Citizen COP comes to Canberra
Last year I rode my bike all the way from Canberra to AlterCOP in Brisbane. This year, the spirit of that people-powered climate and nature gathering is growing into something even bigger: Citizen COP Australia 2026. And I don't need to ride anywhere.
Citizen COP is being led nationally by People for Nature as a decentralised, citizen-led program running alongside the two major global COPs this year: Biological Diversity COP from 19-30 October 2026, and Climate COP from 9-20 November 2026.
The Citizen COP idea is simple and powerful. Global negotiations on climate and biodiversity shouldn't feel remote from everyday people, communities, schools, families, artists, scientists, businesses and local organisations. Citizen COP brings the spirit of the COPs to communities across Australia, so we can engage, learn, connect, reflect and act where we live.
This year, Lyrebird Dreaming is teaming up with People for Nature to host several Citizen COP events in Canberra. The events are free, accessible, local, low-waste and citizen-led. They're also grounded in something that matters deeply to me: reconnecting people with Country, species, climate, biodiversity and responsibility.
Canberra Citizen COP events
I’ll be organising and hosting three Lyrebird Dreaming events in Canberra: two bird walks and a Dogs for Climate walk.
Citizen COP Bird Walk: Birds, Country and Biodiversity
Sunday 25 October 2026, 8:30am-10:30am Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/bird-walk-canberra-citizen-cop-2026
This gentle morning bird walk will focus on local birdlife, biodiversity decline and our responsibilities to care for Country. I’ll share perspectives from Aboriginal cultural science, threatened species protection and citizen-led care for nature. The walk will be held on Ngunnawal Country. I won't be speaking for Ngunnawal Country, but as an Australian of D'hararwal descent, I will share broader Aboriginal cultural science perspectives and reflect on what birds teach us about place, habitat, responsibility and change.
The group will be small - around 20 people - so we can move quietly and respectfully. So jump on-line and book your spot now.
Dogs for Climate Walk Canberra
Saturday 14 November 2026, 10:00am-12:00pm
Bring your dog and join me and Fred for a friendly Dogs for Climate around Lake Burley Griffin. This will be a relaxed, 4km, family-friendly, community walk to show support for climate action, nature protection and a safer future for all species. Dogs will need to be on lead and under control. We’ll meet by the lake near the National Gallery of Australia, walk between the bridges, and include a group photo in front of Parliament House.
Lyrebird Dreaming will also provide climate action dog scarves for participating dogs.
Citizen COP Bird Walk: Birds, Country and Climate Risk
Sunday 15 November 2026, 8:30am-10:30am Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/bird-walk-canberra-birds-country-and-climate-risk-citizen-cop-2026
This bird walk will focus on climate risks to birds, wetlands, woodlands and Country. We’ll reflect on how heat, drought, fire, seasonal disruption and habitat loss are affecting Australia's birds and ecosystems, and what citizens can notice, understand and do. Again, the group will be small and suitable for beginners as well as experienced birdwatchers. Bring comfortable shoes, water, sun protection and binoculars if you have them.
National Library film night
I’m also pleased to be an Ambassador for People for Nature at special Citizen COP film screening at the National Library of Australia.
NATURE Documentary Screening
Wednesday 11 November 2026, 5:30pm–9:30pmRegister here: https://events.humanitix.com/nature-documentary-screening-citizen-cop-2026
The film, Nature - The Call for Reconciliation, is a visually beautiful and deeply reflective documentary about humanity’s relationship with the natural world. I will be introducing the film, which will be followed by a Q&A and discussion.
Join in - in Canberra or online
Citizen COP isn't just about events. It is about making global climate and biodiversity decisions visible, local and participatory. There are events all over Australia. You can join one of the Canberra events, or explore the full national Citizen COP program - including online events - through the Humanitix collection:
You can also learn more about Citizen COP through People for Nature:
I hope to see you - and perhaps your dog - at one of the Canberra events. This is a moment for citizen-powered change, stubborn optimism and grounded action. Nature, climate, Country and future generations need all of us.
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