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As we welcome you to our March newsletter, I’m feeling hopeful as I reflect on the incredible power of community. This was recently demonstrated by hundreds of supporters who gathered to form a massive human sign to oppose Viva Energy's proposed gas import terminal. The event was filled with positivity, strength and inspiring speeches, a reminder of what we can achieve when we come together.
A few days later, we hosted our popular Seeds of Strength Community Dinner in partnership with Common Ground Project. There’s something special that happens when you bring people together around a shared meal and a shared care for community.
This month marks International Women's Day, a time for us to celebrate the women leading the way in climate action. I want to highlight a key group involved in this important work - Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia (WELA), which connects, trains, and funds generations of women and gender-diverse changemakers in Australia’s climate response.
Finally, I want to mention our upcoming Climate Conversations Training, designed to equip you with the tools to spark meaningful discussions about climate change and inspire action in your community, especially as we approach the federal election. Research shows that one of the most effective ways to create change is through conversations with people we know.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our work and I’m looking forward to continuing to connect with you all.
Jane and the Geelong Sustainaibility team
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Climate Conversations Training Opportunity | |
The next federal election will be one of the most critical in our history, taking place in the middle of a rapidly escalating climate crisis. That’s why we’re bringing Climate for Change, a volunteer-powered not-for-profit to Geelong to run a climate conversations training session. This expert-led, two-hour workshop will equip you with the skills and confidence to have meaningful and persuasive conversations about climate change—conversations that inspire action and help build the movement we need to shape the outcome of this election.
When: 2.30 - 5.00pm, Saturday 15 March Where: The Company Spot, Federal Mills Cost: $5 | | | |
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Help support community organisations
save energy and take climate action | |
Over the last two years, the Community Energy Revolving Fund (CERF) has assisted in the installation of 283kW of rooftop solar for local charities including Bellarine Community Health centres, Torquay Community House (pictured), Cloverdale Community Centre, Freshwater Creek Steiner School, Lonsdale Links Golf Club and Apollo Bay Museum. | | | |
The CERF provides interest-free loans to local not-for-profit organisations which are paid back to the fund from energy bill savings over a five-year period, ensuring community organisations remain net positive for the cycle of the loan. After five years, the savings can be redirected into the organisation’s local programs. Once the loan is repaid, the CERF can support other community energy projects, so the cycle continues.
As of this week, the fund is fully utilised for local renewable energy projects! That means we’re now seeking further support so we can continue to help our community. | |
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Community Conversation:
Housing Crisis and Household Energy Bills | |
Real Deal Geelong Alliance invites you to join in conversation about the cost of living, in particular the housing crisis and household energy bills. We know many households are struggling and we want to see action to reduce pressure on households. We will share stories about how these issues are impacting us and the solutions we are seeking to address this, ensuring these issues are front and centre during the federal election and beyond.
When: 1.30 - 3.30pm, Sunday 16 March Where: Armstrong Creek East Community Hub, 46 Central Boulevard, Armstrong Creek RSVP: Register by Thursday 13 March. | | | |
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A HUGE thank you to everyone who was able to attend our Protest in the Park event on Sunday 23 February against Viva Energy’s Gas Import Terminal. This was an amazing show of community strength with around 250 people coming together to demonstrate their opposition to the proposal. We were delighted to see such a strong response from our community. It shows that the proposed project has NO social license and cannot go ahead. | |
Postcards - Please Return to Us! | |
Last chance to return the postcards you have been getting signed for the Viva Energy Gas Import Terminal campaign. We need to gather these back to present to the Minister for Planning, Sonya Kilkenny.
Signed postcards must be returned by Monday 10 March. Email info@geelongsustainability.org.au for the delivery address. | | | |
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Final Chance to Email Your Local MP | |
We have had over 600 people send emails to their MP sharing their concerns about Viva Energy’s proposed Gas Import Terminal.
It’s not too late to send an email to your local MP before the Minister for Planning makes her decision. It takes one minute to complete and makes a huge impact. | | | |
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We greatly appreciate the time and passion for sustainability and climate action by our dedicated volunteers, and we want to get to know you better.
If you have volunteered with us - or would like to in the future - we would appreciate you completing this survey. We want to know who you are, what drew you to Geelong Sustainability, and how you’d like to contribute to the movement. By sharing your skills, interests, and availability, you’ll help us create more meaningful and impactful volunteer opportunities.
The survey should take around 5-10 minutes to complete. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping how we support and engage our volunteer community.
Take the Volunteer Survey. | |
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Manage Your Email Preferences | |
Geelong Sustainability runs a number of different campaigns and events which means there may be some you’re interested in, and others not so much. 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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People choose coworking to reconnect and be among their community. AsOne Coworking is a people-centric designed coworking space with private studios, meeting rooms, podcast studio, event space and casual desks.
AsOne is a unique work environment enriched with biophilic elements of natural light, acoustic materials and over 100 plants, making it the perfect setting to be inspired and productive.
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Make a Stand Against New Gas Projects | |
The multinational petroleum company, ConocoPhillips, has received approval to drill up to six exploratory gas wells in the Otway Basin, close to important areas for protected marine species such as Warrnambool's Logan's Beach southern right whale sanctuary.
Head along to The Seismic Shift, a powerful community event standing against seismic blasting for fossil fuel exploration in our oceans. | | | |
When: 1 - 5pm, Saturday 29 March Where: Logan’s Beach, Warrnambool, Gunditjmara Country
More details and to register visit The Seismic Shift.
Read the ABC article to learn more about the gas drilling approval. | |
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