This week concluded one of the many Going Further programs - an initiative I was fortunate enough to participate in. The Going Further Initiative, convened by Dr Helen Sykes, is about sustainability and leadership. Each program runs for 6 months in the form of monthly lunches and is designed to stimulate debate about the relationship between economic, environmental and social/cultural issues. At each event, key speakers from across the sectors speak about the ways to develop a sustainable, forward looking and cohesive society.

In the most recent program topics and speakers included:
‘Climate Change and Sustainability‘
Dr Peter Christoff, Vice President, ACF
Ms Angela Rutter, The Climate Project Manager , ACF
Mr Chuck Berger, Acting Director of Sustainability Strategies, ACF

‘Sustainability and Business’
Ms Julie Bisinella, Head of Corporate Responsibility, ANZ Bank
Ms Joanne Martin, Head of Strategy and Projects for Breakout, ANZ Bank

‘Sustainability, Science & Our Parks’
Mr Mark Stone, Chief Executive of Parks Victoria, Parks Victoria
Professor Mark Burgman, Environmental Science, School of Botany, The University of Melbourne.

‘Climate Change Policy: The Challenge for Government’
Dr Ron Ben-David, Deputy Secretary, Department of Premier & Cabinet.

I thoroughly enjoyed participating in this Initiative as - aside from the tasty lunches in often sky-rise buildings! - I learnt more from the informative discussions on a broad spectrum of sustainability issues as well as meeting some fantastic people in this field. I was very impressed with Helen Sykes’ grace in convening each of these meetings and her support in our work. I recommend this Initiative to anyone who is interested in becoming more involved in sustainability.

For more information visit the Going Further website at http://www.goingfurther.com.au/.