Voice Notes - Hope in Hard Times
Read the headlines and hope can feel like a luxury we can no longer afford. But there is something countercultural about choosing to hope in 2026. Join us for the final Voice Notes of the year: Hope in Hard Times, a frank and uplifting panel conversation exploring the power of hope through the lenses of humanitarianism, social enterprise and environmental stewardship. This is not about pretending things are fine or looking away. Together, we will explore what it means to face the world with optimism: where it comes from, what sustains it, and what we can learn from those who choose to hope anyway, so we can pass it on. Come ready to listen, to be surprised, and to leave a little lighter than you arrived.
When: Wednesday 2 September, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Where: Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace, Cremorne
Meet our Panel So Far - More to be Announced!
Natalie Kyriacou OAM
Natalie Kyriacou OAM is an award-winning environmentalist, presenter, author and charity director dedicated to inspiring curiosity about the natural world. She is the author of Nature’s Last Dance: Tales of Wonder in an Age of Extinction and was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2018 for her services to wildlife and environmental conservation. Natalie has also been recognised as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree, a United Nations Environment Programme Young Champion of the Earth finalist, one of LinkedIn’s Top Green Voices, and one of The Australian’sTop Innovators.
James Spenceley
James Spenceley is an Australian entrepreneur, humanitarian and community leader. He is a Councillor for North Sydney Council, former Chair of Airtasker and former Non-Executive Director of . Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, James founded Aus Ukraine Aid, working directly with frontline medics and local communities to deliver ambulances, medical equipment and humanitarian support. Through his experiences in business and humanitarian work, James has seen how courage, purpose and collective action can create hope in the most challenging circumstances.
