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After months of planning, Geelong Sustainability launched its exciting new project ~ the Geelong Circular Living Challenge ~ at the Gordon during Geelong’s UNESCO Design Week. The project is a partnership with Circular Economy Victoria and supported by funding from the Recycling Victoria Communities Fund delivered by Sustainability Victoria. [Photo L-R: Alice Young-Drew from SV, Sal Hiller & myself from GS & Sean Trewick from CEV]
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We all have a part to play when it comes to reducing our emissions. So I encourage you to get involved in this innovative and engaging program, which begins on Sunday. Together we can be the change!
Be quick to register for these special events:
- A behind-the-scene bus tour of the Drysdale Landfill site
- A site tour of COGG’S composting facility at Anakie
- Free business seminars by local experts
- plus many other community events ~ see some below & here.
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We must heed the ever starker climate warnings from the IPCC scientists. Geelong stands at a crucial crossroad if we want to protect our climate, environment and community. The risks and opportunities for our region are more apparent by the day. Which is why I also urge you to make a short personal submission to the Viva EES Inquiry before midnight on Monday 11 April.
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It was lovely to gather in person with stakeholders, members and staff to celebrate the launch by Christine Couzens MP of our Community Energy Revolving Fund and its first funded project ~ a 60kW solar installation at the at YMCA Newtown Stadium. The interest-free, cost-positive loan will save the Y over $14,000pa enabling them to offer more community programs. [Photo L-R: Steve Turnock From GS, Christine Couzens MP, myself from GS & Shona Eland from YMCA]
The revolving fund is an exciting initiative, increasing the access to renewable energy across the region. Tax-deductible donations are very welcome!
Regards
Vicki Perrett, President
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The countdown is on for the start of the Geelong Circular Living Challenge, and we’d love for YOU to be involved in this exciting sustainability initiative!
During this eight-week gamified Challenge, you'll:
- Complete a variety of short, weekly challenges to earn points
- Try out new sustainable behaviours
- Engage with local businesses
- Increase your understanding of the circular economy
- Discover how your consumer choices can make a difference
- Have the option to attend weekly seminars, workshops and events to deepen your knowledge & skills
- Gain access to exclusive local discounts
- Be in the running to win a share of some amazing prizes from local businesses!!
The Challenge has been developed with flexibility in mind, so that you can participate based on your capacity each week.
When: The Challenge runs from Sunday 10 April to Sunday 5 June
Where: It’s delivered online, on your digital device
Cost: It’s free to participate!
Who: The Challenge is open to all residents in Greater Geelong and the surrounding region.
How to join? Registrations are open NOW!
Below check out some of the events featured during April in the Challenge.
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Join us for this one hour, eye-opening bus tour around the Drysdale Landfill site to comprehend the scale of the waste problem in our region.
While run as part of the Geelong Circular Living Challenge, this event is open to everyone to attend.
When: Sun 10 April & Wed 13 April
There are 3 tours: 9.00am, 10.30am & 2.00pm
Meeting place: SpringDale Neighbourhood Centre, 17-21 High St, Drysdale, Please arrive 15 mins before tour start time and BYO mask to wear on the bus.
Cost: It’s free to join but bookings are essential
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In this seminar, you’ll learn about different business strategies to transition your business into the circular economy. Explore new revenue streams, investigate ways to reduce costs and consider more broadly how your business can do more with less!
When: Tues 12 April, 12.00 - 12.45pm
Where: online via Zoom
Presenter: Philippa Bakes, Business Advisor & President, RICE
Cost: It’s free to join but bookings are essential
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- Fancy a test drive of our MG ZS 100% electric vehicle?
- Like to experience how quiet, smooth and fun they are to drive? What about how cheap they are to refill??
The first test drive opportunity will be at our EV Show 'n' Shine on Sat 30 April. Thereafter we're scheduling test drives during May. Email noreen@geelongsustainability.org.au to register your interest and secure a booking.
Attention: Community centres & groups
GS is happy to arrange a suitable day and time to:
- showcase the ZEV at your centre
- answer people’s many questions
- make the MG EV available for test drives
~ contact Noreen for further information.
Our EV project ~ accelerating a clean energy future ~ is supported by the City of Greater Geelong through its Environment Sustainability Grant Program. If you’re ready to switch now, check out the Solar Vic subsidies for ZEVs.
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Good Cycles Bike Maintenance Workshops
Learn the basics of bicycle maintenance so you understand your bike better, keep it in tip-top condition, and deal with common cycling issues.
Each 45 min class has a different focus, and these are offered on a monthly rotation.
When: Every Wednesday @ 5.15pm
Where: Good Cycles Geelong, 61-63 Lt Malop St, Geelong
Cost: $25 p/p & half price for Good Cycles Members & 25% discount for GCLC participants! Book in store or by calling 0478 487 547
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Join the Grovedale Toy Library for their Open Morning. Tour the toy library to discover over 1000 toys that they have on offer, and chat with their volunteers about how toy libraries work. Little people will be able to explore some sensory play and there’ll be a selection of toys on display.
When: Wed 20 April, 10am - 12pm
Where: Grovedale Community Hub, 45 Heyers Rd, Grovedale
Cost: Free ~ bookings are essential
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Join Rosewall Community Centre for a night of free shopping with their first Rosewall Clothes Swap! Refresh your wardrobe and have fun while also giving unwanted clothes a new home. Clothing drop-off & refreshments 5.45 - 6.15pm, swapping commences at 6.30pm
When: Thursday 21 April, 6.30 - 8.30pm
Where: Rosewall Community Centre, 36 Sharland Road, Corio
Cost: Free ~ bookings essential
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Designed for workplace participants, this seminar will explain how businesses can improve their bottom line by addressing waste and meet their obligations under the new Victorian Circular Economy Act.
When: Fri 22 April, 12.30 - 1.15pm
Where: online via Zoom
Presenters: Ashley Pittard, CEO & Ursula Trujillo, Manager Industry and Infrastructure from the BSWWRRG (Barwon South West Waste & Resource Recovery Group)
Cost: Free ~ bookings are essential
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What happens to the garden material you put in your green-lidded kerbside bin? Find out on this informative walking tour around this new $3.5m facility, which now processes about 35,000 tonnes of garden organics annually. BYO container to take home a free sample.
When: Sat 23 April & Wed 27 April, 10.00 - 11.30am
Where: 400 Staceys Rd, Anakie
Cost: Free ~ bookings are essential
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It’s going to be great fun reconnecting with people at this community event.
- Jump start your circular living journey
- Check out a range of zero emissions vehicles
- Chat with local owners of zero emission vehicles (ZEVs)
- Find out about ICE-to-EV car conversions
- Test drive an electric vehicle (EV)
- Take an e-bike for a spin
- Connect with local sustainable businesses
- Get practical advice on upcycling, recycling, gardening, composting and energy efficiency
- Attend workshops and take home free samples
When: Sat 30 April, 10am - 1pm
Where: Geelong Showgrounds, Breakwater Rd
Cost: It’s free to attend, with a gold coin donation appreciated ~ Register here
Like to be involved? There are still some exhibitor places in the Ag Hall. Contact Jess at jess@geelongsustainability.org.au by Tues 12 April. We’re also seeking event volunteers, please email Jess if you’re interested. This project is supported by the City of Greater Geelong through its Environment Sustainability Grant Program.
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The whole world knows we must urgently decarbonise the energy sector. Against any criteria ~ the future is renewables not more gas! Which is why GS and many other community groups are opposing Viva Energy’s proposed gas import terminal.
Demand could be drastically reduced if we switched to efficient heat pump hot water systems and reverse cycle air conditioners. These all-electric appliances are cheaper to run, safer for our health and produce less pollution.
Please add your voice and demand that Geelong be allowed:
- to realise its clever and creative vision
- to protect its unique natural environment, and
- to embrace a clean energy future.
Together we can lead our regions to a brighter, healthier future for this and future generations.
- Respond to this Inquiry by Monday 11 April HERE
- Sign the Petition to Minister Wynne HERE
For further information regarding the EES and the Geelong Renewables Not Gas campaign HERE.
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