The event brought together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and community members to explore how nature-based social prescribing can reduce loneliness, foster belonging, and support inclusive, resilient communities, particularly among diverse and underserved groups, including LGBTIQA+ asylum seekers and refugees.
Exploring How Nature Prescribes Connection and Hope
Through a dynamic mix of keynotes, research presentations, lived experience panels, an immersive exhibition, and an interactive workshop, the day illuminated how spending time in nature can nurture connection, hope, and healing – while enhancing urban biodiversity and wellbeing.
The Melbourne team of the RECETAS Project – comprising of Dr Nerkez Opacin, Professor Sarah Bekessy, Professor Katherine Johnson, Dr Nicholas Hill and Ms Catalina Mardones – shared their inspiring journey, showcasing the project’s evidence base, innovative approaches, and meaningful impact within the community.
Connection is the Key
Keynote speakers reflected on the essential role of social connection in promoting mental health and wellbeing, and how nature-based approaches can be woven into public health systems:
- Monica Kelly, Victoria’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Promotion Advisor, Department of Health
- Professor Michelle Lim, CEO and Scientific Chair, Ending Loneliness Together National Program
- J.R. Baker, The Australian Social Prescribing Institute for Research and Education (ASPIRE)
- Siân Slade, International Social Prescribing Collaborative Steering Group
Lived Experience: Making Nature More Accessible to Marginalised Communities
This panel Chaired by Joe Ball, Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities brought forward the voices of community members and advocates working to make nature-based wellbeing initiatives more inclusive and accessible.
- Ian Seal and participants’ lived experiences, from Many Coloured Sky
- Susan Joachim – The International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA)
Their reflections on belonging, courage, and the importance of feeling safe, seen, and heard in nature grounded the day’s discussions in lived experience and collective wisdom.
Through Our Eyes: Many Coloured Sky Reflections from Melbourne
The afternoon unfolded with the moving photo exhibition Through Our Eyes, curated with Many Coloured Sky, showcasing the restorative and connective power of nature through the personal perspectives of community participants.
Throughout the day, visual artist Max Harman brought the event’s insights and emotions to life in real time, translating conversations into stunning hand-drawn illustrations.
Imagining Futures, Realising Impact
The day concluded with a participatory workshop Imagining Futures, Realising Impact: Towards a Holistic Urban Health Approach, facilitated by Perrie Ballantyne and Tally Daphu from ThirdStory.
Attendees co-created ideas for advancing nature-based social prescribing in Melbourne and beyond; envisioning cities that nurture both people and the planet.
View the photo gallery of the day:
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