Cate McQuillen

Cate McQuillen is an Emmy Award–winning eco‑educationalist, creative producer and regenerative futurist, widely recognised as one of Australia’s leading voices in childhood, sustainability and systems change. She is the founder and co‑creator of the globally loved children’s phenomenon dirtgirlworld and Get Grubby TV, and the founder of mememe productions.

A pioneer of regenerative parenting and sustainability education, Cate created the nationally delivered Get Grubby Program, now reaching more than 3,500 schools and early learning centres across 32 local government areas. Her work supports educators, families and communities to embed care, resilience and environmental leadership into everyday learning.

In 2024, Cate was named Northern Rivers Business Leader of the Year, with multiple industry honours including AAEE Environmental Education Business of the Year (2023) and AAEE Australian Environmental Educator of the Year (2025). She is a reImagineer, a member of the Prosper 2040 Advisory Board, and holds a Bachelor of Education from Deakin University.

Known for championing “Deliberate Optimism”, futurescaping as a tool for change and leading the #WeAreNature movement, Cate works with governments, councils, education systems, philanthropy and industry to design climate‑safe, child‑centred and regenerative futures — helping communities not just talk about change but build it.