Spring into Sustainability: What’s On in October
ACT Writer’s Festival has a great round-up of nature book-themed sessions
October in Canberra is bursting with opportunities to celebrate nature, creativity, and community. First up, National Ride2Work Day rolls around on 15 October. As the largest celebration of commuter cycling in Australia, it’s the perfect excuse to dust off your bike, enjoy a ride to work, and join thousands of others pedalling towards a healthier, greener city. This event is supported by our friends at Pedal Power ACT, who do incredible work championing active transport in Canberra.
The city will then be buzzing with ideas as the Canberra Writers’ Festival takes place from 22–26 October. This year, keep an eye out for the nature-themed sessions, which bring together writers, thinkers, and activists exploring our connections to the environment. It’s a chance to be inspired by stories that remind us of the urgent need – and joyful potential – of caring for our planet. These include:
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Gardening Across the Generations, 25 October
Gardening connects us to the land, to our food, and to one another. This panel explores gardening across generations and families, communities and ecosystems. Anna Matilda (Everyday Permaculture: Sustainable Living for Every Space), Chloe Foster (The Rookie Gardener) and Judy Friedlander (The Bee Squad: Boosting Biodiversity in your Neighbourhood) will explore how gardening can be passed down, reimagined and shared. From beginners planting their first seedling, to building thriving pollinator-friendly biodiverse homes and balconies, to experienced growers designing with permaculture in mind. Join this interactive session full of heart and wonder for our natural world. Moderated by ABC Canberra TV News anchor, journalist and long-time garden lover, Adrienne Francis. ABC Canberra Saturday Breakfast with Emma Bickley and gardening guru Graham ‘Willow’ Wilson will broadcast live from 8.30am before the panel and be on hand to answer your gardening questions.
Nature is Human, 25 October
Join this panel to be inspired into action. Our natural world is at the brink of collapse – and if it goes, we go too. But our three panellists not only show us what is at stake; they provide us with a map to alter our relationship to the world around us, and take action. Jane Rawson (Human/Nature) and Natalie Kyriacou (Nature's Last Dance) guide us deep into forests and oceans, across deserts and up mountains, to show us how we can live in harmony with our natural surrounds and celebrate the joy of the extraordinary around us.
Darren Rix (Warra Warra Wai), a Gunditjmara-GunaiKurnai man with Ngarigo bloodlines, powerfully reminds us of the immense value of better understanding First Nations connection to Country, Indigenous knowledge systems and learning from elders about the stories of place and history. Together, they form an unmissable session of contemplation, hope and action. Moderated by The Conversation's Environment and Energy Editor, Miki Perkins.
Design a Garden Workshop, 26 October
Children around Australia have started a revolution! From the coast of WA to Canberra they’ve been discovering nature in their schools and neighbourhoods, planting to attract bees, birds and butterflies, and building insect hotels. Join Dr Judy Friedlander (The Bee Squad) to learn how to design a garden that will attract birds, butterflies and other pollinators to your backyard or balcony. This will be a fun, interactive and colourful activity to help you make a difference in your neighbourhood with plantings, habitats and more. Get started on creating an exciting home for the tiny animals around you! For Ages 10+, $15 per child and accompanying adult free.
Salvaging our Earth? 26 October
Omar El Akkad is joining the festival after recently releasing his searing memoirOne Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This. But he first burst onto the literary scene with his bestseller American War, set during a climate change instigated Second U.S. Civil War in the year 2074. Jennifer Mills, in Salvage, explores sisters (one suspended in outer space and another down on the ravaged earth) after ecological collapse. And Madeleine Watts, in Elegy, Southwest follows a young couple driving along the course of the Colorado River as it threatens to run dry. Through speculative fiction, each author brings harrowing yet gentle perspectives on living, and loving, alongside planetary environmental breakdown. Together, and moderated by The Garret's Astrid Edwards, they'll discuss what it will take to save the best parts of our humanity and how fiction helps us find it.
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On 22 October, creativity meets sustainability at Clothing the Loop, a vibrant festival of fashion, art, and activism. With workshops, performances, a fashion parade, and a giant clothes swap, it’s all about reimagining our relationship with textiles and celebrating circular fashion. If you’re keen to swap fast fashion for something more conscious (and fun!), this is the event for you.
Finally, wrap up the month by getting your hands in the soil at the Canberra City Farm Open Day on 26 October. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, the day is packed with opportunities to learn about urban farming, swap ideas, and experience the power of community-grown food.
