Program
Join us for our electrifying 2.5-day summit filled with captivating panels, engaging workshops, expert presentations, local walking tours, and even some EV test-drives!
Bus Departure* – 1:00 PM
Event – 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Melbourne Showgrounds
EV Showcase and Drive Day sponsored by Polestar
The Cities Power Partnership team will kickstart our action packed Summit with an EV Showcase and Drive Day event. Join us for an afternoon of exploring a range of zero emission vehicles progressively making their way into council fleets across Australia. The day will include a Summit welcome from Portia Odell, CPP Director, and will conclude with a catered welcome reception.
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Event details
At the EV Drive Day we have an impressive lineup of electric passenger and delivery vehicles, and medium and heavy-duty vehicles from leading car companies participating. Stay tuned for an upcoming announcement regarding all the car companies that will be present at the event.
Closing out activities for the day, a catered welcome reception will be hosted at the venue providing an opportunity for furthering networking and discussions ahead of our official Summit program commencing the following day at RMIT University.
Important Logistic Information
CPP have arranged transfers to and from the Melbourne Showgrounds via an electric bus courtesy of bus company Kinetic Group. *This bus service has been arranged for summit attendees who expressed their interest in opting for this free transfer when purchasing their summit conference ticket. The pick-up location will be in a central CBD location in Melbourne for at 1.00pm departure time.
Attendees are welcome to make their own arrangements to travel to the venue via public transport if preferred. Parking at the Melbourne Showgrounds is available for those that elect to drive to the venue with parking costs $20.00 per vehicle. Further details will be provided to attendees ahead of the event.Conditions of test driving of a selection of the vehicles will be limited to full Australian licence holders with no driving restrictions. All participants will be required to sign a waiver and test drive agreement form that will be sent out ahead of the EV Drive Day. The test drive component is subject to weather conditions and may be altered on the day for safety reasons.
8:00 AM to 8:45 AM
Storey Hall Foyer
Registration and Check-in
8:00 AM to 8:50 AM
Auditorium Foyer
Connections & Coffee
Start your day off right! Check-in early, grab a barista-made coffee, a pastry, and engage with fellow summit attendees in a welcoming environment.
9:00 AM to 9:30 AM
Auditorium
Conference Kickoff
Welcome to Country, followed by inspiring words from the Climate Council CEO and Cities Power Partnership Director.
9:25 AM to 9:30 AM
Auditorium
Presentation by Shinehub
9:30 AM to 10:00 AM
Auditorium
Climate Science Keynote: Professor Emeritus David Karoly, FAA, Climate Councillor
10:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Auditorium
Keynote Address: Greg Mullins, former Commissioner of Fire and Rescue New South Wales, Climate Councillor
Morning Tea
11:00 AM to 11:05 AM
Auditorium
Presentation by BOOM Power
11:05 AM to 11:55 AM
Auditorium
Electrify Everything
A rigorous panel discussion on electrification’s crucial role in a sustainable future, highlighting the benefits and opportunities it offers councils.
Kristen McDonald • Georgia Windrum • Jarrod Leak • Trent McCarthy
Facilitated by Dr Martin Rice
11:55 AM to 12:45 PM
Auditorium
Climate Change Communications Training: How to Effectively Talk about Extreme Weather and Electrification
Strong voices localise and personalise climate change stories and solutions. Learn how to develop your messaging and speak confidently on these two vital topics.
Lunch
1:35 PM to 2:25 PM
Auditorium
Community Energy: Case Studies from Leading Councils and Experts
Delve into the challenges and solutions involved in successful community energy initiatives, including community batteries, virtual power plants and more.
Liam Henderson • Tim Nelson • Chris Croker
Facilitated by Amanda McKenzie
2:35 PM to 3:25 PM
Auditorium
Climate Risks in Council Operations
When it comes to climate risk, there are many considerations council CEOs should take into account surrounding public infrastructure, private infrastructure, and the legal implications of addressing both. Hear from leading councils and experts about how to approach these risks.
Kelly Grigsby • Ryan Gale • Crystal Fleming
Facilitated by Craig Reucassel
2:35 PM to 3:25 PM
Green Brain
Leading in Times of Crisis and Uncertainty
Learn from experts and those with lived experience on how to best lead communities in times of uncertainty.
Grant Blashki • Tony Wolfe • Amanda Findley
Facilitated by Jane Gardner
3:30 PM to 4:20 PM
Auditorium
How Climate Action Affects Councils’ Bottom Lines
Incorporating climate decisions across council operations can alleviate risk, save money and set communities up for the future. Hear recommendations and learnings from leading councils and experts.
Paige McNeil • Craig Milburn • Ellen Witte
Facilitated by Dr Tim Nelson
3:30 PM to 4:20 PM
Green Brain
Building a Regenerative Future
How can Indigenous and Western knowledge combine to inform stronger, more resilient and impactful climate strategies? Hear from experts about case studies on regenerative practices and successful partnerships.
Andrea Siodmok • Jessica Wingad • Willie Pepper • David Tournier
Facilitated by Matt Sykes
4:25 PM to 4:30 PM
Auditorium
Conference Day One Wrap
Highlights from the day and what to expect from the Awards Gala Dinner.
4:45 PM
Walking Tour: Make Room
Places are limited to 20 participants. This tour is only available for those who registered at time of registration. The tour will depart Storey Hall at 4:40 PM.
4:40 PM to 5:10 PM
Bonus Presentation: Sustainability and Carbon Emissions at RMIT
Hear about the university’s electrification journey so far and the challenges to come
6:30 PM to 10:30 PM
State Library Victoria
Climate Awards Gala Dinner
Celebrate and learn from our winners! The 2023 Climate Award Gala Dinner will be held at the historic State Library, hosted by Craig Reucassel
7:30 AM to 8:15 AM
Walking Tour: Southbank Boulevard
Places are limited to 25 participants. This tour is only available for those who registered at time of registration. The tour will start from the Southbank meeting-point at 7:30 AM.
7:30 AM to 8:15 AM
Walking Tour: Melbourne Skyfarm
Places are limited to 25 participants. This tour is only available for those who registered at time of registration. The tour will start from the Skyfarm meeting-point at 7:30 AM.
9:00 AM to 9:15 AM
Auditorium
Day 2 Opening
Welcome to Country
9:15 AM to 9:30 AM
Auditorium
Ministerial Keynote
9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Auditorium
Australian Governments Working Together for Strong Climate Action
This cornerstone panel discussion will explore how all three levels of government can effectively work together for stronger climate action, and the important role local government can play.
Sally Capp • Lily D’Ambrosio • Linda Scott
Facilitated by Dr Jennifer Rayner
Morning Tea
11:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Auditorium
The Role of Australian Towns and Cities at COP 28
At international climate talks, local governments are increasingly recognised for the important role they play in climate action. Hear how Australian cities and towns are participating in these global conversations.
Abby Binay • Anna Reynolds
Facilitated by Craig Reucassel
11:30 AM to 12:20 PM
Auditorium
Preparing Communities for a Clean Energy Economy
Learn about the benefits and growth opportunities associated with the clean energy economy, and the role councils have in facilitating job creation and economic development.
Matt Burnett • Jacqui Bell • Carolyn Crossley
Facilitated by Craig Reucassel
Lunch
1:05 PM to 1:10 PM
Auditorium
Presentation by Sea Electric
1:10 PM to 2:00 PM
Auditorium
Roadmap for Change: How Local Governments can help in the shift to cleaner transport
Emissions modelling in the Climate Council’s latest report “Shifting Gear – A Pathway to Cleaner Transport,” reveals that by the end of this decade, we must reduce car trips by over half, increase public transport trips by 3.5 times, and promote active modes of transportation threefold. Join us in this discussion as we examine potential avenues for further action.
Anita Curnow• Nicole Vukic • James Roscoe • Jennifer Alden
Facilitated by Dr Jennifer Rayner
2:05 PM to 4:00 PM
Seminar Room
Innovate4Cities Marketplace (presented by GCoM)
An interactive, workshop-style session where cities and local governments present their big ideas seeking funds, financiers, research and partners to tackle policy, research and innovation gaps most critical to action View details.
Facilitated by Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds, and Mayor Abigail Binay; speakers include Cathy Oke, Ben Jance and Peta Olesen.
2:05 PM to 3:00 PM
Green Brain
The Opportunities and Limitations of Green Hydrogen
Learn what green hydrogen is and what it means for councils.
Steven Percy • Rob Grant • Tahlia Nolan
Facilitated by Dr Simon Bradshaw
3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Green Brain
Brighter Futures, Lower Bills
In the built environment, managing energy demand can deliver the quick wins necessary to drive emissions down. Improving energy efficiency will also improve health and enhance community resilience to climate impacts, particularly for residents on low incomes.
Jenny Edwards • Rachel Goldlust • Caroline Valente • Katherine Sampson
Facilitated by Craig Reucassel
4:05 PM to 4:25 PM
Auditorium
Where to From Here: A Conversation
Craig Reucassel, Portia Odell and Simon Bradshaw will chat about the future: the critical actions and solutions needed in the coming years, and the role local government has to play.
4:25 PM to 4:30 PM
Auditorium
Conference Wrap-up
Climate Cocktails at Captain Melville
Contact
Quimby Mills
Events & Communications Coordinator
quimby@climatecouncil.org.au
Melinda Everett
EV Project Officer
melinda.everett@climatecouncil.org.au
