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Welcome to the Geelong Sustainability February Newsletter, our first of 2025.
I'm now two months into the CEO role here at Geelong Sustainability and what a start to the year! I’ve been learning a lot and I'm truly inspired by the work we're doing to support our community to take meaningful action on climate change. We've got such an incredible Board and team, bolstered by a dedicated network of members, volunteers, donors and other supporters. I'm excited about the year ahead and connecting with you all.
I've been thinking a lot about community connections and how the links between us are so fundamentally important to ensuring that we're resilient to a changing climate. And, I've been thinking that we need these connections more than ever.
We're building a powerful community movement and I love that you're part of it! Throughout the year there will be loads of ways you can connect with us and get involved - whether through events, volunteering, participating in programs or engaging with our stories and resources.
The strength of our collective effort is essential for supporting a sustainable, resilient Geelong and surrounding regions that benefits everyone.
I’m excited to be on this journey with you and can't wait to see what we achieve together!
Jane Spence
CEO, Geelong Sustainability | |
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Last Chance - Join the Human Sign Protest | |
Join us for the Human Sign Community Protest in the Park, a major public gathering to show our collective strength and opposition to Viva Energy's proposed Gas Import Terminal in Corio Bay.
When: 12 - 2.30pm, Sunday 23 February Where: Moorpanyal Park, The Esplanade, North Shore RSVP: Let us know you're coming
We’ll form a massive human sign in the park which will be photographed from the air, symbolising our united opposition to this terminal. Together we’ll demonstrate that our community says no to fossil fuels and yes to climate action. | | | |
This is our major opportunity to make our voices heard before the Minister for Planning, Sonya Kilkenny, announces her decision about Viva Energy’s proposed Gas Import Terminal. This follows the Supplementary Environmental Effects Statement hearing (which concluded in January), and the Inquiry and Advisory Committee’s recommendations.
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What to Expect: - Human sign formation - a creative, peaceful and striking demonstration of our collective opposition.
- Live music from Sarah Carroll and Wayne Jury, and inspiring speeches from local leaders.
- A community picnic - this is a family-friendly event. Bring your friends, family and food to share.
Let us know you’re coming!
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Climate Safe Rooms Launches | |
After a successful award-winning pilot program in 2021, we are thrilled to launch the Climate Safe Rooms program to Geelong and surrounding regions. The program supports people with complex healthcare needs that become worse during heatwaves and extreme cold.
One room of the home is modified to ensure it does not become too hot or cold during weather extremes - this may include installing insulation, a reverse cycle air conditioner and solar to offset the running costs. | | | |
If you are a home care provider, please contact us to see how you can be involved. Or, to find out if you or a loved one is eligible for this program, visit
Climate Safe Rooms. | |
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Postcards - Please Return to Us! | |
Have you been supporting the Viva Energy Gas Import Terminal campaign by getting postcards signed by your community? Do you still have some postcards?
If the answer is yes, we need to gather these back to present to the Minister for Planning, Sonya Kilkenny.
Please email karina@geelongsustainability.org.au to arrange collection or to get the delivery address. | | | |
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Last Chance to Email You Local MP | |
There are only a few more weeks left to email your local MP and share your concerns about Viva Energy’s proposed Gas Import Terminal.
We’ve developed a platform to enable you to easily send a letter to your local MP in opposition to the proposed project. We need to ensure our state politicians and the Minister for Planning hear our concerns. Sending an email is quick and impactful and we’ve made it incredibly easy for you to do, taking around one minute to complete - and making a huge impact towards us winning the campaign. | | | |
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- RSVP to our Human Sign Event Now
Let us know you’ll be there! By confirming your attendance, it helps us know how many people to prepare for: Sign Up Here. - Spread the Word
We need everyone’s voice! Share this event with your community via the Instagram post, Facebook post or forward this email to your friends and family. - Join the Movement
This is a peaceful protest. Together, we’ll send a strong, united message that Geelong stands for climate safety, community protection and a renewable energy future. If you’d like to volunteer your time, complete the form on the Volunteers page.
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Work With Us - Secretary to the Board | |
Are you passionate about sustainability and strong governance? Geelong Sustainability is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the voluntary role of Secretary to the Board. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the region’s leading sustainability organisation, supporting governance and operational efficiency while expanding your professional network.
The role is flexible (3-4 hours per week) and ideal for individuals with strong organisational skills who want to make an impact. Training and support are available. | | | |
To express interest, submit a short EOI outlining your background and motivation to info@geelongsustainability.org.au by 11.59pm Sunday 2 March.
To read the full Position Description and for details on how to apply visit our website.
For inquiries, contact Merilyn Harris at merilyn@geelongsustainability.org.au.
Join us in driving positive environmental change in the Geelong region! | |
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Changes to Our Email and Newsletter Topics | |
With the number of Geelong Sustainability lead campaigns and events increasing over the last couple of years, we are aware that the amount of emails sent to you has also increased. To ensure you receive the content that is most relevant and of interest to you, we’ve updated our topics and preferences.
If you’d like to refine your preferences, click ‘Manage Preferences’ at the bottom of this email. | |
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Under Pressure: The Climate Crunch Fuelling Inflation and Hurting Australian Families | |
A recent report from the Climate Council and Parents for Climate investigated issues around Australian families struggling to cope with sky-high costs of housing, groceries, electricity, petrol, and insurance premiums. | |
Key findings include: - Both rising costs of living and the climate crisis were pressing concerns for 71% of families
- 72% of parents were concerned that worsening extreme weather, driven by climate pollution, could impact on farming and lead to higher grocery prices
- 71% of parents were concerned about higher insurance costs, as more intense and frequent unnatural disasters are fuelled by coal, oil and gas.
- 75% of parents were concerned about higher power bills due to more volatility in the price of polluting coal and gas.
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Aphi Projects is a Design and Construct building company based in Geelong. Over the past 15 years, Directors Scott McClelland and Dale Roberts, have developed a unique set of skills, ensuring each project is of the highest standard in design and construction while also delivering optimum thermal comfort and energy efficiency. They pride themselves on education, communication, hard work and persistence to deliver quality, durable, functional and beautifully built environments. | | | |
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National Sustainability Festival | |
The National Sustainability Festival runs this month with a wide variety of events, including our (now sold out) Community Dinner. As the largest and longest-running event of its kind in Australia, their mission is to accelerate the uptake of sustainability and address the global climate biodiversity emergencies.
To view the full line up, visit their website. | | | |
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Join Surf Coast Energy Group for their first working bee of 2025 at Spring Creek. Wear solid shoes, a hat and sunscreen. Tools and morning tea supplied.
When: 10am - 12.30pm, Sunday 9 February Where: Ashmore Arts, 55B Ashmore Road, Torquay RSVP: info@sceg.org.au | | | |
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