The Grasstree Fellowship Program – A learning journey for leaders and organisations ready to explore what it means to give nature a voice, a governance role and a seat at the table.
Something unprecedented is quietly happening around the world. Nature is finding its way into boardrooms, planning tables and governance frameworks. Not only as a resource or a ‘risk’ to be recognised, but as a rights-holder, a stakeholder and a voice.
Join us for Australia’s first program designed to support people engaging in, or curious about, the emerging field of Nature-inclusive Governance (NG). This includes people working to represent and/or speak on behalf of nature within organisations, agencies and communities.
We are hosting the first cohort from 23 June to 24 November 2026 and are inviting those who feel called to help shape this practice.
The Fellowship has been designed to provide a mix of learning modes, including:
guest speakers and experts (online learning sessions);
opportunities for all participants and hosts to meet and discuss key issues (online integration sessions);
an On Country weekend gathering on Arakwal land in Northern NSW (Byron Shire). This in-person immersive experience is led by Indigenous custodians and local regenerative business owners. You will leave with a deepened relationship with the living world, a shifted perspective, and a felt sense of what it truly means to be interconnected with nature; and
opportunities to create and share your own ‘blueprint’ for the work you wish to pursue.
For anyone ready to explore what changes when the living world shapes how we make decisions.
The program is open to anyone interested in exploring how nature can have a genuine voice in decision-making. In particular, this fellowship will be of value to:
Anyone working with risk strategies who would like to deepen the lens.
Those working for Boards, businesses, charities and community organisations who are exploring new governance approaches;
Leaders wishing to integrate nature into their organisation’s strategy, risk and culture;
Nature proxies, regenerative practitioners, and systems thinkers
Government professionals assuming roles representing nature perspectives
Anyone contributing to decisions that impact land, community, or long-term wellbeing
Those working with risk strategies who would like to deepen the ecological lens
What is included?
16 hours of live online classes (8 x 2-hour classes).
7 hours of live online community integration sessions.
One full weekend of nature immersion experience.
Access to recordings of all online classes and materials for working at your own pace.
A collection of resources for reading, watching and listening, and real-world examples.
Any costs associated with travel or accommodation for the weekend of nature immersion are not included in your price. Please budget and arrange to stay with friends, camping or hotels as best suits your personal needs. To help you decide on the best place to stay. We meet one day at Broken Head, and one day at Tyagrah. We can discuss car share during the weekend at our preparation session on 14 July.
What to bring:
Covered shoes
Water bottle
Sun protective clothing
Wet weather clothing and/or an umbrella (in the case of light or patchy rain)
Why Nature-inclusive Governance?
A new global movement is emerging: bringing the voice of Nature into organisational decision-making. As this field grows, we need spaces to explore what this means in practice, how it contributes to strategy and culture, and how we design governance that includes more-than-human perspectives with integrity.
This work began in the UK in 2022, when Faith in Nature became the first company in the world to appoint Nature to its board. Their decision catalysed a new way of engaging with organisational governance and inspired a growing number of organisations to explore how Nature might hold a formal voice in decision-making. Since then, several other companies and charities have begun testing models where Nature is recognised as Purpose, Adviser, Shareholder or Director. These early experiments have created a foundation of practice, insight and cautionary learning.
Why the Grasstree as our symbol?
Grass Trees are recognised across Australia as a symbol of deep time and ecological continuity. It is vitally important culturally, spiritually and materially in many First Nations cultures. Ecologists describe it as a “deep time species” because individual plants can live for centuries, with many living up to 600 years. These iconic plants are slow-growing and thrive through ancient fire cycles. Their enduring presence through drought, fire and regeneration makes them a living reminder of the long story of this land. As a symbol for governance, the grass tree anchors us in patience, continuity and responsibility to past and future generations.
The grass tree, Xanthorrhoea, is a powerful symbol for Nature on the Board because it embodies the qualities organisations most need in a world of complexity and change.
Across six months, the Fellowship Program will offer guided inquiry into several emerging models of Nature-inclusive governance that are being used internationally, and will also explore how the unique political, legal and cultural context of Australia might shape ‘nature’s voice’ on this continent.
We will learn from global case studies, Indigenous perspectives on relational governance, and practical tools for bringing Nature’s voice into decision making spaces. This experience will be experimental and grounded in co-creation.
We will explore four main legal frameworks being used overseas: Nature as Purpose, as Advisor, as Shareholder and as Director. We will also explore the journey to nature governance through Nature as Experience, Nature as Partnership and Nature as Kin.
In addition to international guest speakers, the Fellowship has invited Indigenous speakers to provide an introduction to the philosophy, worldview and ‘First Laws’ of Australia’s First Peoples, and explore how vitally important respectful, culturally appropriate and place based approaches are, to co-creating ‘nature’s voice’ in Australia.
When Nature is recognised as a legitimate voice in the room, organisations are invited into a deeper relationship with place, time and responsibility. It symbolises a move from maintaining the status quo to regenerating the conditions that allow life to thrive.
This practice aims to connect decision makers with the place-based living systems they depend on, expanding their field of vision from short-term performance to long-term ecological wellbeing. In doing so, Nature-inclusive governance can become not just a governance innovation, but a catalyst for profound organisational and cultural transformation.
Mode of Delivery
Our layered approach of teaching, conversation and nature immersion offers a rhythm of reflection and direct encounter that supports a more relational way to think, decide and lead.
** All online sessions are held 6-8pm AEST – please check the correct time in your timezone **
Course Outline
Module
Topic
Module 1 Tuesday 23 June 2026 Online
Learning Session: Welcome and Orientation – Stepping Into the Fellowship Speakers: Jannine Barron, Michelle Maloney & Mary Graham
What is Nature? Together we explore the paradigms that have shaped our perception of the living world, and meet the community that will accompany you throughout the Fellowship. You will leave with a clearer sense of your own worldviews, your purpose within the program, and ready to help shape what comes next.
Module 2 Tuesday 7 July 2026 Online
Learning session: Legal Ground – Governance, Rights of Nature and Nature’s Voice in Law Speakers: Jannine Barron, Michelle Maloney, Dominique Hes We explore emerging models of Nature-inclusive Governance being practised internationally and ask what they reveal about what is possible. We then bring that lens home examining what is legally possible in Australia’s unique political, legal and cultural context, and how that might shape what nature’s voice looks and feels like on this continent.
Preparation Session Tuesday 14 July 2026 Online
Preparing for Nature’s Boardroom: Nature as Experience, Country and Connection Speakers: Jannine Barron and Delta Kay This session prepares us for the weekend ahead; the experience and the practicalities. Delta Kay, custodian of Arakwal Country, joins us on Zoom to help us arrive well: how to be present on Country, what to bring, and how to open ourselves to what the land has to offer. Meeting places, logistics and all practical questions will be answered.
Please note: Participants in the Immersion Weekend will be required to make their own arrangements to be in the Byron Shire, which will be explained upon enrolment.
Module 3 25-26 July 2026 IN PERSON
Immersion Weekend Please note: Participants in the Immersion Weekend will be required to make their own arrangements to be in the Byron Shire, which will be explained upon enrolment.
Weekend hosts – Jannine Barron and Delta Kay This weekend we enter ‘Nature’s Boardroom’, an experiential nature immersion with three guides: (1) Delta Kay, local Arakwal custodian, will share her living relationship with Country; (2) Jannine Barron introduces us to Shinrin-Yoku, the Japanese practice of Forest Bathing; and (3) Michael Howes, CEO of Australia’s Manuka, will walk us through the Grass Tree forests that inspired this fellowship and will share how ecological kinship and flourishing business are not in contradiction.
You will return with a deepened relationship, knowledge and clarity of what it means to lead with nature in your own organisation.
Module 4 Tuesday 11 August 2026 Online
Learning Session: Your Ecological Self – Letting Nature Speak Through You Speakers: Jannine Barron, John Seed and Michelle Maloney
In this session we cross the threshold from ‘managing nature’ to listening and exploring what it means to belong to the living world. We will explore Thomas Berry’s vision for Earth jurisprudence and discuss the emerging Rights of Nature and Legal Personhood for Nature movement. We will be joined by Deep Ecology pioneer John Seed, to explore the theory and practice of reconnecting ourselves to our ecological identity.
Integration Session Tuesday 25 August 2026 Online
Integration session Facilitated by Jannine Barron
A facilitated group conversation where we pause, reflect, and share what we are experiencing so far in the fellowship. Bring your questions and what is alive for you in your organisation. We go deeper together, not through new content, but through honest dialogue, peer insight, and collective sense-making.
Module 5 Tuesday 8 September 2026 Online
Learning Session: Nature’s Voice – Organisations Leading the Way Globally Speakers: Jannine Barron, Char Love (House of Hackney), more speakers to be announced
This session moves from vision into practice by exploring the concrete tools, habits, and cultural rituals that bring nature’s voice into the everyday life of your organisation. From decision-making frameworks and procurement, to seasonal rhythms and meeting openers, we look at how ecological awareness becomes embedded rather than occasional. Guest speakers from Australia and the UK share what this looks like from the inside- the small shifts and systemic changes that move an organisation from minimising harm to actively regenerating the living world.
Integration Session Tuesday 22 September 2026 Online
Integration session Facilitated by Jannine Barron
A facilitated group conversation where we pause and reflect. Bring your questions and what is alive for you in your organisation. We go deeper together with honest dialogue, peer insight, and collective sense-making.
Module 6 Tuesday 6 October 2026 Online
Learning Session: Your Blueprint – Designing Nature into your Organisation Facilitated by Jannine Barron A hands-on working session where you begin designing your own roadmap for embedding nature into your organisation. Drawing on everything explored throughout the Fellowship, you will identify the levers, practices, and governance changes most alive and actionable for your specific context, so that you can leave the Fellowship with a tangible first draft of your Nature-inclusive governance approach.
Integration Session Tuesday 20 October 2026 Online
Integration session Facilitated by Jannine Barron
A space to share how your blueprint is taking shape, test your thinking with peers, and refine your ideas through collective feedback. Bring your draft, your doubts, and your discoveries.
Module 7 Tuesday 3 November 2026 Online
Learning Session: Harvest – From Learning to Living, Integrating your nature voice Facilitated by Jannine Barron
Together we will harvest the collective learning of the fellowship, celebrate what has grown, and explore our innovative ways forward.
Integration Session Tuesday 17 November 2026 Online
Integration session Facilitated by Jannine Barron
Module 8 Tuesday 24 November 2026 Online
Living & Learning: Showcasing Our Work & Closing Circle Facilitated by Jannine Barron and Michelle Maloney
Each participant is invited to bring a practical nature-inclusive governance proposal or pilot, however embryonic, to share with the group. Then a final reflection and farewell.
Facilitator and Co-host
The program will be facilitated by Jannine Barron, and co-hosted with Dr Michelle Maloney:
The program is created, facilitated and delivered by Dr Michelle Maloney, Co-Founder and National Convenor of the Australian Earth Laws Alliance.
Dr Maloney is recognised globally as a leading practitioner in the field of Earth-centred law and governance. Read more about Michelle’s qualifications, work and publications here.
Each module features leading Earth centred thinkers and practitioners.
JANNINE BARRON
Jannine Barron is a regenerative business mentor, educator and historian working at the intersection of nature inclusive governance, leadership and business across Australia and the UK. Through nature immersive experiences and mentoring, she helps leaders make better decisions, lead sustainably and grow from the inside out, building the inner capacity for a future-fit organisation. Read more about Jannine’s work here.
MICHELLE MALONEY
The program is co-hosted by Dr Michelle Maloney, Co-Founder and National Convenor of the Australian Earth Laws Alliance. Dr Maloney is recognised globally as a leading practitioner in the field of Earth-centred law and governance. Read more about Michelle’s qualifications, work and publications here.
Guest Speakers
The program will include the following guest speakers:
Char Love – Global Ambassador, Natura; Mother Nature and Future Generations Director, House of Hackney; Co-Founder of B Lab UK, Heliotropy and Volans. Executive-in-Residence at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.
Dr Mary Graham – Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Queensland and Kombumerri person of the Yugambeh Language Speaking People.
Delta Kay – Bundjalung woman of the Arakwal people, cultural educator and custodian of Country.
John Seed – Rainforest activist and co-founder of the Rainforest Information Centre, and a leading voice in Deep Ecology.
Dominique Hes – Regenerative practitioner and Voice for Nature advocate with Regen Melbourne, supporting the integration of living systems thinking into city and community leadership.
Michael Howes – Founder of Australia’s Manuka, a family-run beekeeping enterprise with a global market by caring for bees, country, and community. His business demonstrates that ecological kinship and commercial success coexist.
Additional speakers will be announced during May 2026
Course Cost
The Grasstree Fellowship Program offers a sliding scale for participation in the 6 month program. The participation costs are as follows:
Corporate rate – AU$2,800
Small business/not-for-profit – AU$1,800
Supported/subsidized – AU$800
(no GST is charged)
Please note the additional costs for Module 3, Immersion Weekend in the Byron Shire Saturday 25 to Sunday 26 July 2026
For the Immersion Weekend 25-26 July, participants will be required to make their own travel and accommodation arrangements to the Byron Shire, NSW. All details will be provided upon enrolment.
For those unable to attend the Immersion Weekend, alternative online activities will be offered, as part of the course (at no extra cost).
1 Build knowledge of the global movement to bring nature into organisational decision-making
2 Explore your own worldview of nature and the living world
3 Understand First Nations relational worldview
4 Learn about governance frameworks, making nature’s voice possible in Australia
5 Create your own blueprint for bringing nature into your organisation or project
6 Network with diverse people who share your learning interests and vision
Course Content
Welcome, Program Outline + Zoom Links
Welcome
00:00
Program Outline + Zoom Links
00:00
Welcome Video
03:21
23 June 2026 – Module 1: Learning Session: Welcome and Orientation – Stepping Into the Fellowship
Module 1 – Materials and Readings
7 July 2026 – Module 2: Learning Session: Legal Ground – Governance, Rights of Nature and Nature’s Voice in Law
Module 2 – Materials and Readings
00:00
14 July 2026 – Preparation Session: Preparing for Nature’s Boardroom: Nature as Experience, Country and Connection
Preparation Session – Materials and Readings
25-26 July 2026 – Module 3: IN PERSON – Immersion Weekend
Module 3: Immersion Weekend – Materials and Readings
11 August 2026 – Module 4: Learning Session: Your Ecological Self – Letting Nature Speak Through You
Module 4: Materials and Readings
25 August 2026 – Integration session
Integration Session: Materials and Readings
8 September 2026 – Module 5: Learning Session: Nature’s Voice – Organisations Leading the Way Globally
Module 5: Materials and Readings
22 September 2026 – Integration Session
Integration Session: Materials and Readings
6 October 2026 – Module 6: Learning Session: Your Blueprint – Designing Nature into your Organisation
Module 6: Materials and Readings
20 October 2026 – Integration Session
Integration Session: Materials and Readings
3 November 2026 – Module 7: Learning Session: Harvest – From Learning to Living, Integrating your nature voice
Module 7: Materials and Readings
17 November 2026 – Integration Session
Integration Session: Materials and Readings
24 November 2026 – Module 8: Living & Learning: Showcasing Our Work & Closing Circle
Module 8
The Australian Earth Laws Alliance acknowledges that the sovereignty of the First Nations People of the continent now known as Australia was never ceded by treaty nor in any other way.
AELA acknowledges and respects First Nations Peoples’ laws and ecologically sustainable custodianship of Australia over tens of thousands of years through land and sea management practices that continue today.
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