solar Thermal. Come and talk to us to discover what CERES has to offer, just 5km from the Melbourne CBD.Teens & Adults1 hour
11.00amKeemin Electrical - John CutlerTalk to the Techspert: Why Solar?Why solar? John began his career in 1970 as an Electrical Mechanic in the army. After his time in the army John worked as an electrician all over Mellbourne for both residential and commercial clients. In 1984 John bought a hardware store in Ballan and decided to start his own electrical services company. It was then that Keemin Pty Ltd came to life. Keemin began by servicing residents and small businesses in Ballan and the surrounding areas. During this time John held numerous local government roles including two terms consecutive as Mayor of Moorabool Shire. John sat on numerous committees (as member and chair) and was a critical member of many working groups. John’s passion for the environment and his sense of community responsibility has lead Keemin to hone their sights on becoming Victoria’s leading provider and installer of energy management systems. John is always pushing the boundaries of what is possible. John empowers those that can enact change with knowledge and ideas of possibilities for a cleaner and better future everyone. Adults1 hour
12.00pmSteve Morris - Keynote Presentation“How Circular Food turns food waste in organic fertiliser”With a background in recycling complex waste streams, Steve started Circular Food to develop an end-of-life solution for food waste. Circular Food turns food waste into fertiliser using vermiculture (worm farming). The processes used and the end products are unique, due to patented technology which includes growing a worm derived starter culture in a bio-reactor. This technology is enabling Circular Food to commercialise worm derived bio-fertilisers on a large scale, and the company is continuing to develop and model the worm farm of the future. These products are essential for the future of farming, as the industry desperately needs a viable chemical alternative to ensure sustainable food production for future generations.Teens & Adults1 hour
1.00pmKeemin Electrical - John CutlerTalk to the Techspert: Why Solar?Why solar? John began his career in 1970 as an Electrical Mechanic in the army. After his time in the army John worked as an electrician all over Mellbourne for both residential and commercial clients. In 1984 John bought a hardware store in Ballan and decided to start his own electrical services company. It was then that Keemin Pty Ltd came to life. Keemin began by servicing residents and small businesses in Ballan and the surrounding areas. During this time John held numerous local government roles including two terms consecutive as Mayor of Moorabool Shire. John sat on numerous committees (as member and chair) and was a critical member of many working groups. John’s passion for the environment and his sense of community responsibility has lead Keemin to hone their sights on becoming Victoria’s leading provider and installer of energy management systems. John is always pushing the boundaries of what is possible. John empowers those that can enact change with knowledge and ideas of possibilities for a cleaner and better future everyone. Adults1 hour
2.00pmTiana Preston - Wlebourne WaterUsing smartphones and DNA to track platypus. Tiana Preston from Melbourne Water will talk about the weird and wonderful platypus, and demonstrate how these elusive creatures are now being studied by citizen scientists. Families1 hour
Ecolinc Lab 1
10.00amColin CookGoing, going, gone? Threatened Species monitoring in MooraboolThe Moorabool Landcare Network is embarking upon a Threatened Species monitoring program focusing on the Brush-tailed Phascogale, Fat-tailed Dunnart and Eastern Pygmy possum.  Although these species have been recorded in Moorabool, we have very few records and limited understanding of their distribution.  Our monitoring program will be using strategically placed motion sensing cameras (set up under permit with ethics approval) to be our eyes on the ground and in the trees.  We will then need the help of the community to sort through all the photos and find the ones that show the native animals. We will also be interested in getting reports of any sightings of these fabulous fauna.All ages30 mins
10.30amJohn Forrester (Werribee River AssociationWerribee River BiolinkThis workshop will engage community by telling the story of the Werribee river, from the Wombat Forest to Port Phillip Bay, and by hands on activity for the audience. Participants will assist with the creation of a mural which will envisage the Werribee River as a biolink.All ages30 mins
11.00amBEN - Ray DraperFrogs in DangerPresentation of local frog species, calls and habitats, vulnerability status, threatening processes, field hygiene, surveys, chytrid fungus testing.All Ages30 mins
11.30amRoger MacRaildThreatened Species in the PooAre stray or feral Cats and Foxes eating what's left of our wild life?  As part of the Moorabool Landcare Network's Threatened Species Monitoring Program, we will be asking the community to assist us by collecting Fox and Cat scats from rural areas to see what they've been eating.  We will also be touching on some of the science around domestic cat behaviour and it's implications for being a responsible cat owner.All ages30 mins
12.00pmDenis CrawfordGarden pests and good bugsBugs! They're everywhere! Insects are the most diverse group of animals on earth. They are diverse in size, appearance, and habits. Prepare to be amazed by the natural history of some of our six-legged neighbours.All ages30 mins
12.30pmJohn Forrester (Werribee River AssociationWerribee River BiolinkThis workshop will engage community by telling the story of the Werribee river, from the Wombat Forest to Port Phillip Bay, and by hands on activity for the audience. Participants will assist with the creation of a mural which will envisage the Werribee River as a biolink.All ages30 mins
1.00pmBEN - Ray DraperFrogs in DangerPresentation of local frog species, calls and habitats, vulnerability status, threatening processes, field hygiene, surveys, chytrid fungus testing.All Ages30 mins
1.30pmRoger MacRaildRabbit Management
2.00pmJohn Forrester (Werribee River AssociationWerribee River BiolinkThis workshop will engage community by telling the story of the Werribee river, from the Wombat Forest to Port Phillip Bay, and by hands on activity for the audience. Participants will assist with the creation of a mural which will envisage the Werribee River as a biolink.All ages30 mins
2.30pmColin CookGoing, going, gone? Threatened Species monitoring in MooraboolThe Moorabool Landcare Network is embarking upon a Threatened Species monitoring program focusing on the Brush-tailed Phascogale, Fat-tailed Dunnart and Eastern Pygmy possum.  Although these species have been recorded in Moorabool, we have very few records and limited understanding of their distribution.  Our monitoring program will be using strategically placed motion sensing cameras (set up under permit with ethics approval) to be our eyes on the ground and in the trees.  We will then need the help of the community to sort through all the photos and find the ones that show the native animals. We will also be interested in getting reports of any sightings of these fabulous fauna.All ages30 mins
Ecolinc Lab 2
10.00amAlan LeenaertsLow Energy Housing RetrofittingGetting the most bang for your back out of retrofitting your home and other novel solar technology ideas.Adults30 mins
10.30amSteve MorvellWhat we value – we exploit. What we love – we protect.Steve Morell is a highly acclaimed wildlife – environmental artist dedicated to raising human awareness of the beauty and fragility of wildlife and their habitats. He is the Gold Medal winner of the 2016 Wildlife Art Society of Australasia’s Wild Awards. Steve will talk about how we can reconnect the head with the heart and about re-imagining our spiritual (and actual) connection with Planet Earth.All ages30 mins
11.00amStephanie DavisonIndigenous plants in an urban settingLearn about the many different types of indigenous plants that can be found and planted in an urban setting.Adults30 mins
11.30amPeter Noble - BENWeed control, erosion control, revegetation, threatening processesWeed control, erosion control, revegetation, threatening processesAdults30 mins
12.00pmSimon Reid - BREAZETalk to the Techspert: When Solar Bankrupts Coal, will I be living Off Grid?Simon has worked in both the community and small business sectors to help thousands of homes and businesses find sustainable electricity and hot water solutions. Simon will share the good news about how solar power, and increasingly affordable batteries, are bankrupting centralised electricity generation using fossil fuels, and consider how this sustainable future will change the way we source and use energy in our homes and businesses.Adults1 hour
1.00pmStephanie DavisonIndigenous plants in an urban settingLearn about the many different types of indigenous plants that can be found and planted in an urban setting.Adults30 mins
1.30pmCERES - Shane FrenchInvestigating Urban Food SystemsFood and energy are key areas of sustainable living. As our cities expand and our urban lifestyles take more and more toll on the planet, it is vital we reimagine how we power and feed ourselves. CERES has been working in the realm of Urban food systems for over 30 years and is a perfect example of a successful urban food system (through it's Market and grocery shop, urban organic farm, fairfood delivery service and Merri Restaurant). Come and find out more. Come and talk to us to discover what CERES has to offer, just 5km from the Melbourne CBD.Teens & Adults30 mins
2.00pmSteve MorvellWhat we value – we exploit. What we love – we protect.Steve Morell is a highly acclaimed wildlife – environmental artist dedicated to raising human awareness of the beauty and fragility of wildlife and their habitats. He is the Gold Medal winner of the 2016 Wildlife Art Society of Australasia’s Wild Awards. Steve will talk about how we can reconnect the head with the heart and about re-imagining our spiritual (and actual) connection with Planet Earth.All ages30 mins
2.30pmAlan LeenaertsLow Energy Housing RetrofittingGetting the most bang for your back out of retrofitting your home and other novel solar technology ideas.Adults30 mins
Outside - Wetland
10.30amBob HartmannSustainable House DesignLearn about the sustainable house design features by exploring Ecolinc's ESD features.All ages30 mins
11.00amHabitat Creations - Brett McGenniskenWonders of a wetlandTour of ecolinc wetland, flora and fauna, and how the wetland supports life.All ages30 mins
11.30amChristina RenowdenBug DetectivesBug hunting in the grasslands surrounding Ecolinc.All ages30 mins
12.00pmMelbourne Water - James FrazerMelbourne Water Frog CensusLearn how you can use your smart phone to participate in a citizen science project to monitor and conserve your local frog species.Families30 mins
12.30pmBob HartmannSustainable House DesignLearn about the sustainable house design features by exploring Ecolinc's ESD features.All ages30 mins
1.00pmHabitat Creations - Brett McGenniskenWonders of a wetlandTour of ecolinc wetland, flora and fauna, and how the wetland supports life.All ages30 mins
1.30pmBob HartmannSustainable House DesignLearn about the sustainable house design features by exploring Ecolinc's ESD features.All ages30 mins
2.00pmChristina RenowdenBug DetectivesBug hunting in the grasslands surrounding EcolincAll ages30 mins
Outside - Front of Ecolinc
10.00amStephanie GryllsDingoesWorking Dingoes Saving WildlifeAll ages30 mins
10.30amChristina RenowdenBug/Insect HotelStudents construct a small bug/insect hotel to take home3-13 year olds30 mins
11.00amJanine DuffyAll about KoalasLearn some unexpected, exciting and unusual things about koalas. Learn how to easily identify wild koalas and how you can contribute to their protection and conservation in the area. Learn about the world famous wild Koala Clancy.All ages30 mins
11.30amStephanie GryllsDingoesWorking Dingoes Saving WildlifeAll ages
12.00pmJohn Edmonds: Edmonds HoneyBee-KeepingLearn about the art of Bee-keepingAll ages1 hour
1.00pmChristina RenowdenBug/Insect HotelStudents construct a small bug/insect hotel to take home3-13 year olds30 mins
1.30pmJanine DuffyAll about KoalasLearn some unexpected, exciting and unusual things about koalas. Learn how to easily identify wild koalas and how you can contribute to their protection and conservation in the area. Learn about the world famous wild Koala Clancy.All ages30 mins
2.00pmJohn Edmonds: Edmonds HoneyBee-KeepingLearn about the art of Bee-keepingAll ages1 hour
Leisure Centre - Basketball Court 1
10.00amColleen FilippaAntarctica BoundWhy I went to Antarctica and what inspired me to come home to live more sustainably. All ages1 hour
11.00amMartin ScuffinsLeigh Valley Hawk & Owl SanctuaryBirds of Prey DemonstrationAll ages1 hour
12.00pmTalina Edwards ArchitectureWhat is a Sustainable Home?Talina is a Ballarat-based architect who runs who own practice: Talina Edwards Architecture: elemental design. She has a passion for sustainable design, green buildings, healthy homes and natural living. Sustainable homes are a lot more than just adding solar panels, and this presentation will provide some helpful architectural advice about the key areas to focus on to get maximum benefits and savings (for you, your wallet, and the planet!). Talina will present a 'virtual tour' of some of her current projects, so you can gain an insight into the architectural design process, and how sustainability is approached holistically. Talina is also happy to answer your questions about how to build more sustainably.Adults1 hour
1.00pmMartin ScuffinsLeigh Valley Hawk & Owl SanctuaryBirds of Prey DemonstrationAll ages1 hour
2.00pmFrank Unferdorben - Specialty SolarThe energy storage revolution - what does it mean to me?Learn about whether battery storage and solar are the answer to rising energy bills. Frank will outline the myths and truths.Adults1 hour
Ecolinc Outside benches
10.00amBob WintersTake better shots of nature Learn some simple camera/photography tricks to take better nature shotsAll ages45 mins
11.00amBob WintersComposting for adultsLearn how to compost successfully.Teens & Adults30 mins
11.30amBob WintersComposting for adultsLearn how to compost successfully.Teens & Adults30 mins
12.00pmBob WintersCompost Bugs for kidsDig for and identify compost critter. Learn how these critters play an important role in breaking down our kitchen scraps and turning it into compost for the garden.All ages30 mins
12.30pmBob WintersCompost Bugs for kidsDig for and identify compost critter. Learn how these critters play an important role in breaking down our kitchen scraps and turning it into compost for the garden.All ages30 mins
2.00pmBob WintersTake better shots of nature Learn some simple camera/photography tricks to take better nature shotsAll ages45mins
Other Activities
Passbook Amazing Race
Front of Ecolinc
Passbook Amazing Race Children collect Passbook and follow clues to stamp passbook. Small prize on completion. Primary aged children All day
1.30pmMilk Bottle Challenge
Near Flag Poles
Milk Bottle Challenge Join a team to build a hothouse out of recycled milk bottles. All ages 1 hour
Roaming Reptiles
Leisure Centre Canteen
Reptile Display & Demonstration Get up close and personal with a range of reptiles and amphibians. All ages All day
Nature WestInteractive nature play & touch table Interactive nature play & touch table All day All ages
2.30pmScience Poster Competition
Leisure Centre Basketball Court 2
Science Poster Competition Judging & Winners announced Judges: Jo Richards All ages 30 mins
2.30pmInventors/Inventions Competition
Leisure Centre Basketball Court 2
Inventors/Inventions Competition Judging & Winners announced Judge: Bob Hartmann All ages 30 mins