WEDNESDAY 13TH MARCH 2019
| 1:30pm | Registration Desk Open | Foyer |
| 2:00pm | “Connected to Country” – Art & Artefacts Gallery open
Experience the story of the Great Sandy Biosphere, told through the eyes and hands of our First Peoples |
Foyer |
| 2:15pm | “We are all Connected” Marquee open
Connect with more than 35 organisations from throughout Australia through interactive displays and presentations focusing on six Biosphere themes: Innovation; Sustainability; Education; Indigenous; Economic Development and Biodiversity |
Exhibition Marquee |
| 4:45pm – 5:00pm | “Galango”
The Butchulla peoples, Traditional Owners of Maryborough and K’gari (Fraser Island) welcome you to their “country” through an ancient ceremonial smoking ceremony and sand art demonstration |
River Terrace Stage |
| 5:00pm – 5:20pm | “Together, we welcome you”
Mayors Mick Curran (Gympie Regional Council), Jack Dempsey (Bundaberg Regional Council) and George Seymour (Fraser Coast Regional Council) and Tony Ricciardi, Chair of Burnett Mary Regional Group welcome delegates and provide regional snapshots of the Great Sandy Biosphere. |
River Terrace Stage |
| 5:20pm – 7:00pm | Cocktail Evening
Take time to relax with fellow delegates and exhibitors in a low-key, social occasion featuring bush tucker canapes and local musicians. |
Foyer / River Terrace Stage |
THURSDAY 14TH MARCH 2019
| 1:30pm | Registration Desk Open | Foyer |
| 8:00am | Registrations open
Grab a cup of tea and coffee and browse the Art & Artefacts Gallery or Exhibition Marquee |
Foyer/Exhibition Marquee |
| 8:45am – 9:15am | Official Conference Opening
Opening addresses by UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program representative, Prof. Peter Bridgewater, On-Country Butchulla Elder and Government VIP |
Main Auditorium |
| 9:15am – 9:45am | Keynote Presentation
Professor Peter Bridgewater, UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program |
Main Auditorium |
| 9:45am – 10:30am | Australian Biosphere Reserves – Showcase Presentations
Dick Barnes, Foundation Chair, Noosa Biosphere Reserve Leonie McMahon, Fitzgerald Biosphere Group, West Australia |
Main Auditorium |
| 10:30am – 10:50am | “Local Government and Biosphere Reserves”
Jeanette Harold, Environmental Services Manager, Fraser Coast Regional Council |
Main Auditorium |
| 10:50am – 11:20am |
Morning Tea |
Foyer |
| 11:20am – 11.40am | “Environmental Markets – A Real Solution with Real Outcomes”
James Schultz, Chief Executive and Co-Founder, GreenCollar |
Main Auditorium |
| 11:40m – 12:00pm |
Presentation – “The Role of Community in Economic Development” Ben Artup”, Director, Economic Development, Bundaberg Regional Council |
Main Auditorium |
| 12:00pm – 12:20pm | “The Nexus Between Power, Water and Sustainable Agriculture”
Dale Holliss, General Manager, CANEGROWERS Bundaberg and Secretary, Bundaberg Regional Irrigators’ Group |
Main Auditorium |
| 12:20pm – 12:40pm | “Wetlands – Our Lifeblood”
Mike Ronan, Wetlands Manager, Queensland Department of Environment and Science |
Main Auditorium |
| 12:40pm – 1:30pm |
Lunch |
Foyer |
| 1:30pm – 2:15pm |
“Lightning Session” Spend 3 minutes face-to-face with your choice of Conference presenter |
Various |
| 2:15pm – 2:45pm |
Keynote Presentation Costa Georgiadis, TV Personality and “Gardening Guru” |
Main Auditorium |
| 2:45pm – 3:15pm |
Afternoon Tea |
Foyer |
| 3:15pm – 4:15pm | Interactive Panel Discussion
Hosted by Costa Georgiadis and featuring Prof. Peter Bridgewater, James Schulz, David DePaoli (AustChilli) and Andrew Gerry (Australian Macadamias) this interactive session will provide delegates with an opportunity to connect biosphere themes through open questions and discussion. |
Main Auditorium |
| 4:15pm – 4:35pm | Wrap Up
Housekeeping announcements for Conference Tours, Announcement of Lucky Door and Exhibitor Prizes and Closing remarks /Vote of Thanks |
Main Auditorium |
| 4:35pm – 5:00pm |
Official Conference Close Enjoy a spectacular combined dance and musical presentation featuring performers from Butchulla, Gidarjil and Kabi Kabi |
Main Auditorium |
| 5:00pm – 6:30pm |
Drinks and Nibbles Unwind with a choice of beverages and eats supplied by conference sponsors and supporters |
Foyer |
AUSTRALIAN BIOSPHERE CONFERENCE PROGRAM
FRIDAY 15TH MARCH 2019
Choice of Seven Great Sandy Biosphere Tours – Refer to tour page – https://australianbiosphereconference.com.au/conference-tours/
- Gympie Tour
- Maryborough Tour 1
- Maryborough Tour 2
- Hervey Bay Tour 1
- Hervey Bay Tour 2
- Bundaberg Tour
- Fraser Island Tour