2019 Victorian Marine and Coastal Forum

The two-day Victorian Marine and Coastal Forum, held at the Crown Conference Centre on 13-14 June 2019, brought together more than 240 people from across Victoria to explore three key marine and coastal themes:

1. ​Partnerships and participation
2. Policy - the next wave
3. Risks, challenges and opportunities.

Secretary John Bradley opened the forum, while keynote speaker Susan Alberti AC spoke of her years of working with the community, including her role as Deputy Chair of Volunteering Australia.

Attendees heard from marine and coastal volunteers, managers and practitioners about their experiences and challenges while working in the sector through various presentations, workshops and open space sessions.

Day two of the forum featured presentations from Traditional Owners and six workshops, allowing delegates to learn from others in the sector about opportunities and challenges experienced in marine and coastal management.

The forum culminated in a Q&A panel that explored how collaboration could help solve marine and coastal challenges in the face of climate change.

The gathering of coastal and marine managers and researchers, community members and volunteers highlighted the depth of people working to solve current and future marine and coastal challenges.

The diverse range of attendees, brought together by their interest in marine and coastal issues, allowed for some great opportunities to build relationships, collaborate and share knowledge.