Inspirational guest speakers at free LEAF eco festival - download your complete 2026 guide
From echoing owl calls to inspiring young changemakers, Logan’s LEAF festival is set to deliver a full day of environmental action, learning and hands-on fun when it returns on Sunday 7 June.
Held at Griffith University’s Meadowbrook campus, the free Logan Eco Action Festival will bring together community groups, conservation experts and interactive activities aimed at helping locals connect with and protecting the natural world. Download or view the full program here.
Keynote speakers include award-winning international designer, author and TV presenter Jamie Durie OAM, and self-confessed nature nerd Dr Ann Jones, who hosts ABCs What the Duck podcast.
Other highlights are 2 standout environmentalists: teenage conservationist Spencer Hitchen and owl expert Andrew Dinwoodie – both bringing very different, but equally powerful perspectives on protecting wildlife.
At just 15 years old, Spencer has already made a name for himself as the founder of ‘Save Sunrise Glossies’, advocating for glossy black cockatoos on the Sunshine Coast.
His eco-journey began at the age of 6 and was sparked by a pair of birds he named the ‘Tea for Two’ cockatoos, inspiring him to take action when their habitat was threatened.
ABOVE: Spencer Hitchen had the opportunity to present the 2026 wildlife photography calendar he created using his own photography, to famous wildlife warrior Robert Irwin.
ABOVE: A younger Spencer Hitchen learning wildlife photography.
ABOVE: Sharing a passion for wildlife, Spencer Hitchen enjoyed meeting the late anthropologist Dr Jane Goodall in 2024. Photo: Phil Hines.
Since then, Spencer has spoken to audiences across Australia, and created a 2026 wildlife photography calendar to raise awareness about the importance of the natural world, which he presented to famous wildlife warrior Robert Irwin. In 2024, Spencer also had the opportunity to meet the late Dr Jane Goodall, who was famous for her lifelong study of wild chimpanzees.
At LEAF 2026, Spencer’s goal is to encourage Logan’s younger generation to get involved in conservation.
‘I think all kids love nature, you just need a spark to get started,’ Spencer says.
Also taking the LEAF stage will be Andrew Dinwoodie, a lifelong conservationist and leading voice behind the Powerful Owl Project.
ABOVE: Andrew Dinwoodie speaking at an owl workshop.
Mr Dinwoodie’s session promises to be anything but ordinary, with audiences invited to learn – and practise – the distinctive ‘whoo … whoo’ call of the powerful owl.
‘These birds are already living in Logan,’ Mr Dinwoodie says, pointing to bushland areas and creek corridors as key habitats.
‘These waterways are critical refuges for wildlife, especially in a growing city like ours.’
The powerful owl, Australia’s largest owl species, relies on old eucalyptus trees to nest – a challenge in urban areas where habitat is increasingly under pressure.
ABOVE: The magnificent powerful owls. Photo: Dr Nick Hamilton.
Beyond the speaker line-up, LEAF 2026 offers a packed program of workshops, stalls and family-friendly activities. Visitors can explore sustainability ideas, meet local environmental groups and learn simple ways to reduce their impact at home.
As the city’s largest event dedicated to sustainability, environment, conservation and the wonder of nature, LEAF will be held on 7 June, just 2 days after World Environment Day on 5 June – the global day led by the United Nations to inspire change and drive action for a healthier, more sustainable planet across more than 150 countries.
ABOVE: Letting the children get close to wildlife in a safe environment is the aim of the reptile encounter activity at LEAF.
Fun things to do at LEAF
1. Bring broken household items and get them repaired on the spot, bookings required through Repair Cafe.
2. Browse second-hand clothes and vintage finds at the Wardrobe Rummage.
3. Take the kids to enjoy free rides such as the giant slide and sky flyer.
4. Get creative at the hands-on eco workshops, from making native fragrances to creating art projects, there’s an activity for everyone.
5. Meet wildlife up close and have encounters with birds, reptiles and native animals.
6. Visit the kids’ zone to enjoy face painting, nature play, bug activities and more.
7. Eat your way around the food vendors, with all dietary requirements catered for.
Bonus: Check the Eco Hub for free plants and giveaways you may be able to take home.
ABOVE: There are endless style bargains promised to be found at the Wardrobe Rummage, at LEAF 2026.
Whether it’s spotting owls, planting native species or getting involved in citizen science, the message is clear – everyone can play a role.
With a mix of expert knowledge, inspiring stories and hands-on experiences, LEAF 2026 is set to show Logan residents just how powerful small actions can be.
Gates open at 9 am and close by 3 pm, so to plan your day, download or view the full program here.
For more details visit Logan Eco Action Festival (LEAF) 2026 | City of Logan community news and events – Our Logan