University of New South Wales (UNSW) is hosting an annual community event to celebrate and reimagine Nancy Hillier’s legacy and to invite community engagement with impactful environmental advocacy and activism.
The evening will feature an intergenerational panel discussion, highlighting how women from different generations have approached environmental issues with boldness and creativity. Through storytelling and shared experiences, we’ll explore the challenges and successes of their work. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in an interactive mapping activity, connecting with each other while celebrating the legacy and future of community-driven leadership.
Come along for a night of networking, inspiration, and embracing the "ratbag" spirit—celebrating those who speak up, push boundaries, and drive meaningful progress for our communities and environment. This annual lecture series honours Nancy Hillier OAM, a fearless advocate who fought tirelessly for environmental and social justice in Sydney’s Botany Bay.
Hosted in partnership with Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia (WELA), Bayside Council and the Environment and Society Group at UNSW, this event celebrates the fearless women who challenge the status quo in pursuit of environmental progress. Honouring Nancy Hillier's remarkable legacy as an advocate for Sydney's Botany Bay area, this annual lecture brings together community members, environmental leaders, and changemakers to reflect on and reimagine impactful activism.
Join us for the annual Nancy Hillier OAM Memorial Lecture and acknowledge the hard-won victories of women working to create positive change for local communities and the living world.
Panellists:
Maria Poulos Active Bayside resident and advocate, Convenor of Save the Bay Coalition, Organiser of Save Yarra Bay
Julie Lyford OAM WELA Chair & Alum, former Councillor and Mayor of Gloucester Shire Council, campaign leader
Valentina Campos UNSW post-graduate student, active member of Regen Sydney & Daily Delight Disrupt
Nina Gbor Sustainable fashion advocate; Director of Circular Economy and Waste Program at the Australia Institute
Panel Chair: Prof Tema Milstein (UNSW)
Produced by: Dr Tania Leimbach (UNSW), Dr John Carr (UNSW), and Carli Leimbach (WELA).