Minderoo Foundation

An Australian summer isn’t just about sunny days and beaches - it’s also a time when the risk of natural disasters demand our attention. Today, we want to acknowledge the amazing work of our partners who are working hard to create an Australia of resilient communities, detecting fires early, using nature for solutions and harnessing the power of volunteers. We want to thank them for their ongoing leadership and incredible contribution to Australia. The Resilience Canopy – an extraordinary not-for-profit working with Aussie communities to identify opportunities to enhance their resilience and action it. NRM Regions Australia – a remarkable Australian organisation working across the whole continent with communities, land managers, farmers and government to regenerate and sustain our landscapes. Disaster Relief Australia – an organisation harnessing the mateship mindset of Australians, mobilising communities in volunteer-led disaster resilience activities, ensuring they are better equipped to face and recover from natural disasters.

A study in the scientific journal Nature Portfolio warns that rising temperatures and increasing humidity are pushing some regions beyond human tolerance, endangering millions of lives. This isn’t just about the climate—it’s about fairness. Those already struggling, often with the fewest resources, face the greatest risks. This study, co-authored by leading scientists from the Minderoo-convened Lethal Humidity Global Council, including Dr. Andrew Forrest, Ollie Jay, Bill Hare, Katrin Meissner, Tom Matthews and Callum Roberts, highlights the urgent need for action to address the risks of extreme humid heat. Together, we’re advancing critical scientific research, advocating for Real Zero emissions, and funding practical solutions like the development of early warning systems to protect those most at risk from dangerous humid heatwaves. The science is clear. Together, we can ensure that every person, everywhere, has the opportunity to thrive—even in the face of a warming world. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gBEr5gey

2024 has been a standout year for Minderoo Pictures, filled with bold projects that spark conversation and drive change. Here’s a glimpse at what we’ve been up to: ⭐ Magic Beach A vibrant blend of live action and animation, Robert Connolly brings Alison Lester’s beloved children’s book to life. After premiering at the Melbourne International Film Festival, it’s set to reach over 200 Australian cinemas in January 2025, celebrating children’s imagination and their connection to nature. Photo credit: Myles Formby ⭐ Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story Jelena’s inspiring feature documentary premiered at the closing night of the Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF) and sold out premieres in Sydney and Melbourne. A powerful reminder of how we can, and must, do more to prevent family violence. ⭐ Mozart’s Sister Shining a light on Anna Maria Mozart, little known composer and sister of Mozart, this powerful documentary premiered at Sydney Film Festival and extended its cinema run due to popular demand. It’s now part of a movement to promote inclusivity and diversity in music education globally. Photo credit: Alina Gozin'a ⭐ The Cranes Call Exploring war crimes investigations in Ukraine, this moving documentary captivated audiences at a packed screening co-hosted with Clooney Foundation for Justice. Fresh from Tribecca and Sheffield Film Festivals, it was introduced by Ukrainian Ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko to an audience of leaders in justice, philanthropy, and civil society. The film offers a compelling look into the pursuit of accountability, highlighting the importance of justice even during conflict. ⭐ Songs Inside Winner of the Audience Award at Adelaide Film Festival, Songs Inside is a testament to music’s power to heal, even in the complex environment of a women’s prison. Photo credit: Adelaide Film Festival ⭐ Left Write Hook Premiered at Melbourne International Film Festival’s first-ever Premiere with Purpose. The film earned two standing ovations, won the MIFF audience award, and continues to move audiences nationwide with its powerful message of healing and resilience. Photo credit: Myles Formby These projects are proof of what happens when bold ideas and creative collaboration come together. Sign up to our next e-newsletter to get a full Minderoo Pictures update: https://lnkd.in/gbEWYnF8

Imagine a global tug of war: one side pulling humanity towards a healthier, less polluted future; the other digging in its heels to protect vested interests. This week, the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations concluded, echoing this contest. Over 100 countries stood united, calling for bold measures to cut plastic production, eliminate harmful chemicals, and hold polluters accountable. Yet, progress was blocked by actors determined to focus only on waste management. The stakes couldn’t be higher. Plastics are leaching toxic chemicals into our food, water, and bodies. This is more than an environmental issue—it’s a health crisis. Sign up to our e-newsletter to get the full debrief and discover next steps on the Global Plastics Treaty: https://bit.ly/4dc6tAp 🎥 Aeshnina Azzahra Aqilani addresses delegates at the INC-5 negotiations in Busan #PlasticsCrisis #GlobalPlasticsTreaty #HealthAndEnvironment

A fair future isn’t possible when half the world’s population is left behind. Today marks the launch of Future Generation Women, Australia’s first philanthropic investment fund managed entirely by women.   This groundbreaking fund will: ✔️ Invest in companies with strong gender equity practices ✔️ Be led entirely by women portfolio managers ✔️ Donate 1% of its assets annually to non-profits advancing women’s economic equality We’re proud to support this initiative with a $100 million investment from Minderoo Foundation. Why now? Women hold just 19% of portfolio management roles in Australia’s $4.3 trillion funds management industry. Gender inequality costs our economy $128 billion every year, and without bold action, it will persist for generations.   By backing Future Generation Women, we’re demonstrating how investing in women delivers both financial returns and societal impact.   Thank you to Geoff Wilson AO, Caroline Gurney and Elana Rubin from Future Generation who joined John Hartman and Jacqueline Joudo Larsen today to showcase how purpose-driven partnerships can creating lasting impact.

Celebrating 2 years of the Minderoo OceanOmics Centre with The University of Western Australia ! 🎉 Since opening in November 2022, the Centre has been at the forefront of marine genomics, pushing the limits of science to deepen our understanding of ocean life. We've sequenced hundreds of marine species and built a groundbreaking eDNA biodiversity dataset, spanning everything from coastal waters to the deep sea. Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way. Your dedication drives our continued commitment to scientific discovery and helps ensure that our oceans thrive. Learn more about eDNA: https://lnkd.in/gr6z99vd The UWA Oceans Institute

What if the community itself could shape its plans for a brighter future for its children? Together with the South Australian Government led by Premier Peter Malinauskas MP, we’re supporting the Children in the North Alliance, as part of a $20 million, 10-year commitment to create lasting change in Adelaide’s northern suburbs. This place-based initiative empowers communities to co-design innovative solutions that tackle the root causes of adversity and help children and families to thrive. As our CEO John Hartman shared: “This partnership puts communities in the driver’s seat, providing them with the resources and capability to innovate and create long-lasting change.” We’re excited to embark on this decade-long journey with the Children in the North Alliance and can’t wait to see the impact led by the community itself.

There are two days to go until the end of the negotiations of the Global Plastics Treaty. The good news: most countries have recognised the harm to their citizens from plastic chemicals and want to fix this. The challenge: A small group of countries, bolstered by over 220 fossil fuel and petrochemical lobbyists continue to delay progress. Learn about the Global Plastics Treaty: https://lnkd.in/gR63T_jm #INC5

Our team of advocacy experts and leading scientists are in Busan to call for a dynamic and ambitious Global Plastics Treaty at INC-5 alongside our amazing partners. This treaty is critical to: ✅ Protect your child’s health from toxic plastic chemicals ✅ Provide industry with certainty ✅ Support a fair transition to safer solutions Why does this matter? 🧸 Toxic chemicals in plastics are found in children’s toys and everyday products 🍽️ These chemicals leach out and can be absorbed into your child’s body through the food they eat, water they drink, and toys they play with ⚠️ Of the 16,000 chemicals used in plastics, 11,000 have unknown impacts on our health Plastic pollution harms children before they’re born, while they’re growing, and into their future. It’s time to act. Learn about the Global Plastics Treaty: https://lnkd.in/gEwA_CMt Download our free mini ebook for parents to reduce exposure: https://lnkd.in/gpVKrtPW See our research: https://lnkd.in/g5vT5CpZ #INC5 #PlasticsTreaty #EndPlasticPollution #HealthierFuture

Now more than ever, bold action and collaboration to address climate change is essential. As COP29 draws to a close, our team led by Dr. Andrew Forrest, seized this critical moment to confront climate change at its root causes. Here’s what we got up to on the ground: 👉 Australian Pavilion Event: Elevating Pacific voices as we prepare for COP31 and spotlighting the urgent climate impacts on Pacific nations. This event will bring together leaders from government, business, and NGOs to shape an ambitious agenda that prioritises fossil fuel action. 👉 Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Announcement: Andrew and Minderoo joined global champions in endorsing the treaty, calling for an immediate transition to Real Zero. COP31 can be a transformative moment, shifting focus from "net" to "real" zero emissions. 👉 TIME100 Climate Leaders Dinner: Dr Andrew Forrest was recognised on the 2024 #TIME100Climate list for his leadership in decarbonisation and ocean health science. 👉 Forced Labor and Climate panel: Advancing transparency, innovation and regulatory reform to tackle the intersection of forced labour and environmental harm. 👉 WEF High Level COP29 Panel: Amplifying climate leadership and supporting a future where strong climate action is a norm. Be part of the journey to Real Zero—sign up for our e-newsletter and help drive meaningful change for people and our environment: https://lnkd.in/gbEWYnF8