Our introducing speaker tonight is Dr Barry Traill AM, (BJ). Barry is a long-term resident of Maleny, and is one of Australia’s most successful environmental advocates. He is the former Director of Pew Charitable Trusts’ Australian Outback Program and now leads the Solutions for Climate Australia project, part of the Climate Action Network, working towards creating enduring bi-partisanship in federal politics to achieve decisive action on climate.

BJ's an ecologist by training, with a particular interest and expertise in the ecology of terrestrial birds and mammals. He has led many major environmental campaigns, including working with Indigenous peoples to protect Outback landscapes, (Country needs People) and greatly expanding Australia’s marine park network.

He has attended several 'COPs' including the 2024 event in Azerbaijan.

In 2023 he was, very deservedly, awarded an Order of Australia (AM) for his services to conservation and the environment.

In this critical time he will be discussing the state of environmental politics in Australia and the world, focussing on how climate and conservation are being addressed in the campaign.