Queen Victoria Gardens

Exploring Inclusivity AND BELONGING in Public Spaces

The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT) is one of the largest managers of public land in Victoria, responsible for over 19 cemetery sites across Melbourne and has several new cemeteries under development. They are working to ensure these public spaces are inclusive and create a sense of belong in the community.

The landmark new cemetery at Harkness is reimagining what a public cemetery could look like and has brought cultural inclusivity into sharp focus. The Trust dared to imagine a future cemetery where everyone could come together on Country and be cared for under the Wurundjeri belief systems. They are taking this journey with a broad range of partners, including Traditional Owners, faith-based and environmental groups, the LGBTIQA+ community, the Multicultural Commission, local government, and sustainability experts.

In collaboration with these partners, GMCT brings the conversation on inclusivity and belonging in public spaces to MPavillion. Join the panel discussion exploring community needs and interests in public spaces and discuss how we can authentically come together on Country.

Collaborators:

Tarang Chawla is a recovering lawyer, speaker and activist. Tarang is the co-founder of Not One More Niki, dedicated to ending violence against women and children in memory of his sister Nikita. He serves as a Commissioner at the Victorian Multicultural Commission, is a Trust Advisor on the Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust and a non-executive director of the Australian Republic Movement. Tarang is a sessional academic at Monash University in the School of Social Sciences and Media, Film and Journalism.

Tasneem Chopra OAM – A Cross-cultural Consultant, Tasneem addresses issues of equity and belonging through an intersectional lens within leadership of government, corporate, arts and community sectors. She assists clients communicate, work with and lead across different cultures for greater impact, dissecting the breadth inclusion. Tasneem has developed diversity equity and inclusive policies (DE&I), managed projects, curated exhibitions, run leadership programs, and executed engagement strategies for a broad spectrum of clients for over two decades. For her efforts she was appointed the inaugural Ambassador for Women of Colour, Australia, is an Anti-Racism Champion for the Australian Human Rights Commission and was awarded an OAM.

James Reid is an urban planner who is committed to creating inclusive, sustainable places that evoke belonging and meaning for those who experience them. As the Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust’s Chief Future Built Environment Officer, he leads a team responsible for designing, constructing, and maintaining over 620ha of public land to serve the needs of some of Australia’s most culturally diverse communities. James is particularly inspired by the vision for GMCT’s new site at Harkness, which seeks to reimagine how a public memorial park can best serve a 21st century social and environmental context.

Gilbert Rochecouste is an inspirational ‘movement maker,’ and shining light of collaborative, regenerative placemaking practice who has been at the forefront of placemaking for 30+ years. He’s a sought-after public speaker and skilled facilitator with proven success in over 3,000 cities, towns, mainstreets and communities across the globe. Previous General Manager of Chadstone Shopping Centre he founded Village Well 30 years ago pioneering commercial, brand, leasing and management strategy to mainstreet and activity centres, shaping thriving places that balance purpose with commerciality.

Michelle Sheppard, affectionately known as “Mama Mish,” is a leader in gender equity. Her path as a transgender woman has given her a unique perspective, providing her with insightful insights into the complex issues of gender bridging. Michelle is distinguished by her unwavering commitment to turning her experiences into a source of knowledge and inspiration for those beginning their journeys. In recognition of her extraordinary contributions, Michelle was inducted into the Victorian Museum of Women and honoured with a coveted spot in the 2023 Victorian Honour Roll of Women as a Change Agent. This honour places her with a distinguished group of Victorian women who, like her, demonstrate remarkable leadership, unshakable tenacity, and an unrelenting dedication to furthering gender equality.