Hi Friend,

Welcome to the Geelong Sustainability August Newsletter.

It's an exciting month with the Electric Homes Program launching on the 28th of August. We've locked in new local and trusted suppliers all ready to help homeowners save money on their energy bills, reduce emissions, switch off gas and live more comfortably in their home. Our team has also been busy meeting with local MPs and raising key sustainability issues on behalf of our members.

We look forward to seeing you at one of our events soon.

The Geelong Sustainability team

Electric Homes Program launch - 28 August

The Electric Homes Program is back for another year and with an expanded offering with home insulation, draught proofing, induction cooktop installation and home energy audits now included.

We’ve done all the hard work for you; trusted local businesses, quality products, great customer service and special pricing. Join us for the launch and hear from the experts who will carry out the work and help you through the process.

When: 5.45 - 7pm, Wednesday 28 August

Where: Geelong West Town Hall, 153 Pakington Street

Smart Business: Energy Efficiency for Small Business

Join us for an inspiring event as part of the Geelong Small Business Festival, focused on boosting energy efficiency and promoting electrification for local businesses.

When: 5.30 - 7.00pm, Thursday 22 August
Where: 1915 Restaurant and Bar, PH2, 33 Mackey Street, North Geelong

Meeting with Deputy Prime Minister,
the Hon Richard Marles MP

Last week, David, Dan and Karina met with the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Defence and Federal Member for Corio, the Hon Richard Marles MP.

As well as giving an update about Geelong Sustainability’s growth and key initiatives, they also expressed the urgency of getting to net-zero and reducing the role of gas and other fossil fuels in the energy transition as fast as possible.

We were grateful for the opportunity to meet with the Deputy Prime Minister, and we look forward to continuing our engagement on these important issues.

To read the full meeting update visit our website.

First Nations Voices on Climate Action

On Tuesday we hosted First Nations Voices on Climate Action, with emotional stories and inspiring solutions.

Corrina Eccles, proud Wadawurrung woman, spoke of the local impacts of climate change and the amazing work Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Corporation are doing.

We were also privileged to be joined by Julie Saylor Briggs, who shared her perspective as a Torres Strait Island Irish Australian woman, and highlighted the struggles and spirit of her people who are facing sea level rise due to climate change.

Meeting with Federal MP Libby Coker

Recently Dan, Karina and Fred also met with Federal MP Libby Coker. They voiced our concerns about the slow pace of emissions reduction and stressed the need to reduce gas use in the energy transition, contrary to the recent Future Gas Plan. The discussion also touched on key regional environmental issues, including oil and gas exploration in the Southern Ocean. Dan and Karina also shared updates on our major initiatives for the year.

We look forward to more productive conversations with Libby and her continued support on important environmental issues.

We're looking for a Lead Events Volunteer!

Do you have a passion for sustainability and want to be part of the movement?

Geelong Sustainability is seeking a proactive Lead Events Volunteer to oversee our presence at markets and community events. In this role, you’ll coordinate and inspire a team of volunteers, manage event preparations, and engage the community in advocating for environmental sustainability. If you're enthusiastic, organised and passionate about creating a sustainable future, we invite you to join us.

Find out more and download the Position Description.

Join Us to Oppose the Viva Energy Gas Terminal

Viva Energy is coming back for round two in its proposal to build a new gas import terminal in Corio Bay.

The Minister of Planning Inquiry and Advisory Committee found the Environmental Effect Statement (EES) deficient in multiple ways and requested for Viva Energy to resubmit supplementary statements which they are expected to do soon.

Our community needs to be ready to respond!

How You Can Help:

Donate to our campaign effort: Your donation can make a real difference in our fight to protect our community and environment.
Subscribe to our new climate campaign email list: Stay updated on this project and receive important event information.
Become a volunteer: Join Geelong Sustainability’s new Climate Advocacy Task Force.
Follow us on social media: Get updates and share the campaign with your community: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn

Your support is crucial in building the momentum and capacity needed to push back against the Viva Gas Terminal and other harmful projects. Read more about this project.

Good Cycles

Good Cycles Geelong is more than a bike shop! Able to help with all your cycling needs, you’ll also be supporting them in helping marginalised young people break through employment barriers. Good Cycles is a NFP social enterprise, meaning 100% of profits goes towards supporting young people secure safe and meaningful jobs in a range of future-focused green industries.

Learn about Good Cycles in our Sustainability Directory.

Business Supporters

Good Cycles is a Geelong Sustainability Business Supporter.
Visit Business Supporters if you’re interested in supporting us too.

Geelong Real Deal: Renew Australia for All -
Geelong Town Hall Meeting

This Town Hall Meeting has been organised to discuss opportunities to build green jobs and benefits for the region, and to better prepare our communities for climate change.

When: 6 - 7.30pm, Tuesday 6 August

Where: Geelong West Town Hall, 153 Pakington Street, Geelong West

No Incinerator for Lara - Protest and Community Event

Join the Lara community and help stop this human and environmental disaster. High profile guest speakers will attend with messages of support for our community. Lots of fun will be had too with children's activities, sausage sizzle, prizes and more!

When: 10am - 12.30pm, Sunday 4 August

Where: Austin Park, Lara