Break-out 
Session 1 Details

11:00AM

Please choose one
of the five options

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[Rooms 101 & 102]
Community Climate Resilience: Strengthening links between councils and community 

This session will explore the question: How can local government support community organisations to facilitate climate resilience in the community? Partnerships between councils and their local organisations and networks are essential to help communities become resilient. The session will include case studies, practical advice and information about useful and scalable projects to achieve these partnerships and make the most of them. (SLIDES) (AUDIENCE Q&A)

Facilitator: Fran MacDonald, VCRC Project Manager, Western Alliance for Greenhouse Action

Georgia Esplin, Senior Community Resilience Lead, Maribyrnong City Council
Brendan Garrett, Climate Change Coordinator, Mount Alexander Shire Council
Justin Walsh, Climate and Sustainability Lead, Macedon Ranges Shire Council
Anna Brazier, Project Coordinator, Centre for Just Places, Jesuit Social Services

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[Room 103]
Building First Nations Partnerships for Better Outcomes for Country

A facilitated panel discussion with First Nations leaders and council/state government officers, drawing on their collective experience in navigating the sometimes complex pathways to meaningful engagement with traditional owners. It will provide practical guidance on when and how to get started and improve First Nations partnerships, showcasing successful examples and key lessons learnt. (SLIDES)

Facilitator: Sharon Macdonnell, Executive Officer, Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action

Uncle Charles Pakana, Victorian Aboriginal News
Petr Svoboda, Social Policy and Projects Officer, Merri-bek City Council
Luke Isaacs, First Peoples Partnership Lead, SEC

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[Room 104]
Part 1: Mis- and Disinformation in the Climate Transition - Key concepts, strategies and tools

As highlighted by the recent Australian Senate Inquiry into Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy, community level mis- and disinformation is intensifying. Local governments are often the first to feel its impact but are also uniquely positioned to respond as the level of government closest to the community. (SLIDES)

Facilitator: Annika Kearton, CEO, Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance

Cana Kuyucak, Climate Futures and Resilience Lead, Municipal Association of Victoria
Ella Wilkinson, Emergency Management Enhancement and Policy Officer, Municipal Association of Victoria

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[Rooms 105 & 106]
The Data Centre Boom: Managing resources and placemaking

Data centre proposals are accelerating across Victoria, rapidly becoming a major part of the state's digital and energy landscape. Their expansion is already intersecting with core responsibilities of local government - from emissions reduction and climate resilience to land use planning, infrastructure capacity and community wellbeing. This session will explore macro to micro issues, including how global trends are shaping investment and operational decisions in Victoria, alongside the constructive work underway within local government to manage this transition. A panel discussion will examine resource demands, cumulative impacts, long-term planning pressures and the risks that emerge when coordination across government is fragmented. (SLIDES)

Facilitator: Natasha Palich, Executive Officer, Council Alliance for a Sustainable Built Environment

Ketan Joshi, Climate Writer, Analyst and Advocate (video presentation)
Shannon Best, BESS Manager and Technical Analyst, Council Alliance for a Sustainable Built Environment
Katie Worters, Sustainability Officer, Wyndham City Council
Claire Cass, Executive Director, Access and Connections, VicGrid

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[Room 107]
Councillor Session - Keeping climate on the local leadership agenda

A roundtable workshop discussing how and why local government leaders can facilitate the consideration of climate risk and adaptation as one of council's core responsibilities. (SLIDES)

MC: Carole Hammond, Executive Officer, Goulburn Murray Climate Alliance

Facilitator: Dr Michael Spencer, Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, Green Lab, Monash University

Hosted by Councillors from Goulburn Murray Climate Alliance
Specialist Contributor: Mark Duckworth, Co-Director, Centre for Resilient and Inclusive Societies

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