Author: Audrey Barucchi

  • Embedding Climate Literacy in Banking

    Embedding Climate Literacy in Banking

    The Bank Australia Approach

    Bank Australia is a customer-owned bank with a strong commitment to social and environmental impact. With 70% of its customers prioritizing climate action, the bank is committed to aligning its operations with a sustainable future. As part of its broader purpose, the organisation has been actively integrating climate and biodiversity considerations into its operations, strategy, and decision-making.

    To empower its people to navigate the complexities of climate change, and to embed climate awareness into the bank’s culture, Bank Australia has engaged in climate literacy and systems thinking initiatives that help employees better understand the links between finance, nature, and long-term risk.

    Through interactive learning experiences, staff are encouraged to explore how climate science connects to their roles and how their decisions can contribute to more sustainable outcomes. 

    “I recently had the opportunity to attend the Climate Fresk workshop at our Bank Australia Collingwood head office moderated by Bruce M. from People For Nature, and it was a really good reminder of just how imminent and interconnected the impacts of climate change are.

    The session breaks down complex climate science in a clear, practical way and helps put the bigger picture into perspective. It resets and prompts you to keep climate awareness still at the front of mind and not lose it in the noise around.

    What I appreciated most was how the conversation stayed grounded and it wasn’t overwhelming, instead, it was a chance to pause, reflect, and rethink how our everyday choices and work connect to broader climate outcomes

    It also aligned nicely with Bank Australia’s Climate Action Strategy focus, encouraging shared responsibility and practical thinking rather than grand gestures.

    Also, a small fun fact I learned along the way: “Fresk” is an English adaptation of the French word “fresque”, meaning a fresco or mural which feels fitting, as the session is all about stepping back and seeing the whole picture.”

    Minisha Reddy, Impact Lending Support Consultant at Bank Australia.

    By investing in climate education, Bank Australia is strengthening internal awareness, aligning its workforce with its values, and building the capability needed to support Australia’s transition to a low-carbon, nature-positive economy.

    This approach reflects a growing recognition that informed employees are key to driving meaningful, organisation-wide change. It also positions Bank Australia as a leader in sustainable finance, earning recognition from customers for its authentic commitment to climate action.

    Photos credit: Minisha Reddy, Bank Australia.

    📩 Let’s start the conversation.

    Contact us today to organise a Climate Fresk, Biodiversity Collage or Circular Economy Collage workshop for your team.

    Together, we can drive positive change, one action at a time.

    This article was originally published on LinkedIn by Climate Fresk Australia.

  • Meet the Fairy Wren (Malurus splendens)

    Meet the Fairy Wren (Malurus splendens)

    Small in size but bursting with colour and personality, the Fairy Wren is one of Australia’s most beloved native birds, known for its brilliant blue feathers and energetic behaviour.

    Found across open forests and scrublands, these tiny birds are a familiar sight as they hop through dense vegetation in search of insects and shelter.

    They are a reminder that some of Australia’s most captivating wildlife can be found in our own backyards.

    Why it matters

    Fairy Wrens play an important role in Australia’s ecosystems.

    🪲 They feed on insects and other small invertebrates, helping maintain ecological balance

    🌿 They rely on dense native vegetation, highlighting the importance of healthy understorey habitats

    🕊️ They contribute to the rich diversity of birdlife that makes Australia’s landscapes so unique

    🌏 Their presence can indicate the health and connectivity of native habitats

    Although small, Fairy Wrens are an important part of the intricate web of life that supports healthy ecosystems.

    Fun facts

    🤓 Male Fairy Wrens develop striking bright blue plumage during the breeding season

    🤓 They live in cooperative social groups and are often seen foraging together

    🤓 Their songs are surprisingly complex and play an important role in communication

    🤓 Despite their delicate appearance, Fairy Wrens are active and highly adaptable birds

    The Fairy Wren reminds us that biodiversity is often found in the small and familiar species we encounter every day.

    A deeper reflection

    These birds depend on dense native vegetation for protection from predators and access to food, making them particularly sensitive to changes in habitat quality.

    As urban development, habitat fragmentation and introduced predators continue to alter Australia’s landscapes, creating and protecting suitable habitat becomes increasingly important.

    In a country with more than 600,000 native species, many found nowhere else on Earth, the Fairy Wren is a reminder that conserving biodiversity begins with caring for the everyday places where nature persists.

    How we manage our gardens, parks and native vegetation can have a meaningful impact on the future of these delightful birds.

    From Wonder to Action

    Learn & understand

    Explore how biodiversity, climate, and land systems are deeply connected through our workshops with People For Nature.

    Create your Nature Oasis

    Plant native species to restore habitat and support the insects, birds, and wildlife that depend on them.

    Join citizen science

    Record native species around you on iNaturalist and contribute to real conservation data.

    (Special thanks to Simon Andrews, Ambassador for People For Nature, for helping shape this story)


    References:

  • Meet our ambassadors: Andres De Saavedra

    Meet our ambassadors: Andres De Saavedra

    With expertise in digital systems, machine learning, and impact dashboards, Andres develops websites, apps, and digital assets that enhance community engagement and measure conservation outcomes.

    Currently focused on applied analytics, machine learning, and AI, he empowers People For Nature to leverage technology, brand, and data for impact.

  • Meet our ambassadors: Peter Netherclift

    Meet our ambassadors: Peter Netherclift

    Climate Fresk Facilitator

    Peter Netherclift is a civil engineer with over 20 years of experience delivering infrastructure projects across Australia, the United Kingdom, and the Caribbean. His work spans multiple sectors—including mining, rail, airports, water, and building engineering—bringing deep expertise in planning, feasibility studies, and project delivery across complex environments.

    Alongside his engineering career, Peter has cultivated a strong interest in sustainable living and regenerative practices. He has completed training in natural building, permaculture, and holds a Diploma of Sustainable Living from the University of Tasmania.

    As an Ambassador for People for Nature, Peter brings a practical, solutions-focused perspective and a passion for integrating sustainable approaches into how we design, build, and live.

    Connect with Peter on LinkedIn

  • Meet our Ambassadors: Anne-Laure Chapuis

    Meet our Ambassadors: Anne-Laure Chapuis

    Climate Literacy Facilitator

    Anne-Laure has a background in corporate sustainability and now works in the public sector.

    She is passionate about the role businesses and communities can play in the transition to net zero, with a strong interest in reducing emissions across agriculture and food supply chains.

    She enjoys facilitating Climate Fresk, 2 Tonnes, and Biodiversity Collage workshops.  

    Connect with Anne-Laure on LinkedIn.

  • Meet our ambassadors: Virginie Parisot

    Meet our ambassadors: Virginie Parisot

    Climate and Circular Economy Literacy Facilitator

    Ginny Parisot is a certified environmental consultant with over 15 years’ experience in the recycling industry.

    She came to Australia in 2015 and spent three months volunteering in a wildlife sanctuary in QLD, an experience that sparked her commitment to protecting biodiversity.

    A few years later, Ginny participated in a Climate Fresk workshop, which was a revelation in connecting knowledge with action. Inspired, she became a facilitator and continued to expand her expertise through 2Tonnes and Circular Economy workshops. 

    Connect with Ginny on LinkedIn.

  • Meet our ambassadors: Aye Verckens 

    Meet our ambassadors: Aye Verckens 

    Communications Lead

    Aye Verckens brings over 20 years of international experience in communications and marketing, having worked across Europe and Australia in B2B technology and corporate environments.

    In recent years, she has shifted her focus towards sustainability—driven by a strong belief in the power of communication to inspire change and accelerate climate action.

    As Communications Lead and Ambassador at People For Nature, Aye plays a key role in amplifying our mission to reconnect people with nature. She is passionate about making complex environmental challenges accessible and engaging, helping individuals and organisations move from awareness to meaningful action.

    Connect with Aye on LinkedIn.

  • Meet our ambassadors: Olivia Woosnam

    Meet our ambassadors: Olivia Woosnam

    Co-founder

    Olivia is a Certified Environmental Practitioner with a Master’s in Environmental Management.

    After shaping the SDGs at the UN, she specialised in Koala research in Brisbane. She developed non-invasive genetic tools for Koala conservation, now adapted for citizen science.

    Olivia is committed to empowering local communities and First Nations people to lead Koala research and recovery strategies.

    Connect on LinkedIn.

  • Meet our Board: Germain Briand

    Meet our Board: Germain Briand

     Non-Executive Director

    Germain reconnects people with nature through innovation.

    After 12 years in petroleum, he founded Urban Canopee, pioneering Nature-Based Placemaking in Australia.

    Now leading the Bio… Group, his ventures include Aglae (luminescent plants), Glowee (bioluminescent lighting), Luminokrom (paint), and Gunter’s Fables (books).

    Guided by nature’s wisdom, Germain drives environmental and societal change.

    Connect with Germain on LinkedIn.

  • Meet our Board: Mylene Turban

    Meet our Board: Mylene Turban

    Non-Executive Director

    Mylène graduated with a Master’s in chemical engineering and worked across the solar and water treatment industry for two years before switching to climate consulting.

    After learning the intricacies, but also the limits of carbon accounting to drive positive change, she shifted gears to join the University of New South Wales as a Manager for sustainability engagement.

    With a special interest in public education and regeneration, Mylène co-led Climate Fresk Australia and is a Director at Regen Sydney to implement the doughnut economics model in Sydney.

    Connect with Mylène on LinkedIn.