2026 Festival

Speaker Profile

Kylie Soanes

Dr Kylie Soanes is an Australian scientist on a mission to save nature in our cities and towns. Her research spans urban ecology and biodiversity conservation, asking how cities can better support wildlife. A leading expert, she works with councils, communities, engineers and architects, and is a prolific science communicator known for warmth, wit, and accessible storytelling across multiple public platforms. 

Climatenomics: Engaging business, government and schools in the battle for survival

Saturday April 25
Portsea Village
2.30pm / 60 mins

Sarah Hamylton, Richard King and Kylie Soanes with Dan Ziffer

What positive roles can local organisations play in the climate change crisis? Must communities wait for governments to act? And might technology save the day? 

Basket Case Or World’s Most Liveable? Five years after Lockdown, how is Melbourne?

Sunday April 26
The Ballroom, The Continental
3.00pm / 60 mins

Kylie Soanes, The Paris End Editors and Nicholas Reese with Stephen Lunn  

Melbourne-bashing became fashionable during the first lockdown in March, 2020. Why is it taking so long for the city to sparkle again?