Ruth Yeatman invites Phil Bourne and Russell Fisher to join her to reflect on the interconnected crises threatening humanity and the planet today, primarily driven by climate change, extreme poverty, and geopolitical conflict. “Humans are social beings. We need to communicate, make connections, share how we feel, and truly listen to what others are going through. And to do all this, we need to talk. Not just quick messages or scrolling through social media updates—but real, meaningful (in person) conversations that help us feel understood and connected”. (David Kilcullen, Professor of War Studies at UNSW Canberra and an influential author and scholar of irregular warfare, urbanisation and the future of conflict) Coming together with others to make sense of these crises allows us to share our innermost feelings and connect with and learn from others. Together we more easily find the courage to turn toward our fears, face potential conflict and reach across difference, and to find pathways that lead us to more peaceful ways to meet our world. Join us as we reflect, explore, and question these times we find ourselves living in… Russell Fisher is an ecologist, strategist and adventurer. He has been actively involved in social, economic and environmental justice issues in different parts of the world for more than half a century. A degree in Ecology & Natural Resources Management has involved him in many environmental campaigns and projects, and a number of governance roles including past President of Environment Victoria and Chair of Bioregional Australia. Russell’s primary focus is in helping leaders, teams and communities create the space to cut through complexity and tackle their most stuck challenges. His main work with leaders and teams is on strategy, leadership development, governance, innovation, and problem solving. He has worked across a broad array of subjects including water, energy, climate change, environmental protection, waste, forests, natural resources management, health and well-being, community and economic development, transport, property development, community legal services, housing, media. A number of projects have helped his clients win national awards in training and development, sustainability and community action on climate change. Russell lives on a small property in the Central Highlands with partner Sue, where they are part of their local Landcare, and through a partnership with the local CMA, have dedicated 20% of their property to conservation and catchment protection. Phil Bourne was born and bred in Melbourne, Phil completed a bachelor of applied science (Occupational Therapy) in 1981 and then worked in support services for people with an intellectual disability. He moved to the Seymour area in 1984 where he co-founded Commonground, an organisation supporting social and environmental justice by hosting, facilitating, and generally supporting groups working in these areas including asylum seekers, aboriginal, peace keepers, and environment groups. Phil has also worked in local community development including being the inaugural Community Development Officer at Mitchell Shire, and a volunteer on groups such as The Seymour We Want, Mitchell Youth Affairs, Seymour Neighbourhood Renewal Project, and BEAM - Mitchell Environment Group, and Allies Supporting Treaty Seymour. Phil is currently spreading his time between work at Commonground and a new project called The Cape, a developing eco village at Cape Paterson. Thank you to johnhain for his image.
