Description

Collective Energy: More than talk brings together First Nations knowledge holders, historians, industry leaders, practitioners and community voices to explore the Latrobe Valley's past, present and future. Through a series of conversations, presentations and provocations, the program examines how history, place and community can inform a shared vision for the region's next chapter.

What's On

The afternoon begins with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, inviting us to gather in respect and connection. Led by Traditional Custodians, this opening acknowledges the enduring custodianship of Country and sets the foundation for an afternoon of shared listening, learning and conversation.

Grounding the festival in Country, this conversation explores the enduring cultural, ecological and archaeological narratives that have shaped the Latrobe Valley over thousands of years. Our speakers consider how deep time perspectives, First Nations knowledge and the region's living landscapes can inform contemporary stewardship, strengthen our understanding of place and guide future care for Country.

From the Latrobe’s early settlement townships to Yallourn’s garden city ideals—and its eventual disappearance—this session examines how planning, industry and community have shaped the Latrobe Valley over time. It considers coal and power not only as economic drivers, but as forces that have influenced social history, settlement patterns, landscape, identity and collective memory.

This conversation considers how communities navigate regional transition by balancing environmental stewardship, economic transformation and social wellbeing. Reflecting on the importance of collaboration across First Nations communities, industry and government, this session explores centring local voices and embracing multiple ways of understanding place as we imagine the Valley’s next chapter.

What does the future of the Latrobe Valley look like through the eyes of its community? In this rapid-fire session, local voices respond to three simple questions: What do you love? What do you want to see? What is the first step we need to take? Together, these five-minute provocations offer a collective vision for the Valley's future.

Continue the conversation over drinks and light refreshments as you connect with speakers, collaborators and fellow attendees, reflecting on the ideas explored throughout the afternoon.

In Collaboration With:

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  Open Cut Collective

  Discover the Open Cut Collective activation throughout the event, featuring interactive and audio-visual works that explore the Latrobe Valley's history and its ongoing transition to a post-coal future.
  
  The Gippsland-based Collective brings together established practitioners across fine art, photography, filmmaking, design, events and education, working at the intersection of mine rehabilitation, cultural regeneration and renewable energy transition. They are focused on generating renewal through creativity, and are working to embed arts and culture in the creative economies that will define the region’s post-mining identity