World Water Day Panel Discussion

Accelerating Change: Combating Climate Anxiety

FREE EVENT - Barwon Water and Geelong Regional Libraries are presenting a panel discussion on the major challenges of climate change and the emerging condition of climate anxiety

On World Water Day, Barwon Water and Geelong Regional Libraries are presenting a panel discussion on the major challenges of climate change, the emerging condition of climate anxiety and the possibilities unlocked by our fast track to climate mitigation and adaptation. All are welcome at this free event.

Panel members:

Tracey Slatter, Managing Director, Barwon Water

Tracey is a transformational leader who listens to and partners with customers, the community and key stakeholders to identify and act on new opportunities and challenges.  Tracey has the distinctive ability to innovate in traditional sectors, delivering exceptional outcomes and services that build trust and confidence.  Tracey is committed to good governance and high performance, appreciating the unique talents and perspectives of every person through inclusion and diversity.

Dr Rob Grenfell MBBS, MPH, FAFPHM, Chief Strategy and Regions Office, Grampians Health

Dr Rob Grenfell, a Public Health Physician, is the Chief Strategy and Regions Officer for Grampians Health. He also holds the following roles as a Special Advisor Health for the CSIRO, the Chair of Biogrid board, Member of Australian Institute of Clinical Governance advisory committee and Advisor SGH Medical Technology Fund.

He was recently the Director of CSIRO’s Health and Biosecurity Business Unit.  Leading a broad portfolio covering Nutrition, eHealth, Medtech and Diagnostics and Biosecurity. He has played a significant role in Australia’s response to COVID19, which he continues to do with CSIRO and the local Public Health Unit.

Rob has broad ranging public health experience including;

National Medical Director at BUPA Australia New Zealand
National Director Cardiovascular Health at the Heart Foundation
Strategic Health Advisor to Parks Victoria
Senior Medical Advisor at the Department of Health Victoria
Physician in charge of travel health BHP
General Practice – with considerable indigenous and rural experience
He has held a broad range of Advisory committees. Of note, he was a member of the Safety and Quality Outcomes Committee of the Hospital Innovation Reform Council, a member of the Victorian Quality Council, Chair of General Practice Victoria, and Member of the Health Advisory Committee of the National Health and Medical Research Council.

Jesse Holden

Jesse studies the interconnected nature of human and environmental issues, and works in eco-tourism as a wilderness guide, connecting people to place, encouraging custodianship and environmental responsibility. 

As a young person of the current age, Jesse feels the need to be pragmatically engaged in the climate change issue and is earnestly excited by the many projects across fields that are making real progress. He sees climate change as a challenge of human imagination, resourcefulness, and accountability. 

Barwon Water's bio-char project is one such exciting step towards environmentally sensitive, climate conscious human system design, hopefully the first of many!

Emily Hoey

Emily is an Environmental Engineering student with a deep concern for nature and solving environmental problems. As any young person today, she feels a crushing sense of responsibility to learn, act and bring awareness about our rapidly destabilising planet. Water security is fundamental in protecting not only society but our truly wild and beautiful world. Emily believes that ways of life are possible where we can repair damage and allow humanity to thrive. Choosing to be ambitious and act on visions that show us a more examined way of living is the story was must write. 

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