PUBLISHED25 Aug 2025
CSLA: What do we mean by ‘climate justice’?
Introducing the speakers on one of the Climate Story Lab Australia panels.
What do we mean by ‘climate justice’?
Date: Tuesday 26 August
Time: 2.15-3.25pm
Venue: Artspace, Gadigal Lands, Sydney
In the first panel of Climate Story Lab Australia, we will hear from Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Pasifika leaders on the frontlines of climate change, justice and advocacy. The speakers will share stories of lived experience, and discuss the importance of a justice-centred approach to climate campaigning and solutions.
Note: this lab is by invitation only.
Moderator: Tamika Sadler, Senior Campaigner, Common Threads
Tamika Sadler is a proud Gubbi Gubbi, Torres Strait Islander and South Sea Islander woman. She is the Senior Campaigner at Common Threads and has an extensive background as a climate and First Nations justice campaigner, community organiser, amplifying First Nations voices in climate advocacy. Tamika has co-founded the Take Pride Movement, an Aboriginal clothing brand, and is passionate about embedding First Nations leadership in national and global climate action.
Speaker: Dr Togiab McRose Elu , Torres Strait Island Elder
Torres Strait Island Elder Dr Togiab McRose Elu is a dedicated advocate for her community, focusing on improving the lives of children and families. She played a key role in securing legal recognition for Torres Strait Islander customary adoption practices. Since 1980, Aunty McRose has highlighted the impact of climate change on the Torres Strait, speaking at the UN and engaging with global leaders. A member of the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change, she promotes renewable energy. Aunty McRose is also a cultural advisor, translator, and the 2021 Queensland Senior Australian of the Year.
Speaker: Rikki Dank, Director, Gudanji for Country
Rikki Tanika Dank, known by her Country as Lludipina Noralima, is a Gudanji and Wakaya person and a traditional owner from the Karranjini Rrumburriya. She is a registered nurse and previously ran an Aboriginal Art gallery. Rikki and her family have been fighting for decades to protect their Country – including the more recent threat of hydraulic fracturing projects.
While nursing is Rikki’s profession, her dedication goes beyond healthcare. She is a Director of Gudanji For Country – a grassroots First Nations organisation that was formed to give a voice to her clan, the Karranjini Rrumburriya of the Gudanji nation, as they work to care for and protect Country. Gudanji For Country is focused on finding ways to prevent the destruction of Country by working with the wider Australian and international community on climate change, environmental threats and how they can be addressed.
Speaker: Kavita Naidu, Fijian international human rights lawyer
Kavita Naidu is a Fijian international human rights lawyer and feminist climate activist. Kavita is widely recognized for her intersectional feminist leadership and building alliances that shift power towards Indigenous, Pasifika, and Global South leadership. She has worked with the United Nations, global feminist funders, civil society, and grassroots communities to defend human rights and mobilize feminist leadership in climate justice. Kavita is a published author and contributes to international policy debates, COP negotiations, and feminist forums, building alliances that shift power towards frontline voices. Her work is grounded in a deep commitment to justice and collective liberation.
The 3-day lab aims to strengthen climate storytelling and impact campaigns, spur partnerships to mobilise strategic audiences and funding opportunities, and grow confidence in the power of social impact storytelling.
Climate Story Lab Australia is co-hosted by Documentary Australia and Doc Society, and proudly supported by Shark Island Institute, Screen Australia, Screen NSW, Screen Queensland and Screenwest.