Simone Schenkel 10.00 am

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Healthy Homes: Why A Passive House Is About So Much More Than Energy

We spend around 90% of our lives indoors — so the quality of the air in our homes matters more than we think. Damp, mould and poor ventilation don't just damage buildings; they can quietly affect our health, from allergies and asthma to more serious respiratory problems.

In this talk, passive house designer Simone Schenkel (Reimagined Habitat) explains what Passivhaus actually is, and why it's about far more than saving energy. You'll learn how a well-designed home stays warm in winter, cool in summer, and — crucially — filled with clean, fresh, filtered air all year round. Simone will show how the same principles that make a home comfortable and efficient also make it a genuinely healthy place to live, and why that's especially relevant for anyone renovating or building in Melbourne's climate.

Whether you're planning a new build, a renovation, or simply want a healthier, more comfortable home, you'll leave with practical insights you can use.

Dr Peter Lind 11.30am

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Peter’s presentation will use real-life examples from river and wetland monitoring projects to show what helps keep waterways healthy and how they are cared for and protected. Through practical case studies, he will explain how factors such as water flow, water quality, and the plants and animals that live in and around waterways all work together to support a healthy environment.

A key focus of the presentation will be the important role of streamside (riparian) vegetation. Peter will explain how trees, shrubs and other plants along riverbanks help keep waterways healthy by reducing erosion, providing habitat for wildlife, shading streams, and improving water quality. He will demonstrate why protecting and restoring streamside vegetation is one of the most effective ways to support healthy and resilient waterways.

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Robyn Madsen is a specialist in the assessment, remediation, and management of soil, water and groundwater contamination, with more than 25 years' experience delivering contaminated land projects as a consultant. Robyn is a qualified and experienced environmental engineer, hydrogeologist and is an EPA appointed environmental auditor.

Robyn also leads the FROGY friends group and is Vice President of the Friends of Koolunga.

Robyn will talk about the natural background conditions such as soil, topography, climate and rainfall that impact plant growth and the presence of various vegetation classes.