Professor Catherine Pickering is a botanist and Professor of Environmental Science in the School of Environment and Science at Griffith University on the Gold Coast. Over the last 10 years, the University has turned the Gold Coast campus into a living laboratory showcasing local native plants suitable for a wide range of different gardens from formal architectural roof gardens to cool food forests. With over 400 species of native plants in the endangered forest as well as gardens, including more than 20 endangered species, the campus is now a destination for locals interested in plants and has featured on Gardening Australia.

Terry Stokes has worked in the field of organic, regenerative garden and land management for the past 15 years and has helped develop a leading Bio Organic Sustainable Solutions business in SE Queensland, educating farmers and gardeners alike on how to grow more naturally and productively.

Julia Rose is a remarkable artist who has captivated the art world with her outstanding talent and unique vision. She specializes in Floral Couture and interactive and immersive art installations. Through this work, she has carved a niche for herself in the realm of artistic expression.

Julia Rose’s Floral Couture creations are a breathtaking blend of nature and fashion. She combines delicate blooms, vibrant petals, and lush greenery skillfully. She creates stunning wearable art pieces. These pieces transcend traditional fashion boundaries. Her floral couture designs demonstrate her skill in transforming ordinary flowers. She turns them into exquisite pieces of artwork. These designs evoke both emotion and beauty.

Julia Rose’s artistic talent shines through her Floral Couture creations and interactive and immersive art installations. Her ability to seamlessly blend nature, fashion, technology, and emotion is a testament to her brilliance as an artist. Julia Rose invites us to explore the extraordinary in the ordinary. She does this either through the delicate petals of her floral couture or the transformative experiences of her installations. She encourages us to embrace art that not only captures our attention but also stirs our souls.

The founder of Space Plants and a horticulture professional with specialist skills in vertical gardening, IRATA rope access and a Griffith University graduate with a Degree in Environmental Studies. He has been featured on ABC’s Gardening Australia and works with some of the best vertical garden systems in the world. He is on a mission to re-wild our city environments by helping people easily integrate more plants into their lives. He brings together a unique mixture of AgTec and Permaculture grass roots sustainable gardening techniques to easily help anyone bring plants into their lives so we can all surround ourselves with beautiful and productive plants in a way that adds massive value to our everyday lives. Plants are an asset and will play a major role in how our homes, businesses and cities operate as we move towards sustainability. We all have the power to make the planet happier, healthier and more sustainable simply by learning about, listening to and taking care of one plant at a time.

Introducing Justine Dillon, a Kombumerri & Quandamooka woman and Traditional Owner of the beautiful Gold Coast and Moreton Bay area.

As the Project Coordinator for Ngarang-Wal Gold Coast Aboriginal Association Incorporated & Guanaba Indigenous Protected Area, Justine is dedicated to environmental conservation and community engagement with Kombumerri culture.

 Hear Justine’s First Nations perspective on urban greening and its ability to connect us with culture, each other and where we live.

With her extensive experience in fire management, water quality testing, and conservation landcare management, Justine brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the conversation.

Trained in Agricultural science and Environmental Consulting John Palmer received an Order of Australia medal for services to the environment, particularly on the Gold Coast, in 2000.

John respects indigenous values as an eco-tour guide in natural settings, identifying non-invasive and edible herbs, shrubs, trees & vines volunteering from around the world, growing in enriched local landscapes situations.