2024 program & session information

Instructions and information for how the day and sessions will run.

Not all of us could make it to the Australia-wide Animal Rights Forum in Melbourne, so we are going to get the next best thing – a run-through of highlights from the event, presented by local Brisbane activists Alisa and Johann who attended the conference in person.

AnimalKIND is an independent animal rights charity that advocates the rights of non-human animals so that they may live free from abuse, cruelty, and exploitation. In this talk, Campaign Manager Amanda Holly will share the thinking behind the recent rebrand from Animal Liberation Queensland to AnimalKIND, how it fits with the organisation’s theory of change, their latest hard-hitting campaign exposing the grim realities of Australian feedlots, and how you can get involved.

Our first interactive panel session. Come along and get involved in a conversation about how people are helping animals at our universities. If you are a current or aspiring student, academic, researcher or campaigner for institutional change, then this event is for you. The panel lineup includes a social marketing academic from Griffith University, the CEO of Animal-Free Science Advocacy (formerly Humane Research Australia), a student organiser from the UQ Vegan Society, and a not-for-profit initiative focused on changing campus food culture.

A delicious vegan lunch (included for all ticketholders at no extra cost)

The negotiation of a Plant Based Treaty as a companion to the UNFCCC Paris Agreement would put food systems at the forefront of combating climate and ecological breakdown. Modelled on the popular Fossil Fuel Treaty, the Plant Based Treaty aims to halt the widespread degradation of critical ecosystems caused by animal agriculture and promote a shift to healthy, sustainable plant-based diets. Join this session to hear how this inspiring campaign is making progress both locally and globally, and how you can get behind it as a citizen, through your place of work or study, online, or in person. 

Our second interactive panel session, featuring representatives from Farm Animal Rescue, Cranky's Farm, and Death Row Unchained. Have a discussion with people from some of our most well known local animal sanctuaries about their work and the opportunities to get involved.

Sea Shepherd’s Shark Defence Campaign works to shed much-needed light on the destructive nature of state-sanctioned shark ‘control’ programs, through investigation, documentation and publication. Using its small boat the Grey Nurse, Sea Shepherd actively monitors and reports on shark nets and drumlines in Queensland and New South Wales, acting as a vocal advocate for their removal. At this talk, Shark Defence Campaigner Jonathan Clark will share first-hand insights into the campaign and how you can help.

Knowing the realities of animal exploitation can take a heavy toll, and it's unsurprising that burnout is a major risk for activists. Simply navigating everyday life in a carnist culture can be profoundly challenging. Join this interactive session for a discussion with aligned mental health and wellbeing experts on how we can take care of ourselves and others while standing up for our non-human animal kin. With expertise spanning trauma and resilience, social conflict and prejudice experienced by vegans, and mind-body health, our panellists understand both personally and professionally the importance of nurturing our own wellbeing to ensure we are thriving and effective advocates for our fellow Earthlings and the planet we share.

Join our speakers from throughout the day for a wide-ranging panel discussion on growing our movement. Audience questions highly encouraged.
 

Yavanna

If you want to extend the day, please feel free to join organisers and participants on the day for an informal dinner and a drink at Yavanna.