The 7x7 is a feature event of the Nature Festival supported by Nature Foundation. Seven expert speakers will each present a seven-minute talk with a connection to FLOW in nature, with themes dipping into science, arts and culture.
We are serious about the time allowed, so it's a race for those competing to get their story across in the most effective way in just seven minutes. Each speaker is rated by the audience for addressing the theme, via a "clapathon" so be ready to dive in quick and get involved.
The event starts at 1.30pm with a free drink available on arrival, and speakers starting from 2pm. As you arrive, there will be Nature Festival’s FLOW installation in the AGSA courtyard, so make sure to look out and sink in.
This event will be MC'd by ABC Radio Adelaide Afternoons presenter, Jo Laverty who will be navigating the the night. We won't keep the speakers a surprise either, read below to know who you will be hearing from.
Ade Suharto: dance artist
Amelia Veale: professional storyteller
Anita Thomas: marine biologist, storyteller, illustrator and ocean advocate
Hugh Possingham: scientist and bird expert
Nancy Bates: Barkindji Song Woman, acclaimed singer-songwriter, and social justice leader
Rebecca McEwan: cross-disciplinary artist
Sputnik: nature photographer and wanna be off-gridder
Ade Suharto
Ade Suharto is an Australian dance artist of Indonesian heritage, born in Adelaide on Kaurna Country. Her practice is anchored in the sustainability of dance as a lifelong pursuit, one that values time, care, and the evolving nature of artistic growth. In 2021, Ade was named a Pina Bausch Fellow, initiating a rich exchange with Indian choreographer Padmini Chettur and co-creating the ongoing, episodic dance series ‘Maintain, Rest, Value’ alongside Alison Currie. Most recently, Ade has brought her thoughtful approach to roles and projects at Australian Dance Theatre, the Museum and Art Gallery of Northern Territory and Adelaide Contemporary Experimental, continuing her commitment to the dance community. In equal measure, Ade delights in the spark of creative exchange, the magic of collaboration, and the quiet act of looking to the sky each day to see what it might bring.
Amelia Veale
Amelia Veale has a passion for storytelling and sparking meaningful conversations. As the host of Peri-M Party on Radio Adelaide, Amelia brings warmth, wit, and insight to the airwaves every Wednesday evening, guiding listeners through the often-overlooked journey of perimenopause and menopause. Her storytelling style is both engaging and empowering, helping to dismantle stigma and elevate awareness around women's health issues—from heart disease and osteoporosis to mental wellbeing and more.
Anita Thomas
Anita is a passionate marine biologist, storyteller, illustrator and ocean advocate who brings the wonders of the sea to life. From working with whales to restoring reefs, her talks inspire curious minds of all ages to dive into science, follow their dreams, and help protect our blue planet. Her work centres around satisfying her curiosity about the sea, the wonders of ecological restoration, and the inspiring stories of people protecting our planet. She also loves demystifying science through illustration, storytelling, and spending time reflecting on how amazing nature is. Her first children's book 'Diary of a Marine Biologist' was released earlier this year.
Hugh Possingham
Hugh Possingham is the former Queensland Chief Scientist (2020-2023) and is best known professionally for his groundbreaking work in conservation biology, applied ecology, and basic ecological theory. Hugh serves as Chief Councillor and Chief Scientist of The Nature Conservancy, the world's largest environmental non-government organisation, while maintaining a research position at The University of Queensland. Many would argue Hugh is best known for his extraordinary bird expertise. Learning to identify birds from a young age under his father's guidance, this early passion evolved into a lifelong commitment to undertaking bird surveys across Australia. Having "one known psychological disorder - a compulsive desire to watch birds". Hugh has inspired countless students and fellow researchers throughout his lifetime, and we expect the same at this event.
Nancy Bates
Nancy Bates is a Barkindji Song Woman, acclaimed singer-songwriter, and social justice leader whose artistry bridges music, culture, and humanitarian work. She has been recognised as a finalist in the Tina Arena Special Impact Award at the Australian Women in Music Awards, is an Australian Performing Rights Association (APRA) Ambassador, and is honoured with a Star on the Adelaide Festival’s Walk of Fame. Beyond the stage, Nancy’s work demonstrates the transformative power of music. Her recent project, Songs Inside, brings songwriting and ukulele into prisons, offering women healing, rehabilitation, and connection through shared creativity. Her impact is widely acknowledged. As The Advertiser wrote, “Bates is not only a compelling artist, but a voice for justice and change.” At Nature Festival’s 7x7 event, Nancy shares her artistry and leadership, reminding us of the deep connections between Country, community, and the responsibility to care for both.
Rebecca McEwan
Rebecca McEwan is a cross-disciplinary artist based on Kaurna land in the Fleurieu Peninsula. Her work includes installation, sculpture, drawing, and sound, often using natural materials and local histories to explore connections to place. Rebecca's installations feature intricate elements such as glass, thread, wax, and paper, informed by site-specific research and community consultation. Her art reflects human-nature relationships and encourages reverence for the natural world. She exhibits frequently in South Australia and interstate, participates in residencies, and collaborates with various organisations supporting the natural environment. Notably, she has been a multiple Heysen Prize for Landscape finalist and won two categories in the 2020 Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize.
Sputnik
Sputnik’s journey has taken them from convertible driving, international awarded Advertising creative and city slicker, to tree hugging, nature photographing, wanna be off-gridder. Their ‘Flow to Slow’ journey has been one of self discovery and reinvention that hasn’t been without it’s challenges, but has made for some great stories as they muddle their way towards a more nature-based existence - navigating a near-vertical learning curve on L (for loser) plates. After decades living in Australia and South East Asia working on projects for brands as diverse as Caltex, Unilever, American Idol and The Simpsons, these days you’re more likely to find them out bush or, if they’re in full camo, disguised as a bush trying to photograph some bird or other, maybe you won’t find them at all.
