Day One
Program
08:30
Registration & Networking
Take a moment to connect with fellow attendees and presenters as we start the day.
09:00
Acknowledgement of Country
Doctors for the Environment Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which this forum is being held, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong / Boonwurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation, and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, waters and community.
We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
Sovereignty was never ceded. Always Was, Always Will Be, Aboriginal Land.
Conference Welcome by our MCs and members of the student organising committee: Mahalah Mullins, Winnie Panzcel, Dani Mohnot, Aaron Avenido and Eliza Fergusson
9:15
DEA at 25 Past, Present and Future: how an idea became a movement of climate aware doctors working to protect our planets health.
We reflect on where DEA began and how it has grown from the kitchen table organisation in South Australia to a national organisation with a voice of thousands.
We look to the great work being done and acknowledge the dedication of our many members, past and present. With inspiration we plan the future with the next generation as they bring new ideas, energy and enthusiasm for our planet's health.
Presenters:
10:15 Morning Tea
10:45
The Climate Costs of War - Medical Association for the Prevention of War (MAPW)
Peace is an essential part of the path to a healthy planet. Without peace the world will continue to endure the degradation of the environment from toxic weapons to heavy metal contaminants, the politicisation of climate change as a national security issue, and the exclusion of military emissions in government emission targets.
Presenter: Dr Jenny Grounds, rural GP board member of the MAPW, and life-long activist for peace and environmental protection.
11:15
Birds in Backyards - Birdlife Australia
Birds are inspiring, endearing and necessary. Backyard birds can give an essential slice of nature and moments of joy, but they need a healthy environment and our help. Find out more about birds, bird habitats and how we can all become citizen scientists.
Presenter: Representative of BirdLife Australia.
11:45
Debate - Health Systems vs Parliamentary Halls– Where Should DEA Focus Our Advocacy Efforts?
We are an organisation with a great past and a mighty looking future. Our debate will help shape the future path for Doctors for the Environment Australia.
As a member organisation that aims to create a healthy planet for all people we want to hear what people have to say about Australia's health systems and government. The debate will give you the facts and reasoning for each side but the final decision is with all of us attending. Where should DEA focus our advocacy efforts?
Moderators: Winnie Panzcel and Alanna Dalley
Parliamentary Halls:
Health Systems:
13:00 - 14:00 Lunch
14:00
Ethical Dilemma of AI & Its Impact on the Environment
AI and hyperscale data centres are changing the way people work, learn, interact and live day to day. Whilst there are positives, the negatives need to be heard. From water scarcity to energy usage to human rights and privacy concerns there's plenty to consider before we embrace this next technological development.
Panellists
15:00
Planetary Health in Medical Education
How do we empower the health workforce of the future to support and advocate for a healthy planet? We can begin with an open discourse around the impact of climate change on healthcare, the implications for those working in the sector and the current possibilities for positive change.
Panellists
15:45 Afternoon Tea
16:00
Doctors for the Environment Australia Board Session
Members Only - Governance, Leadership and Future Vision for DEA so we can thrive for another 25 years. Join DEA's board co-chairs Prof Angie Bone and Dr Kimberly Humphrey to discuss DEAs strategy and plans for the next five years.
17:00 Close
18:30
DEA 25th Anniversary Social Event – Clyde Hotel, Carlton
Join us for an informal social gathering to reflect, relax and recuperate. Food and drinks included. www.theclydehotel.com.au/
*Please note: This Program is correct as of the time of publishing but may be updated, added to, or amended prior to the event
Day Two
Program
08:00 - 09:00
Local Park Run
For those who like to start the day at a faster pace, one of our student organisers will lead you on a scenic run through the gardens.
09:30
Morning coffee & registration
Time to catch up and share news and ideas before the first session.
10:00
Caring for Country: Indigenous Knowledge, Climate Protection & Health
The link between people and Country is inextricable, if people care for Country then Country will care and provide for people and communities. People are part of nature and cannot presume to exist outside of it. Learning from and working with First Nations leaders to care for Country is essential to protect health through care of the environment.
Moderator: Madi McDonald is a proud Gunditjmara woman, final year medical student at the University of Melbourne and the First Nations representative on the Medical Student Society’s Executive Team.
Panellists
11:00
Healthy Cities
Climate, Health & Community Action in urban environments.
From urban heat islands to infrastructure strain the immediate and longer term health impacts caused by increasingly extreme weather need to be addressed. We look at how we can prepare our communities for the unavoidable impacts of global heating such as overwork, food insecurity, increase in communicable diseases and heat- related deaths.
12:00
Talking about our eco-distress
Eco or climate distress are not anxiety disorders but responding well can have a big impact. Safe, accurate climate education & evidence-based support helps, not harms, children & young Australians’ mental health, yet their is an ongoing movement to silence discussion. This session presents the evidence on why talking eco-distress is better for people and ultimately better for our planet.
12:30 - 13:30 Lunch
13:30
Water in a Warming World: a focus on the Murray Darling Basin Plan
Water is life and yet we manage it as if there is a limitless supply. Globally we are in a water deficit and in Australia the mighty river system of the Murray Darling Basin is on its knees due to climate, over extraction and disregard for the needs of our environment. With the plan currently under review this is the time for us to look at how the plan is tracking and what it means for human and environmental health.
14:00
Clean Air in Darwin
Join Dr Louise Woodward as she shares how doctors advocacy is highlighting air pollution and the climate and health impacts from gas extraction and processing in Darwin. From the Middle Arm inquiry to the establishment of the Community Health Air in the NT (CHANT) and its raising money for an air monitor in Darwin, the capacity and credibility of Louises advocacy shows the power of the doctors voice.
14:30
Future Directions for Doctors for the Environment Australia - A Member Workshop
Let's take this opportunity to come together to discuss what is important to members for the next five years of DEA.
We've already had great achievements in the many facets of modern life, so we now look to continuing and growing our work in areas such as agriculture, diet, finance, education, energy, nature protection and restoration, transport, urban planning and more.
15:30
Closing Remarks
Reflections and acknowledgements.
16:00 Close
*Please note: This Program is correct as of the time of publishing but may be updated, added to, or amended prior to the event