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Hi ,
Welcome to your monthly update from Geelong Sustainability.
In this edition:
- Take our membership survey today to let us know how we’re doing
- We are hiring! Join our team to help spread the word about the upcoming Single Use Plastic ban
- Geelong Sustainability news and updates
- Local news and events
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We want to hear from all our members, supporters and volunteers to find out what we’re doing well, and what we could do better. For your chance to win one of three $50 EFTPOS vouchers, please complete the survey. It will take about 15 minutes to complete, and the survey closes at midnight on Sunday August 7.
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From 1 February 2023, there will be a blanket ban on a variety of single-use plastic items such as straws, cutlery, and some containers. This is a huge win for the push for a circular economy, and couldn’t come sooner. An important step in this transition is ensuring that all businesses are aware of the ban, and know what their alternatives are.
That’s why we’ve been contracted by Sustainability Victoria to bring awareness to businesses throughout the Barwon South West from August until December. We’re on the hunt for an outgoing business engagement superstar. If you’re interested, or know someone who is, head on over to the job advertisement and apply before 9am on Monday 8 August.
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Do you have a home sustainability project you’re working on and need some professional assistance? Are you keen to see what innovative local businesses are up to? Head to our Sustainability Directory to find local businesses who are leading the way in doing things better.
If you’re a sustainable business in the Geelong region, head to our website to apply for a Sustainability Directory listing today.
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As part of the Community Battery Initiative, last month we hosted a Community Battery Webinar, in which our expert Mark Borroni discussed what, exactly, community batteries are - and how they might work for Geelong. You can watch the recording back anytime.
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We are delighted with the positive outcomes from this innovative project supported by the Circular Economy Communities Fund, delivered by Sustainability Victoria.
- The 275 participants learnt about the circular economy, engaged with businesses and developed new sustainable habits.
- Our 55 business partners gained new customers and promoted their circular products and services.
We hope the flow-on effects continue to ripple through our region. Read more
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Green Drinks
Our first Green Drinks in recent months went spectacularly well! Thanks go to Women In Local Democracy (WILD) for their important partnership, and all the hard work they’re doing in Geelong. Thank you to Councillors Jim Mason and Sarah Mansfield for giving us their time and wisdom, and to Vicki Perrett, Lauren Dillon and Noreen Nicholson for speaking to the threats we now face, and how to overcome them.
Save the date for our next two Green Drinks, which will be held on September 29 and November 30.
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Save the weekend! SHD2022 will be held on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 October. On Saturday there’ll be a full day of seminars at the Gordon Auditorium and on Sunday we'll be showcasing a range of sustainable homes across our region. Our focus for SHD2022 is on DIY retrofitting, energy efficiency and smaller homes.
- Have you downsized, gone off gas and/or have a co-housing living arrangement?
- Do you have a passive solar, all electric home with a modest environmental footprint?
- Maybe you’d like to be our demo ‘how to retrofit’ home and receive free advice from our experts?
To find out more contact Karina at shd@geelongsustainability.org.au
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Did you know that Geelong Sustainability is a registered charity as well as a not-for-profit (NFP) community group?
We are also a membership-based organisation, which means we count on our annual membership income to underpin the very considerable amount of work that we do. While this newsletter goes to 6,400 people, only 264 are Geelong Sustainability members.
If you would like to contribute to enhanced sustainability outcomes for the Geelong region, one of the most effective things you can do is become a Geelong Sustainability member or make a tax-deductible donation to our charity.
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Viva Energy Gas Terminal Inquiry Hearings
After 7 weeks, the Viva LNG terminal EES hearings wrap up on Friday 5th August. Geelong Sustainability congratulates everyone who’s presented to the hearing and/or made a submission about this critical fossil-fuel project. It is disappointing that GeelongPort has withdrawn its objections after signing a contract to extend Refinery Pier for Viva. Listen to Session Recordings ~ EES IAC Info ~ Sign VIC Parliamentary Petition
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Zero Emission Vehicle Showcase
Are you a business looking to transition your fleet to zero emission vehicles? Is your business involved in EV technology development? What about the hydrogen economy? If you are involved in any of these sectors, you are invited to the Zero Emission Vehicle Showcase Geelong.
We have been working with DELWP, CoGG, RDV, G21 Alliance, Geelong Manufacturing Council, and Deakin Uni to organise this upcoming event, which aims to bring together key stakeholders across business, industry, academia, and government from Melbourne and Greater Geelong to accelerate the ZEV sector.
When: Tuesday 6 September, 8:00am-2:30pm
Where: GMHBA Stadium
RSVP: deepa.sharma@delwp.vic.gov.au, no later than August 21
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Protect the Bellarine from Further Development
Protect the Bellarine and the Combined Bellarine Community Associations (CBCA) are hosting a rally to demonstrate to the new Planning Minister, Lizzie Blandthorn, that the residents of the Bellarine do not want any more development on any part of the Bellarine. The groups are asking her to make an urgent decision to uphold permanent settlement boundaries which have recently been challenged by land developers wanting to increase urban sprawl on the Bellarine.
When: Sunday 14 August, 10:30am
Where: Beach Rd & Ord St, St Leonards
RSVP: protectthebellarine@gmail.com
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Surfers for Climate, in partnership with Surf Coast Shire Council recently held a community climate forum bringing together community members to listen and be inspired by a range of panellists talking about local opportunities for climate action and Caring for Country.
A follow up forum run by Council in partnership with Surfers for Climate and Surf Coast Energy Group is on the horizon, with a focus for community, businesses and groups to identify and plan initiatives that tackle climate change locally.
When: Thursday 25 August, 5:30-8:00pm
Where: Happy Spaces, Torquay
Tickets
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Don't miss the next free chemical drop off day for Geelong! Detox Your Home is a safe and easy way to dispose of common household and garden chemicals.
When: Saturday 13 August, 8:00am-2:00pm
Where: 299 Anakie Road, Lovely Banks
Register now
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To coincide with World Environment Day on 5 June, Surf Coast Shire Council held their inaugural Climate Emergency Pitch Fest. Following project pitches and community voting, Anglesea Primary School’s ‘Ride the Change’ project and Jan Juc Pre School Advisory Committee’s ‘Carbon Neutral Kite Fest’ project were voted as top two and received funding.
Council has recently updated their grant program with many grant streams supporting sustainability initiatives.
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