The Fire Dialogue 'Knob Reserve' - Planned for August 2026
On Saturday 22nd August 2026, we are planning our next dialogue
It will follow a series of field trips held across the region which will inform the dialogue and bring local perspectives to the discussion. These local field trips are planned for the 8th August in Noojee, Bairnsdale and Mirboo North.
The intention is to build understanding between those with diverse views on the management of fire in our forests- it is not an 'advocate workshop', it is a facilitated community engagement event.
A scoping paper will be prepared to provide some context ahead of the events in August and will be updated based on feedback from the field trips, prior to the main dialogue on the 22nd August.
We will keep you updated with progress in planning for this event via this page and hopefully answer any questions you may have.
If you do have questions or suggestions, please contact eo@gippslandforestdialogue.org.au
Note that we encourage participants to attend as individuals rather than as representatives of their employer (where applicable) and applied Chatham House rules to the discussion, so nothing that is said within the group is attributable to any one individual beyond the event.
So what do we have planned?
Whilst in the past we have planned dialogues over two consecutive days, with one day of field trip and a second more focussed on conversation, it was decided that this time we would offer the chance to participate at two one day events, the first being an introductory field visit to introduce the topic, get out bush with other participants and then a fortnight later come together at the actual dialogue. Further to this it was decided to make the field option, more localised and give the option of various locations across Gippsland.
So what we have on offer is three field trips to choose from on the 8th August which will then lead into an all in dialogue on the 22nd August held at the Knob Reserve in Stratford, a jointly managed PV/Gunai Kurnai reserve.
How can you register to attend?
If you follow the link below it will take you to an eventbrite register where you can sign up for all or what parts of the program you are available and interested in.
This includes one of the three field trips on the 8th August, a pre dialogue social dinner in Sale on the night of the 21st August and the dialogue itself on the 22nd August.
There is a small charge associated with each to help cover costs.
Field trips - $20 to help pay for lunch and transport costs
Pre dialogue dinner - $25 finger food light meal and venue hire
Dialogue - $25 for catering including a BBQ lunch
Register at:
Scoping document
To help frame the conversation, a scoping document will be prepared ahead of the Knob Reserve session on the 22nd of August, this will draw on research and also feedback from the field trips.
It will contain open questions to help stimulate conversation. Some reference documents have been added to this page and we will continue to add to this prior to the event
Questions for the dialogue
As part of the scoping document we try to identify key questions to lead the discussion, for this dialogue these include:
- How can we improve our response to wildfire
- What is the role of fire in a health forest
