Edwina Robinson, founded the social enterprise, The Climate Factory, in 2019 after Australia sweltered through its hottest and driest year on record. As a Microforest Maker and Landscape Architect, Edwina inspires and empowers communities to create dense, climate-cooling microforests. She says every microforest or climate-wise garden should be underpinned by fantastic soil preparation, rainwater harvesting and dense planting and an understanding of future climate. Since 2020, Edwina and her volunteers have built five microforests across the ACT and NSW, featuring 1,500 native plants each. Her innovative approach, inspired by the Miyawaki technique, integrates community participation and water harvesting to ensure resilience in hotter, drier climates. In Canberra, Edwina is trialling tree species suited to future climate conditions and incorporated nature play elements. The Moruya Microforest, established in 2023, showcases a Dry Rainforest, a threatened ecological community with only 100 hectares remaining. Edwina has collaborated on regenerative landscape projects in Canberra, including the Sullivans Creek Renaturalisation Vision, retrofitted urban wetlands retrofitting in Sullivans Creek catchment and Gungahlin, and Birdscaping #CBR. She is one of four co-founders of the Microforest Collective and a former Executive Officer of sustainability group, SEE-Change. Through her work, Edwina continues to inspire and lead the way in creating sustainable, community-driven green spaces.

Mitch Porteous is a seasoned business professional, community leader, and certified economic developer. He brings extensive experience in business operations, community engagement, and placemaking initiatives. In 2022, Mitch and his wife, Rebecca, co-founded and co-project managed the Queanbeyan Microforest, raising $38,000 and involving the local community in crowdfunding, co-design, and planting approximately 900 trees and plants. Mitch is dedicated to enhancing urban environments by integrating nature and art, making cities more interesting and enjoyable. He believes that people power, when mobilised, can strengthen neighbourhoods, drive skills development among Australians, and reduce the strain on government resources. In addition to his environmental efforts, Mitch is a Business Manager at HorizonOne Recruitment and is passionate about advancing Australia's space capabilities. He is an inaugural member of the National Committee of the Australian Space Diversity Alliance and is exploring how venture capital could be better applied to the sector.

Liz Adcock co-led creation of the Watson Micro-forest in 2021. Passionate about community connection, enhancing biodiversity and education around nature restoration and conservation. She plays an active role in not just the Microforest movement but as a strategic designer working with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, working within Environmental Reforms and Environment Information Australia Projects. Leading key projects within the Nature Positive Plan, focusing on Australia’s environment and biodiversity by protecting, restoring and managing our unique environment. Also an experienced digital designer, business designer, digital marketer, user experience, user interface and front end developer, Liz brings her wealth of knowledge in the digital and design domain to assist in many of the micro forest projects. By focusing on user-centered design and identifying design problems, Lizs’ focus is to find intuitive and creative solutions to tackle any obstacle, especially focused on nature based solutions that bring people together.

Purdie co-led creation of the Watson Micro-forest in 2021, transforming an empty space into a vibrant community hub. She has been passionate about nature – and nature play – for as long as she can remember. In her day job, Purdie works at the Australian Sustainable Finance Institute (ASFI), a not-for-profit dedicated to driving finance and investment for climate and sustainability. As an integral part of the ASFI leadership team, Purdie has supported ASFI's rapid growth since she joined in 2022. With a background in energy law, climate change policy, and international climate negotiations, Purdie has deep subject matter expertise, coupled with strong strategic thinking and excellent communications skills. She excels at bringing people together to create and empower positive change.