Some Past Programs

Entheogenesis Australis (EGA) has been producing ethnobotanical conferences and events for 21 years, fostering knowledge-sharing and community around plant-based medicine, conservation, and research. Below, we've provided the timetables and programs from our three most recent major events to give you a sense of what to expect when attending one of our conferences.

FRI 2 - SUN 4 DEC 2022

Garden States
Springvale, Victoria

Garden States 2022: Cultivating Ethnobotanical Knowledge, Research & Community

Garden States 2022, presented by Entheogenesis Australis (EGA), was a three-day conference in Melbourne (Naarm) celebrating the intersection of ethnobotanical plants, research, and community wisdom. The event featured expert talks, panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and cultural exchanges, covering topics such as plant medicines, sustainability, policy, and the evolving role of entheogenic traditions in modern society.

The event was headlined by Dr. Margaret Ross, who presented insights from Australia’s first psilocybin-assisted therapy trial for palliative care patients, alongside Douglas Rushkoff, who explored the cultural and technological implications of the entheogenic movement. Acclaimed permaculture pioneer David Holmgren, environmental activist John Seed, and renowned artist Janet Laurence further enriched the program, offering deep perspectives on ecology, activism, and the intersection of art and nature.

With a strong focus on education, harm reduction, and ecological responsibility, Garden States 2022 fostered meaningful discussions on conservation, community resilience, and ethical stewardship of plant knowledge. Attendees engaged with leading researchers, participated in interactive sessions, and connected with like-minded individuals. A vibrant marketplace, plant swap, and networking opportunities further enriched this unique gathering, reinforcing EGA’s commitment to a well-informed and collaborative ethnobotanical community.

Timetable and Basic Program

SUN 12 - MAY 2019

Garden States
Springvale, Victoria

Program

Garden States 2019: A Forum for Cultivating Ethnobotanical Plants, Knowledge & Community

Garden States 2019, presented by Entheogenesis Australis (EGA), was a one-day conference in Springvale dedicated to the study and celebration of ethnobotanical plants, traditional knowledge, and community-driven research. The event featured a diverse program of expert talks, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops, covering topics such as plant-based medicine, sustainable cultivation, conservation, and the cultural significance of entheogenic flora.

The conference featured an outstanding lineup of speakers, including Monica Gagliano, Frances Bodkin, and Charly Bedrossian, alongside researchers, Indigenous knowledge holders, and environmental advocates. With an emphasis on education, harm reduction, and ecological awareness, Garden States 2019 provided a platform for deep discussions on the role of plants in medicine, culture, and policy.

Attendees engaged in interactive sessions and knowledge-sharing, while a plant swap, marketplace, and networking opportunities enriched the experience, reinforcing EGA’s commitment to fostering an informed and collaborative ethnobotanical community.

Timetable and Basic Program

FRI 8 - SUN DEC 2022

Psychedelic Symposium
Eildon, Victoria

EGA 2017: Planting Ethnobotanical Seeds

EGA 2017 Outdoor Conference was a landmark gathering in a stunning natural setting, bringing together experts, researchers, and community members to explore the world of ethnobotanical plants. This multi-day symposium featured lectures, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops covering plant medicine, mycology, Indigenous knowledge systems, sustainability, and harm reduction.

With an impressive lineup of international and Australian speakers—including Rick Doblin, Kathleen Harrison, Erik Davis, Tom Roberts, Martin Williams, and Fiona Measham—the conference was a pivotal moment for psilocybin research in Australia, fostering critical discussions that helped lay the groundwork for emerging research and drug law reform.

Beyond academic and scientific discussions, the event embraced creativity through a visionary arts program, featuring live painting, large-scale interactive installations, multimedia showcases, and immersive performances.

Blending science, culture, and the arts, EGA 2017 reinforced EGA’s mission of fostering education, harm reduction, and responsible engagement with plant-based medicines, paving the way for future research, policy discussions, and cultural shifts in the region.

EGA 2014: Exploring the Frontiers of Ethnobotanical Knowledge

Held on 6 December 2014 at RMIT University in Melbourne, the EGA 2014 Psychedelic Symposium brought together experts, researchers, and community members to explore the role of ethnobotanical plants and psychoactive substances in culture, medicine, and policy. This one-day conference featured a diverse program of keynote presentations, panel discussions, and research updates, covering topics such as ayahuasca’s expansion beyond the Amazon, ibogaine-assisted therapy, harm reduction, and drug law reform.

The event was headlined by Dr. Bia Labate, who explored the global spread of ayahuasca traditions, Dr. Alex Wodak, who provided insights into Australia's medicinal cannabis landscape, and Dr. Geoff Noller, who presented research on ibogaine treatment for opioid dependence. Other speakers, including Rak Razam, Fiona Patten, and David Caldicott, contributed to discussions on cultural perspectives, public health, and policy reform.

With a strong emphasis on harm reduction, scientific research, and community engagement, EGA 2014 provided a critical platform for dialogue on the challenges and opportunities surrounding psychoactive substances. The event reinforced EGA’s mission of fostering informed, open discussions on plant-based medicines, setting the stage for future advancements in research and policy in Australia.