2026 Forum Progam

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

If you missed out on this year’s national Animal Rights Forum in Sydney, now’s your chance to get the highlights from local activists Johann and Lucy who were there and will be reporting back! Even if you were there too, this will be a great opportunity for a refresher and to get an overview from some of the sessions that you couldn’t get along to.

Shark nets and drumlines bypass Australia’s federal environmental protections because of a legal loophole that our government chose not to take the opportunity to fix in the recent review. Join Sea Shepherd Australia Shark Defence Campaign Coordinator Jonathan Clark to expose the EPBC Act exemption allowing these lethal culls to continue. Jonathan will share frontline accounts and reveal how a planned Queensland Government expansion of these programs should trigger a federal review – a mechanism that should end this practice. He will also showcase modern, non-lethal solutions like drone surveillance that keep beachgoers safe without destroying ecosystems.

Natalie will introduce The Australasian Animal Studies Association (AASA) and present a quick snapshot of the amazing work scholars and activists at the organisation participate in. 

Enjoy a delicious lunch included with your ticket. The wonderful Vega Cafe will be catering.

Jesse Heidemann will be leading a discussion circle over lunch about barriers to activism. 

Get involved in the discussion circle, chill out, or chat with someone; it’s up to you.

Discussion circle details

You are warmly invited to join this discussion circle to chat about what helps – and what gets in the way of – our animal rights advocacy. Hosted by mental health occupational therapist and long-time animal rights activist, Jessie Heideman, this conversation aims to provide a welcoming, judgment-free space to share lunch, bond with fellow activists, and support each other through the unique challenges we face while advocating for animals.

Discover how you can be a powerful agent for change through the political system at Animal Justice Party Queensland’s talk on being a ‘political animal’. AJP Qld are moving past abstract debates to focus on the tangible actions that we can take towards protecting sentient beings across our state, from fighting for strengthened habitat protections to ending greyhound racing. Join this session to learn about the unique obstacles to change created by Queensland’s electoral system, and what political actions you can take to help secure a fairer future for all Queenslanders, human and non-human alike.

Join this panel with reps from local and national organisations focused on caring and advocating for wild and liminal animals, both native and non-native. Together the panellists will share their experience, ranging from hands-on rescue and rehabilitation to policy campaigning. Come ready to be inspired and find out how to get involved.

Animals born into agriculture are behind before they start. Genetic alterations designed to accelerate growth and increase weight place a burden on farmed animals, even those who make it to sanctuary. Brad will be talking about the detail and evolution of these genetic alterations, and will tell stories of animals at sanctuary suffering from genetic design and about how we work as a sanctuary to provide a good life of free-roaming freedom to these animals, despite their disabilities.

Hear from organisers of local activism groups about what they are doing to help animals, and how you can get involved. 

Will be a highly discussion-oriented session, with plenty of chances to get involved.

This will be some quickfire talks to whet your appetite for the topics. 5 minutes for each speaker, 5 slides maximum.

Talks will be:

1. Cameron Green - Digital Activism with the a4acommunity.org website
2. Rachel Smith - The work of Animal Free Science Advocacy
3. Amy MacMahon - The work of the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds
4. Jennifer - Introduction to the UQ Vegan Society

After this will be shout-outs, where we will roam the audience looking for anyone who has something (quick) to say.

Join us all for a social get-together at Netherworld to chat and celebrate the day. It’s 7 mins’ walk from Spring Hill Hall - Map.