The recent public release of a 45 minute UK-produced film, “National Emergency Briefing”, now showing across the UK, presents the opportunity to expand its screening internationally and this is one of the first international sites. A narrated and curated synthesis of information presented by leading UK climate and biodiversity experts in November 2025, this film is coupled with audience reaction and highlights the escalating climate and nature emergency we all find ourselves in. Extreme weather events, existential climactic threats and tipping points, water and food insecurity, social unrest, human health impacts and collapsing biodiversity and ecosystems are all featured – and resonate globally.
The other motivation for holding this event at this particular point in time is the convergence of two important events. During Laudato si’ Week (May 17-24), we re-double our efforts to care for our Common Home and take the lead from Pope Francis’ 2015 Encyclical. The Laudato si’ week’s theme this year is fittingly “From Hope to Action” and comes at a time when increasing numbers of people across the globe are discerning and directly experiencing this rapidly unfolding “ecological overshoot” emergency.
In 2026, the Laudato si’ week also overlaps with the period between Ascension Thursday and Pentecost Sunday. At this time, we also await the Holy Spirit, as we are sent forth under guidance and with gifts. The timing is also important as the event closely precedes National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June), the theme being “All In”, a call for action and a commitment to wholehearted reconciliation.
This event, combining spirituality, Indigenous perspectives, and science, has four broad aims.
1. The screening of the “National Emergency Briefing” film will initially present a science-based, factual and realistic account of the true extent and gravity of the climate and nature emergency before us. The conclusion is that immediate and drastic reductions in the use of fossil fuels are needed – and hence anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions.
2. The information presented in the film will then be contextualised for audience members who live in the Southern Hemisphere and in Southern Australia. Garry Goldsmith, a Narungga man and representative, will present Indigenous perspectives, wisdom and culture, and highlight the devastating cultural impact the harmful algal bloom has had on his people and community. He will also outline the activities and aims of the newly formed Southern Australian Aboriginal Land and Sea Management Alliance, Garry being the co-Chair. Darren Ray, a well known local meteorologist and climatologist, will then present updated climate change and related projections, their regional and local implications and what this means for community resilience.
3. Emma Sandery, Beau Warren and Michael Dwyer, drawing from a diverse set of backgrounds and experience including community sustainability, simplicity, climate change, community gardening, landscaping, permaculture and fiction writing, will then present practical and tangible community and individual actions which are available and required right now. Importantly, the outcomes of these actions include a restoration and strengthening of Planetary/One Health, as well as renewed and functional relationships with our planet and each other.
4. Lastly, the event will conclude with audience discussion and participation in a Q&A with a presenter panel. There will be an opportunity to explore the needed transformation into sustainable, self-sufficient, simpler, localized community life thriving within biophysical limits.
As it is a 150 minute event, an interval will provide some opportunity for refreshments, a chat and greetings.
More event information is included in the link below – as well as several ways you can register (or just turn up). Please join us for something very important.
