Each session focuses on a critical aspect of tourism along the Great Ocean Road and offers unique insights from industry experts.
Session One: The Tourism Model We Have
Monday 24 February, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM AEDT
Speaker Highlights: Anna Pollock (Managing Director, Conscious.Travel) will examine the globally dominant “extractive” tourism model and why a regenerative shift is needed. Corrina Dichiera from the Kennett River Association will provide a local perspective on tourism’s impacts on small communities and ecosystems.
Session Two: Resilient Tourism – Principles and Practice
Thursday 27 February, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM AEDT
Speaker Highlights: Dr Dianne Dredge (Tourism CoLab) will explore practical examples of regenerative tourism, including projects on Flinders Island. Lizzie Corke OAM from Wildlife Adventures will discuss how her organisation is embracing sustainable tourism models.
Session Three: The Great Ocean Road Reimagined
Monday 3 March, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM AEDT
Speaker Highlights: Liz Price (Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism) will assess the current state of tourism along the Great Ocean Road, highlighting both its benefits and the challenges it poses.
Session Four: From Tourism Policy to Practice – Government Agencies Speak
Wednesday 12 March, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM AEDT
Panel Discussion: Representatives from key agencies like the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) will outline emerging strategies for sustainable tourism management.
Session Five: From Rhetoric to Action
Wednesday 19 March, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM AEDT
Speaker Highlights: Dr Dianne Dredge and other panel members will focus on how collaboration and policy alignment can break down barriers to implementing regenerative tourism practices.