2026 Forum Progam

Main Room
Welcome and introduction

Instructions and information for how the day and sessions will run.

Main Room
Highlights from the National Animal Rights Forum 2026

Animal Justice Party QLD

If you missed out on this year’s national Animal Rights Forum in Sydney, now’s your chance to get the highlights from local activists Johann and Lucy who were there and will be reporting back! Even if you were there too, this will be a great opportunity for a refresher and to get an overview from some of the sessions that you couldn’t get along to.

Main Room
Sea Shepherd talk

Sea Shepherd

TBC

Studio
The Australasian Animal Studies Association – Academia and Advocacy

The Australasian Animal Studies Association

Natalie will introduce The Australasian Animal Studies Association (AASA) and present a quick snapshot of the amazing work scholars and activists at the organisation participate in. 

Everywhere
Lunch + Barriers to Activism Discussion Circle

Enjoy a delicious lunch included with your ticket.

Jesse Heidemann will be leading a discussion circle over lunch about barriers to activism. 

Get involved in the discussion circle, chill out, or chat with someone; it's up to you.

Main Room
Be a Political Animal

Animal Justice Party QLD

Animal Justice Party QLD

TBC

Studio
Saving Wild Animals

Pigeon Rescue Queensland

Caring for Wildlife

This session is a panel discussion about how people are saving wild animals.  There will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions and get involved.

Main Room
Caring for the Abused

Farm Animal Rescue

Animals born into agriculture are behind before they start. Genetic alterations designed to accelerate growth and increase weight place a burden on farmed animals, even those who make it to sanctuary. Brad will be talking about the detail and evolution of these genetic alterations, and will tell stories of animals at sanctuary suffering from genetic design and about how we work as a sanctuary to provide a good life of free-roaming freedom to these animals, despite their disabilities.

Studio
Local Activism

AnimalKIND

Brisbane Animal Save

Hear from organisers of local activism groups about what they are doing to help animals, and how you can get involved. 

Will be a highly discussion-oriented session, with plenty of chances to get involved.

Main Room
Lightning Talks and Shout Outs

Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds

UQ Vegan Society

Animal-Free Science Advocacy

Action for Animals Community

Brisbane Vegan Meetup

This will be some quickfire talks to whet your appetite for the topics. 5 minutes for each speaker, 5 slides maximum.

Talks will be:

  1. Cameron Green - Digital Activism with the a4acommunity.org website
  2. Rachel Smith - The work of Animal Free Science Advocacy
  3. Amy MacMahon - The work of the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds
  4. Jennifer - Introduction to the UQ Vegan Society

After this will be shout-outs, where we will roam the audience looking for anyone who has something (quick) to say.

N/A
Social @ Netherworld

Join us all for a social get-together at Netherworld to chat and celebrate the day. It’s 7 mins’ walk from Spring Hill Hall - Map.