Join WELA and UNSW for the annual Nancy Hillier OAM Memorial Lecture: Sydney Ratbags and Change Makers: Exploring Women and Environmental Work

A free annual community event by UNSW to celebrate and reimagine Nancy Hillier’s legacy and to invite community engagement with impactful environmental advocacy and activism.

Where: Botany Town Hall, 1423 Botany Road Botany, NSW 2019
When: Thursday, November 7 · 6 – 9pm AEDT

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.

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 and curated by: Dr Tania Leimbach (UNSW), Dr John Carr, and Carli Leimbach (WELA).