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February 19th 2025
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WellBeing Magazine
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Discover how the ATMS Biz Club helps natural medicine practitioners thrive in business, ensuring better care for you.
Health and wellness are constantly evolving, and with that comes a growing need for more personal, holistic care. Accredited natural medicine practitioners play a pivotal role in guiding their clients towards long-term health and vitality by offering tailored, holistic therapies. Their ability to understand the interconnectedness of mind, body and spirit forms the foundation of a thriving practice. But being an exceptional therapist alone isn’t enough. To truly succeed, these practitioners need to pair their therapeutic expertise with strong business acumen and entrepreneurial savvy.
Why does this matter to you, as a consumer of natural health services? Simply put, a competent business owner delivers better care. When practitioners understand how to build and sustain successful practices, they create stable environments that foster high-value, reputable services. These businesses are less likely to close abruptly, leaving patients without critical care options. They can reinvest in advanced training, high-quality equipment and improved client experiences when their operations are robust.
Yet, running a business presents challenges beyond the consultation room. Practitioners must navigate marketing, client retention, regulatory compliance, service delivery and financial stability. The balance between delivering care and managing a business can be complex. Many practitioners enter their fields with a deep passion and commitment to healing, but without sufficient business knowledge, their ability to serve clients and, indeed, to thrive themselves may be compromised.
Recognising this gap, the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society (ATMS) has introduced the ATMS Biz Club, designed to transform our members into exceptional business owners. For natural medicine practitioners, the ATMS Biz Club offers a unique pathway to mastery in both practice and business.
What is the ATMS Biz Club?
This structured program is built around a year-long journey, guiding practitioners through 24 topics divided into four quarters: Practice Building, Marketing Success, Client Growth and Operational Excellence. The program’s holistic approach mirrors the natural medicine philosophy — addressing the whole practitioner to cultivate resilience, adaptability and sustainable growth.
Through a blend of educational webinars, interactive discussions and practical exercises, participants can explore essential topics such as creating efficient systems, increasing visibility and attracting loyal clients. Each quarter builds on the last, providing actionable insights that practitioners can implement immediately, regardless of whether they’re new to business ownership or seasoned professionals seeking growth.
Why competence matters to you as a consumer
What does this mean for you, as someone seeking natural medicine services? Imagine walking into a clinic where the accredited practitioner not only understands the intricacies of herbal medicine or acupuncture but also knows how to communicate effectively, set appropriate pricing and maintain
a positive, supportive environment. When practitioners are empowered with business skills, they can operate with greater confidence and clarity, making your health journey smoother and more enriching.
A practitioner with a thriving practice has more time and resources to devote to patient care. This can mean better appointment availability, access to high-quality facilities and greater innovation in treatment offerings. Competent business owners are more likely to collaborate with other professionals, offering you integrative approaches tailored to your needs.
The path to greater wellness and growth
By strengthening business capabilities, practitioners can offer more stable, reliable and innovative services to the communities they serve. This creates ripple effects that benefit consumers, as they gain access to a broader range of options and consistent care. Well-run practices foster environments where practitioners can deepen their expertise, adopt cutting-edge therapies and enhance client relationships.
A commitment to excellence
ATMS is committed to supporting practitioners as they elevate their businesses and, by extension, the entire natural medicine community. Membership to the ATMS Biz Club signals a dedication to continuous improvement, as members stay informed about evolving industry trends and consumer needs. For consumers, this translates into assurance that you are working with professionals who are deeply invested in your health and wellbeing — and in their own professional growth.
Whether you’re a practitioner looking to expand your business acumen or a consumer seeking the highest standard of care, the ATMS Biz Club underscores our collective goal: to create a thriving and resilient natural medicine community.
To learn more about how ATMS supports practitioners and helps them build successful, consumer-focused businesses, visit atms.com.au/biz-club
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Building a thriving practice
by | | Curated Content
February 19th 2025
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WellBeing Magazine
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Earlier this year, the Australian Federal Court closed submissions to a landmark lawsuit involving 800 people. They claimed the weed killer Roundup — and its active ingredient glyphosate — was carcinogenic and caused non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The judge ruled that there was insufficient evidence to say glyphosate was carcinogenic.
There have been similar cases in the US, and some states have introduced regulations on its use. Other countries have banned it altogether.
John E. Franz, a chemist working for Monsanto, discovered glyphosate as a herbicide in 1970. It has been sold as Roundup since 1974. The AVPMA (Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines or Authority) defines glyphosate as a herbicide used to control weeds in agriculture, public and industrial areas, and in home gardens. It is broad-spectrum, meaning that it kills most plants. One of the benefits is that there is no need to till the land to fight weeds, therefore less soil erosion and better soil quality. Glyphosate is used in commercial sugarcane, grains, oil seeds and broadacre crops.
Some crops have been genetically engineered to be resistant to glyphosate. In the US, soybean, corn, cotton, canola, sugar beet and alfalfa. In Australia, canola is the only glyphosate-resistant GM crop. There are emerging species of glyphosate-resistant weeds.
Glyphosate’s mechanism of action involves disrupting a pathway, crucial for synthesising essential aromatic amino acids. It’s considered safe for people because animals, including humans, don’t possess this pathway. However, the diverse species of beneficial microbes in our biome does.
Research into glyphosate and possible acute or chronic toxicity or cancer risk is conflicted. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic”, based on some studies suggesting an association between glyphosate exposure and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in humans. Pets are often exposed to glyphosate and may face similar risks.
There is limited research specifically linking glyphosate exposure to cancer in dogs or cats. A 2004 Scottish Terrier study linked herbicide exposure (mainly phenoxy herbicides like 2,4-D) to an increased risk of transitional cell carcinoma (bladder cancer) in these dogs. However, although this study shows potential risks with herbicide exposure, it is not specific to glyphosate.
Pets may be at risk of acute glyphosate toxicity if they touch or eat plants still wet from spray. Chronic exposure is via two main routes:
- Contact (walking on sprayed grass)
- Ingestion (foods containing it residues or licking off feet after grass exposure)
Strategies to reduce your pet’s exposure to glyphosate and other herbicides would seem prudent, given the lack of clarity on its long-term safety. These may include:
1. Reducing topical exposure
Keep your dog or cat (or other pets) away from areas treated with glyphosate until the product has dried. Waiting 24–48 hours may reduce the risk further.
Dogs and cats (rabbits if applicable) should have their feet and undercarriage wiped after exposure to grass, especially grass in public areas. This also reduces the risk of contact allergy. Applying barrier creams before going for a walk may also be helpful.
2. Reducing ingestion
Avoid allowing pets to eat grass or plants treated with any weed killer. Wipe your pet’s feet after possible exposure so they don’t lick any chemicals off.
Upgrade your pet’s diet away from highly processed food, especially those using grains that may be genetically modified. Consider organic food if possible.
Protective strategies
Chlorella may bind glyphosate in the gastrointestinal tract and help reduce absorption.
Support detoxification pathways using milk thistle for liver support or quercetin, a flavonoid that may benefit both liver and kidney function.
Add to your pet’s diet a good quality broad-spectrum probiotic supplement to support a robust biome.
Antioxidants, such as resveratrol, can help neutralise free radicals. Resveratrol is produced by plants such as grapes or Japanese knotweed and some microorganisms. It’s a defence against stress due to climate, injury, UV rays and infection. Laboratory studies show it protects against oxidative damage caused by chronic exposure to glyphosate-based herbicides in rats.
Monitoring exposure
Exposure to glyphosate can be checked via a urine test, which enables you to take some action such as a diet change or cleaning, and recheck to see if they have worked.
Although there are no definitive studies linking glyphosate directly to cancer in dogs or cats, there are concerns due to its widespread use and potential risks identified in some human studies. More research is needed but, in the meantime, reducing pets’ exposure, and adding in protective strategies, seems wise.
Article Featured in WellBeing Magazine 214
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Herbicide glyphosate and our pets
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February 19th 2025
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Boost longevity with nutrient-rich foods! Discover the best anti-inflammatory food and antioxidant-packed dishes for healthy ageing.
The foods we consume play a crucial role in our overall health and wellbeing as we grow older. Healthy ageing and longevity are best achieved from the inside out with a wholesome diet rich in beneficial fats, protective antioxidants and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients.
Incorporating the following nutrient-dense foods into your daily diet will support optimal health and reduce the risk of chronic illness, to help you age with strength and vitality.
Wild salmon
Wild salmon is undoubtedly one of the best foods for healthy ageing due to its high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. These beneficial fats have potent anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is a key contributor to many age-related diseases, including heart disease, arthritis, cognitive decline and premature ageing. Omega-3s improve cardiovascular risk factors by lowering triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels. These beneficial fats are also essential for healthy brain function and can enhance cognitive function, memory and mood, and reduce the risk of cognitive decline and depression.
Omega-3s are important for maintaining the skin’s protective lipid barrier, helping to keep your skin feeling soft and hydrated. Women’s skin becomes dry when oestrogen levels drop in menopause. Omega- 3s are important for preventing skin dryness and reducing the risk of premature skin ageing such as wrinkles and fine lines.
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment found in salmon. This beneficial pigment not only gives salmon its vibrant red-orange colour but also acts as a powerful antioxidant. Astaxanthin has the advantage of being able to cross the blood-brain barrier, where it can help protect the brain from oxidative damage and support cognitive health.
Aim to consume wild Alaskan salmon, fresh or tinned, three times a week. Salmon is also a great choice because it’s a low-mercury fish. Salmon is delicious pan-fried, oven-baked or barbequed with salad or roasted and steamed veggies. Add salmon to poke bowls, sushi and pasta dishes. Add flavour to salmon with a nutritious topping such as salsa, pesto, lemon and herbs, and Asian inspired sauces made with tamari, ginger, garlic, honey and lemon juice.
Dark-green leafy vegetables
Dark-green leafy vegetables are loaded with important nutrients that support heart health and offer protection against cardiovascular disease, which is crucial for healthy ageing.
Dark-green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale and rocket are high in dietary nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide relaxes and dilates blood vessels, which improves blood flow and reduces blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, which are common agerelated health conditions.
Dark-green leafy vegetables are also abundant in antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E and betacarotene. These antioxidants protect the heart by neutralising free radicals, which can cause oxidative damage to cells and tissues in the cardiovascular system. Reducing oxidative stress helps prevent the development of atherosclerosis.
Folate, found in high amounts in dark-green leafy vegetables, plays a crucial role in regulating homocysteine levels in the blood. Elevated homocysteine levels is a risk factor for heart disease, as they can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of blood clots. Folate helps convert homocysteine into benign compounds, thereby protecting the cardiovascular system.
Dark-green leafy vegetables are also excellent sources of vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting. Vitamin K helps regulate clotting in a way that prevents the formation of dangerous blood clots in arteries, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
You will also get a good dose of lutein and zeaxanthin from eating dark-green leafy vegetables. These powerful carotenoids play a crucial role in maintaining eye health as we age. They have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions that help neutralise harmful free radicals and reduce inflammation, helping to protect against macular degeneration and cataracts.
Examples of dark-green leafy vegetables include rocket, broccoli, collard greens, kale, bok choy, mustard greens, spinach and Swiss chard. Incorporate spinach, kale or Swiss chard into your morning smoothie or green juice for an extra nutrient boost. Use a mix of leafy greens in salads, Buddha bowls, rice-paper rolls, sandwiches, burgers and wraps. Add bok choy, collards or kale to stir-fries, soups and stews. Enhance quiches, frittatas, pasta dishes, lasagna, pizzas and dips with greens like spinach, kale and broccoli.
Dark-purple berries
Purple berries such as blueberries, blackberries, acai and elderberries are a fabulous source of antioxidants called anthocyanins, which give these delicious berries their vibrant purple-blue colour. Consuming these antioxidant-rich berries regularly is highly beneficial for healthy ageing, as they help improve brain health, reduce inflammation and protect against chronic disease. The darker and the more vibrant the colour, the better.
The antioxidants in these berries help protect brain cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. Regular consumption of purple berries has been linked to improved cognitive function, memory and brain health. Studies suggest that regular consumption of berries rich in anthocyanins can help slow age-related cognitive decline and may protect against Alzheimer’s disease and dementia by decreasing inflammation.
The antioxidants in these berries also help protect against numerous age-related diseases including arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts.
Purple berries are also beneficial for skin health due to their high vitamin C levels, which are essential for collagen production. Improving collagen production helps maintain skin elasticity and reduce signs of fine lines and wrinkles.
Add fresh or frozen purple berries to smoothies, porridges, chia puddings, yoghurt, raw desserts, healthy berry crumbles, baked goods and salads. Use dried purple berries to toss through granola or add to protein balls and trail mixes. Freeze-dried purple berry powders are also handy to have on hand. Look for organic berries when you can as berries have thin skins that can absorb pesticides easily.
Brassica vegetables
Brassica vegetables are packed with phytonutrients that contribute to healthy ageing. Some nutritious brassicas you can include in your daily diet include broccoli and broccoli sprouts, kale, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, turnips and turnip greens, daikon and radish.
Brassicas are unique as they are rich in glucosinolates, which are sulfur-containing compounds that when broken down produce biologically active substances such as indol-3-carbinol and sulforaphane, which support detoxification and help protect cells from damage.
Sulforaphane plays a crucial role in detoxification and overall health. Broccoli sprouts are a particularly rich source. Sulforaphane aids in detoxification by supporting liver function and removing toxins from the body. Sulforaphane is known for its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Sulforaphane is needed for the production and regulation of glutathione, one of the body’s most powerful antioxidants. Glutathione protects cells from damaging free radicals and oxidative stress, which are major contributors to ageing and age-related diseases.
Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is important for hormonal balance as it supports the metabolism of oestrogen, which is particularly important for perimenopausal and menopausal women. I3C has been shown to reduce the risk of oestrogen-related cancers, such as breast cancer, by helping the body break down oestrogen into safer forms. I3C possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that protect cells from damage.
Brassicas such as kale and collard greens are particularly rich in carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. These essential nutrients support eye health, improve vision and reduce the risk of degenerative eye conditions such as macular degeneration.
Some nutritious ways to enjoy brassica vegetables include roasted Brussels sprouts and cauliflower steaks, drizzled in olive oil and seasoned with herbs and spices. Add broccoli and cauliflower to stir-fries, curries, soups and frittatas. Try mashed cauliflower, shredded raw Brussels sprouts, kale and red cabbage tossed through salads, and fermented cabbage in sauerkraut and kimchi. Add kale to your green smoothie or try crunchy kale oven-baked chips. Broccoli sprouts can be easily incorporated into salads, wraps, sandwiches, smoothies, stir-fries, omelettes, blended through pesto, or as a soup, curry or pizza topper.
Green tea
Green tea offers a wealth of benefits when it comes to ageing well. Green tea is rich in a unique type of polyphenol called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which acts as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that neutralises free radicals and reduces oxidative stress and inflammation. This protection is crucial for preventing cellular damage and chronic inflammation, which are major factors in ageing and age-related diseases. EGCG has been shown to support cardiovascular health by reducing LDL cholesterol and increasing beneficial HDL cholesterol.
Drinking green tea can also benefit mitochondrial health. Mitochondria are the powerhouses in all of our cells, including our brain cells, that produce energy. Mitochondrial function declines as we age. Improving mitochondrial health is a key factor in enhancing our longevity, bolstering vitality and safeguarding against disease. EGCG helps to stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis, enhance energy production and protect mitochondria from oxidative stress. Mitochondrial biogenesis is when new mitochondria are generated within the cells, which is crucial for maintaining cellular energy production and supporting overall cellular function in our brain and body.
Drinking green tea regularly has been found to positively influence brain function by boosting memory and attention and improving mental clarity. Green tea’s beneficial effects on cognition are due to a combination of two nootropics (cognitive-enhancing compounds), L-theanine and caffeine. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and increases energy metabolism throughout the brain, while L-theanine has a calming effect. L-theanine reduces caffeine’s stimulating effect while still enhancing its ability to improve focus and brain function.
Drinking green tea regularly can also help reduce premature skin ageing. EGCG slows down collagen and elastin breakdown, to improve the skin’s strength, tone and elasticity.
Choose a certified organic green tea or matcha tea. Enjoy green tea hot, or iced with a squeeze of lemon, or try a matcha latte with almond or macadamia nut milk. Add a spoonful of matcha powder to your next smoothie, smoothie bowl, raw dessert or salad dressing.
Avocado
Avocados are a nutrient-dense fruit that offers numerous benefits for healthy ageing. Avocados are an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid. These healthy fats have anti-inflammatory properties and can help support healthy brain function. These beneficial fats also help support cardiovascular health and help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Oleic acid has a moisturising effect on the skin, helping it retain moisture and stay soft and supple as we age.
Avocados contain high levels of antioxidants, including vitamin E and vitamin C, as well as various carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants help protect the skin from UV damage and can reduce premature skin ageing. They are also beneficial for supporting eye health and protecting against age-related macular degeneration. The dark-green part of an avocado nearest to the skin contains the highest levels of carotenoids.
The combination of healthy fats and antioxidants in avocados supports brain health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which can contribute to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
Some delicious ways to enjoy avocados include smashed avocado toast, as guacamole, added to salads, sushi rolls, rice-paper rolls, wraps, sandwiches, burritos and tacos. Blend avocado through pesto for a delicious pasta sauce, add some to green smoothies, green salad dressings or in vegan chocolate mousse and other raw desserts.
Pomegranate
Pomegranates are rich in several antioxidants that are particularly beneficial for ageing skin. Pomegranates contain potent antioxidants including punicalagins, anthocyanins and vitamin C, which help protect the skin from UV and environmental damage. They reduce inflammation and prevent oxidative stress helping to defend against premature skin ageing. These antioxidants also boost the production of collagen and prevent collagen breakdown to maintain the elasticity and firmness of the skin.
Pomegranates contain compounds that can be converted by gut bacteria into urolithin A, a metabolite shown to improve mitochondrial function by promoting mitophagy, the process of removing damaged mitochondria and replacing them with new, healthy ones. Mitophagy tends to decrease as we age, which contributes to the decline of overall cellular health.
Pomegranate arils are the perfect addition to fruit salads, yoghurt, muesli, porridge, Bircher, smoothie bowls and salads. They can even be added to guacamole for a burst of flavour.
Pomegranate juice is delicious in iced teas and mocktails or used as a base for marinades or a tasty glaze for roast chicken or lamb.
Beetroot
Beetroot is an outstanding food for healthy ageing, primarily due to its rich betalain content. These natural pigments are responsible for beetroot’s vibrant colour and powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Betalains reduce oxidative stress, support liver detoxification and promote cardiovascular and cognitive health, making beetroot an essential addition to a diet focused on longevity and vitality.
Beetroot is also rich in nitric oxide, which helps widen blood vessels, improving blood flow and circulation. This vasodilating effect supports healthy blood pressure and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Better circulation also benefits brain health by ensuring that the brain receives important nutrients and adequate oxygen, to help maintain cognitive function and lower the risk of age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
Beetroot also provides prebiotic fibres called inulin. Prebiotics promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, supporting a healthier gut microbiome. Inulin is a type of soluble fibre that reaches the colon undigested where it is fermented by beneficial gut bacteria, producing beneficial short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate. Short-chain fatty acids are important as they improve the integrity of the gut lining, reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity and support healthy immune function.
Beetroot with its earthy sweetness can be enjoyed in many dishes. Toss roasted beetroot through a green salad with walnuts, pomegranates and feta. Enjoy roasted beetroots and other root vegetables drizzled in a little maple syrup and olive oil as a side dish with salmon, chicken or lamb. Grated raw beetroot adds extra crunch to salads, sandwiches and wraps, nori or rice-paper rolls and Buddha bowls. Add some fresh beetroot to your next vegetable juice with some carrot, celery and apple. Try making Borscht (beet soup), roasted beetroot hummus, homemade beetroot chips, beet kvass (fermented beet drink), pickled beets, or a pasta sauce made with roasted beetroot and feta. Try decadent beetroot brownies or chocolate cake as
a healthy treat.
Article featured in WellBeing Magazine 214
Avocado Pesto Pasta & Spiced Roasted Chickpeas
Serves 4 | Ingredient
1 cup cooked chickpeas, drained & rinsed
½ tsp ground turmeric
½ tsp smoked paprika
Pinch sea salt & pepper
Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil
1 large bunch basil, extra
for topping
2 handfuls baby spinach
2 cloves garlic, minced
Zest & juice 1 large lemon
⅓ cup walnuts, extra for topping
⅓ cup crumbled feta or grated Parmesan, extra for topping
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Pinch sea salt & pepper, to taste
Packet uncooked pulse spaghetti
2 avocados, stoned & peeled
- Preheat oven to 200°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper.
- Place chickpeas in a bowl and toss with turmeric, paprika, salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and toss.
- Transfer to your baking tray and bake for 15–20 mins until they start to go golden and crispy.
- Cook pasta according to packet instructions. Drain and save ¼ cup of the water.
- Place 1 avocado, basil, baby spinach, garlic, lemon zest and juice, walnuts, feta, olive oil and salt and pepper in your food processor and blend until smooth and well combined.
- Toss pasta with pesto and saved cooking water. Transfer pasta to a serving dish and top with avocado slices, basil leaves, walnuts, feta and chickpeas. Serve with lemon wedges. Delicious served on its own with crusty bread, or with pan-fried salmon or chicken.
Article featured in WellBeing Magazine 214
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Top foods for healthy ageing
by | | Curated Content
February 19th 2025
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WellBeing Magazine
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Bob Brown, the celebrated activist and author, has talked the talk for more than four decades, and continues to walk the walk. Most recently, 79-year-old Brown was arrested and found guilty in August 2024 of trespassing in connection with an anti-logging protest in Snow Hill, Tasmania, in which Brown and fellow activists sought to protect critically endangered Swift parrots and their habitat. The prospect of a custodial sentence did not deter Brown from continuing his fight for the environment. “They can jail us, but they can’t lock up our spirit for the planet or love of the Earth and love of life,” says Brown.
It isn’t the first time that Brown has faced prison time. In 1983, Brown was arrested while protesting the construction of the Franklin Dam on the Gordon River in Tasmania. Brown spent 19 days in Hobart’s Risdon Prison, and on the day of his release was elected to Tasmania’s parliament. Thanks to the efforts of Brown and his fellow activists, the campaign against the construction of the Franklin Dam was ultimately successful, and the proposed dam was never constructed.
While Brown may have avoided further jail time in respect of the recent trespassing charges, he is acutely aware that environment activists in other parts of the world frequently face much harsher consequences than activists in Australia. The challenges faced by activists in other countries are to be a topic in a new book that Brown is currently working on, to be titled Defiance, which is a follow up to his 2015 book, Optimism. “I’ve just finished a chapter alluding to the fact that 200 or 300 environmentalists are murdered each year around the world,” Brown says. “We’ve got it pretty easy in Australia. I’ve just talked about Mia [Mascariñas-Green], the environmental lawyer in the Philippines, who was gunned down in front of her children. This is thuggery and violence versus planet saving and a wish for peace. I’m writing about the men and women who are living in dangerous countries like Colombia and Peru and Brazil and Mexico and the Philippines, and indeed China and Russia, that repress activists. Environmentalists just disappear in those countries. That’s something that we should be speaking about. The inspiration is those people living in much, much more dangerous circumstances who nevertheless won’t turn their back on the environment or their children’s right to a secure future planet.”
There is a clearly still a tremendous amount of work to be done to protect the environment and those people that fight for it globally. However, one positive is the change in public perception that Brown has witnessed in Australia over the past 30 years. Reflecting on how things have evolved since the early ‘90s, Brown says, “If I went up the street, I’d be threatened and sworn at with four-letter words and so on. I’d often take someone with me because people were very abusive. But, nowadays, it’s totally changed. People say to me: ‘Good on you, Bob. We’re right with you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.’”
I got to witness this first-hand in August 2024 when I saw Brown in conversation with Jan Fran at the Byron Writers Festival. When Brown was introduced at the event, he got a rockstar’s reception, with people clapping, cheering, whistling and stomping their feet. If anyone had wandered into the room at that moment and witnessed the borderline hysteria, they could have been forgiven for assuming that Mick Jagger was making an appearance, as opposed to an environmentalist and former politician. When Fran pondered how she might best describe Brown, she was inundated with suggestions from the audience, with shouts of “national treasure”, “icon” and “living legend”.
Brown was at the Byron Writers Festival to discuss his latest book, Thera, which is a young-adult novelette featuring environmental philosophy presented in the form of a love story. Thera, an anagram for Earth, tells the story of an alien race who come to Earth after fleeing their own world of greed and disaster. It is Brown’s first work of fiction and is a bold attempt to continue to connect with young people in particular about the plight that humanity is facing.
Brown is also the key figure in the 2022 biographical documentary The Giants, which is now on Netflix. Directed by Laurence Billiet and Rachael Antony and featuring stunning animation from French motion designer Alex Le Guillou, The Giants explores the intertwined fates of trees and humans in a cinematic portrait of Brown. Of the film, Brown says, “If the film inspires one young person to become active for the environment, it will have been a success.”
Brown continues to spearhead other campaigns through the Bob Brown Foundation, including the annual Takayna trail run, which raises funds to protect the Takayna rainforest in Tasmania from mining and logging, including by advocating for it to be recognised as a World Heritage-listed National Park and returned to Aboriginal ownership. Of the trail run, Brown says, “It’s just a remarkably wonderful thing that people should come and enjoy the environment and, through that, contribute so strongly to our effectiveness as a campaigning foundation.”
In addition to local issues in his native Tasmania, Brown remains steadfastly focused on the bigger picture issues that are threatening the existence of our species. “The question is whether we’ll end up with a global catastrophe for human beings simply because the biosphere can’t meet our demands, or whether we’ve got the intelligence to rein in our demands and live peaceably and sustainably with the planet,” Brown says. “That’s the big question for our generation, and it’s a question for every single individual.”
As an individual that has left an indelible imprint on Australian politics, Brown has a unique insight into the governmental changes that are required in order to ensure that the environment is adequately protected now and for future generations. Brown believes that in Australia, regardless of which party is in power, the Minister for Environment is coerced and subjugated by the Ministers for Treasury, Finance and even the Prime Minister, which Brown believes needs to change. “We won’t be on course until the Environment Minister has as much or more power than the Treasurer,” he says. “We can recover our finances, but we can’t recover the environment, lost species, the life-giving climate that brought us into existence. Those things are being taken out of our reach. They are being stolen from us, which is why it is very important that the Minister for the Environment have precedence over the money makers.”
Despite the challenges that we face, Brown continues to embody the very ideals of optimism, defiance and caring that he preaches. His optimistic disposition is remarkable considering our present overconsumption of the planet’s limited resources and modelling of critical environmental markers such as rising sea levels. However, Brown believes that maintaining an optimistic outlook is the only way that we as a global society are going to be able to take the necessary steps to protect the environment and maintain life on Earth. Brown espouses the importance, for young people in particular, of not sitting around and feeling depressed about the state of the world, but to instead be inspired to get up and take action. And when it comes to matters of the environment and the future of civilisation, there are none more inspiring than Bob Brown.
Article featured in WellBeing Magazine 214
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Bob Brown
