Global Foundation brings virtual roundtable to Bega Valley

Bega Valley Shire Council wants to address the public’s concerns for the future and is partnering with The Global Foundation to deliver a unique, regional roundtable discussion on Monday, 10 August, featuring local, national and global participation.

Council hopes the event will facilitate the region to fulfil its potential.

Key speakers on the day – via Zoom video conferencing – include Governor-General of Australia, the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC; Monaro-Ngarigo Walbunja Elder, Iris White; NSW Minister for Transport and Roads, and Member for Bega, Andrew Constance; CEO of the Tourism and Transport Forum, Margie Osmond; and Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain.

“We find ourselves at a point in time that invites reflection on where we have come from and what we want for our future,” said Bega Valley Shire Council general manager Leanne Barnes.

“The Bega Valley Roundtable will connect us with a broader, deeper pool of thinkers and ideas that will help inspire the discussions that are already underway locally.”

The event is convened by non-profit citizens’ organisation The Global Foundation and follows previous roundtable discussions convened by the foundation in Melbourne and Sydney.

Its aim is to bring together a cross-section of people of goodwill, who have demonstrated leadership in their respective roles in society, so they can freely exchange ideas and build collaboration.

Topics to be canvassed on the day include lessons about resilience and recovery; opportunities for sustainable economic growth; culture and knowing who we are; and green recovery as a universal opportunity and necessity.

Most of all, the forum will address the question: where to from here?

As well as a host of Bega Valley voices, the community is invited to take part and contribute to the discussion via a livestream to Bega Valley Shire Council’s Facebook page.

Ms Barnes said council hopes community members who take part in the livestream event will follow up with action.

“Those involved or taking part via the live stream may choose to pursue initiatives and collaborations emerging from the roundtable discussions and take action locally that builds our prosperity,” she said.

Other speakers and participants include Bega Valley Shire Council Mayor Sharon Tapscott; Global Foundation chair Louise Watson; BizRebuild chair, Sir Peter Cosgrove AK, CVO, MC; Coalition of Peaks convenor, Pat Turner AM; and head of environmental, social and corporate governance for French company Amundi, Tegwen Le Berthe; Bega Cheese executive chairman, Mr Barry Irvin; international director and global head of business, King & Wood Mallesons, Murray Prior; executive chairman of multinational technical professional services firm GHD, Rob Knott; Partner, Bain & Co, and Global Foundation member, Marc Eames; chairperson of Biamanga National Park Board of Management, Bunja Smith; and Yuin artist, Lynne Thomas.

Additionally, Candelo trio The New Graces, comprising Robyn Martin, Kate Burke and Melanie Horsnell, will perform songs from their hit album, “Seasons”, on the day.

Adhering to COVIDSafe guidelines, the Bega Valley Roundtable will be a Zoom video conference between 2 pm and 5.30 pm on Monday, 10 August. The community can join the discussion via the livestream to the Bega Valley Shire Council Facebook page.