195. From Quarry to Oasis: Dominique Hes on the incredible story of Newport Lakes, circular economies & beyond

The RegenNarration Podcast

Dr Dominique Hes is deeply embedded in the regenerative movement. A renowned educator, author of Designing for Hope, advisor on the Federal Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group, Chair of Greenfleet, and featured presence in some of Damon Gameau’s wonderful films, Dominique started working in regenerative development 20 years ago, and ‘sustainability’ for ten years before that. Her focus is on real projects, on the ground, in place. And today, we visit one of them. In her place. Newport Lakes. What was a quarry, is now an extraordinary landscape right in the inner-west of Melbourne. And all on the back of the community here. This is now the subject of Dominique’s next book. Which is just as well, as nobody I’ve spoken with in Melbourne even knows it exists.
So join us for a walk through Newport Lakes, as Dominique shares this incredible story with us, along with the story of her life - its transformations, hopes, struggles, breakthroughs, and regeneration reflected in this place.
Head here for automatic cues to chapter markers (also available on Apple and some other apps, and the embedded player on the episode web page), and a transcript of this conversation (the transcript is AI generated and imperfect, but hopefully serves to provide greater access to these conversations for those who need or like to read).
Recorded on 26 February 2024.
Title slide: Dominique at Newport Lakes as we pressed record (pic: Anthony James).
See a selection of 'before and after' photos on the episode web page, and to see more from behind the scenes, become a member via the Patreon page.
Music:
Green Shoots, by The Nomadics.
Sacrosanct, by Duel Native aka Stephen Choi.
The RegenNarration playlist, featuring music chosen by guests (with thanks to podcast member Josie Symons).
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章

1. Music, Preview, Introduction & Supporter Thanks (00:00:00)

2. Transformation of Newport Lakes (00:03:20)

3. How the Story Emerged (& local reed warbler!) (00:09:20)

4. The thread back to the moving origins of Dominique's first book (00:14:49)

5. Dominique's Personal Journey (00:17:52)

6. The settler experience & lens on the place (including my ancestors) (00:24:20)

7. Relating this to people burning out everywhere (00:26:20)

8. Exploring Urban Regeneration Stories (00:27:18)

9. Inspirational urban regeneration & what regeneration looks like when it’s not about restoring the past (00:30:24)

10. What came up when we shared a panel with Damon Gameau two years ago (00:36:50)

11. Circular economy Federal Ministerial Advisory Group (00:39:50)

12. The tricky business of fire management in urban areas like this (00:44:50)

13. The tricky business of owning land and nature – and offsets! (00:48:50)

14. Coming Full Circle (00:59:00)

15. Music & Closing Words (00:59:50)

16. Sacrosanct, by Duel Native (01:01:45)