About

WiseEarth Education is project that was developed to run Earth connection programs to nurture and build respect for our planet. Our team of educators and facilitators is inspired by the principles and practices of Deep Ecology, Bioregionalism and Place-Based Education; and believe that understanding the interconnectedness of all life through experience is key to bringing about a Life Sustaining Society for all beings. We work to develop ecological literacy in teachers, facilitators, students, and anyone who cares for the Earth. We see ourselves as part of a ‘The Great Turning’ – a term referring to the shift from our current model of consumption to a Life Sustaining Society. We live in, and love, the land that is the lower catchment of the Brisbane River (known as ‘Maiwar’ to the Turrbal and Jagera people) on the east coast of Australia.

The WiseEarth Education team supports the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to self-determination. We pay our respects to Elders past and present of the Turrbal and Jagera people, on whose lands we live and work.

Emma Brindal is the founder of WiseEarth Education. Emma is passionate about social and environmental justice, permaculture, living lightly and fostering connection and care for the Earth in others. She founded WiseEarth Education in 2013, having been facilitating Deep Ecology experiential work since 2008. Emma has also worked in environmental and sustainability education, and also works at Northey Street City Farm in Brisbane, where she is the Education and Farming Manager. Previously she worked in Western Australia on the Waste Wise Schools Program, supporting teachers to integrate Education for Sustainability projects and approaches into their schools. Emma loves holding women’s circles and workshops – which she believes are an important part of healing ourselves and our relationship with Mother Earth. Emma also holds a Bachelor in Environmental Science, a Certificate II in Permaculture, and a Master of Education (Social Ecology).

Em Maltby has worked with community groups, adults and young people to create opportunities to enjoy, connect with, and support the Earth and each other. She approaches her work and life with a deep awareness that our personal and collective wellbeing are intertwined with the Earth’s wellbeing. Em first encountered the Work That Reconnects in a friend’s bookshelf, and has been passionate about sharing its wisdom and strength with others for over 10 years.

Christel Palmer is passionate about nature connection and wellbeing in her own life and is excited to join with WiseEarth Education to explore this with others. With a background in social work and community development, Christel found that knowing ourselves as part of the earth was a missing piece of the journey toward healing and wholeness for humans and the whole earth community.  Christel is also intrigued by the special connection women have had with the earth through the centuries and is interested in how as women we can connect deeper with mother earth for our own empowerment and the healing of the planet.  Having studied her Permaculture Design Certificate, Christel now works at Northey St City Farm as a tutor with visiting school groups and is excited about exploring Bush Adventure Therapy with youth and adults.  Christel also has a Certificate 4 in Youth Work, a Bachelor degree in Social Science and a post grad certificate in Community Development.