Keynote Speakers
Bob Brown
Bob Brown is internationally celebrated for his activism, with a career that has significantly shaped environmental politics in Australia and beyond. As a founding member of the Tasmanian Wilderness Society (now The Wilderness Society), he led the historic campaign to Save the Franklin River, a pivotal moment in Australia's environmental movement. As the first leader of the Australian Greens, he advanced policies on climate change, forest conservation, and human rights, significantly growing the Greens' influence in Australia and the world. Bob has authored several books, including a memoir and poetry collections, and has received prestigious awards such as the United Nations Environment Program Global 500 Award and the Goldman Environmental Prize. As one of Australia’s living legends, Bob continues to be an influential voice in environmental advocacy as the founder and president of the Bob Brown Foundation.
Niara Mansell (kanaplila)
Niara Mansell is a rralla trawlwoolway pakana luna, a Tasmanian Aboriginal woman from the North East, born by the beautiful kanamaluka/Tamar river. She leads pakana kanaplila, a traditional and contemporary dance group that welcome the ancestors through dance and song. They stand strong and proud, honouring animals and traditions through movements we pass on to future generations. Niara believes that kanaplila and rayakana, dance and song, are significant for connection, for her community, and for continuing her rich cultural traditions and practices.
Christine Milne
Christine Milne is internationally recognised as one of Australia's most experienced and respected environmental and community activists. As a former leader of the Australian Greens and Vice-President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), she is known for her climate policy expertise. She continues to work as an ambassador for the Global Greens, the Australian Invasive Species Council, and the 100% Renewable Energy Campaign of the World Future Council. Christine is also a patron of the Australian Smart Energy Council, a member of the Energy Watch Group, and an advisory board member for the US-based Climate Accountability Institute, Solar Heads of State, The Borneo Project, and the Sydney University Democracy Network. Her dedication to climate action, renewable energy, and social justice, at local and global levels, makes her one of the most prominent thinkers in Australia's environmental and political landscape.
Hannah Moloney
Hannah Moloney is the Tasmanian host for ABC TV's Gardening Australia, an accomplished permaculturalist, a bestselling author, and a staunch climate activist. She’s spent more than two decades working with people in and out of the garden (or farm) to build climate resilience and advocate for effective climate action. As director of Good Life Permaculture she offers workshops, landscape design, and community projects aimed at building good lives and landscapes for all. She helped co-found Source Community Wholefoods (Hobart’s only food cooperative) and the innovative former Hobart City Farm. She runs Home Harvest - the annual edible garden tour around nipaluna/Hobart and has been involved extensively working with local Councils teaching home composting to residents to reduce organics heading to landfill. Hannah's activism is driven by radical hope and the knowledge that ordinary humans are capable of doing extraordinary things, especially when they work together.
Note: Libby Lester has had to withdraw from COCE 2025. We are pleased to welcome Hannah Moloney as a keynote speaker.
Sarah Wilcox
Sarah Wilcox, a proud pakana woman, will be presenting a Welcome to Country to open our conference. As a Palawa woman, Tasmanian Aboriginal woman, Sarah has spent most of her life working in the public sector, bringing her cultural knowledge and communication skills to training, mentorship, and experiences. She uses these skills in her community to support and connect them, and to elevate the voices of the Palawa people across lutruwita, Tasmania.
