Congratulations to the amazing women whose achievements were recognised in the City’s Women in Community Life awards. GS was delighted to see our Special Projects Coordinator, Noreen Nicholson take out the climate action category. We've benefitted from her passionate volunteering, professional project management and inspiring leadership over many years!
The language in the latest IPCC report is clear and strong, "The scientific evidence is unequivocal: Climate change is a threat to human wellbeing and the health of the planet." We have no more time to waste ~ the window of opportunity is closing!
Given Victoria’s reliance on dirty brown coal, the state government’s new offshore wind targets are seen as a game changer. If realised, the rolling targets of 2GW installed by 2030, 4GW by 2035, and 9GW by 2040 will help drive Victoria's energy transition.
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GS is always looking for ways to accelerate Geelong’s clean energy future. So keep a look out for our zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) that we’ve leased for 5 months. With petrol passing $2/litre now it’s an ideal time to become familiar with this driving solution.
What would Australia look like in 2030 if we simply listened to the needs of its people? Award-winning director Damon Gameau sets out to answer this question in his latest short film, Regenerating Australia, which screens in Geelong on Thursday 17 March.
I look forward to reconnecting with you at some of our upcoming events. Please note our events must comply with the Chief Health Officer’s Directions, which require us having a detailed COVID safe plan and a Check-In Marshal checking the vaccination status of patrons. We do hope these requirements will end soon so that everyone can attend.
Regards Vicki Perrett, President
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When: Wed 16 March, 10.45am - 12pm Formalities will be followed by light refreshments from 12-1pm. Where: YMCA Newtown Stadium, 25-33 Riversdale Rd, Newtown RSVP: Limited tickets are available for this free event, please register here
We would like to invite our valued community to the official launch of our Community Energy Revolving Fund. The fund will increase access to renewable energy across the region and allow community groups to accelerate the transition to a clean energy future! We hope you can join us as we celebrate this exciting step for the future of renewable energy across the Barwon South West. If not and your situation allows, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help grow the fund!
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MP Engagement Group (MPEG)
When: Wed 23 March, 2pm Where: Cafe Go, 37 Bellerine St, Geelong - free RSVP here
Make 2022 the year to get active. Writing letters to politicians and local newspapers is an effective way to advocate for faster climate action. Bring your laptop or tablet and our friendly group will help you write impactful letters and emails!
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When: Wed 23 March, 5.00-7.30pm Where: Gordon Auditorium, Building H, City Campus
GS invites you to attend the official launch of this exciting new project. Discover how you can be a part of our region's transition to a circular economy. Meet our partners and local sustainable businesses. Check out our new MG EV. This event is part of Geelong Design Week 2022, an initiative of Geelong UNESCO City of Design and CoGG. Cost: Free but bookings are essential & people will need to show their vax certificate. #geelongdesignweek #gclc2022
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When: Tues 29 March, 2pm-3pm Where: Online via Zoom Register: here
Join the Community Power Hub Barwon South West as Saul Griffith shares his blueprint on how we can fight climate change. This webinar is the third in our 7 part series. Each webinar builds on the last, with a wide range of special guests sharing their unique climate action journeys, with a key focus on mobilising support and progressing the development of community energy initiatives.
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When: Wed 30 March, 5.50-7.30pm Where: Beav’s Bar, 77 Lt Malop St Cost: Gold coin at door! All welcome if fully vaxxed! Yeah! Green Drinks are back! It’s been such a long time since we got together! Join us for this member briefing about current GS projects and our exciting plans for 2022. Note numbers are limited and bookings are required. More info / book
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Ready for an exciting new Think Global ~ Act Local challenge? GS is inviting workplace and community teams to sign up for the new Geelong Circular Living Challenge. In this 8-week gamified experience, participants will complete a variety of challenges, engage with local organisations, try out new sustainable behaviours, learn about the circular economy and understand how consumer choices can make a difference. The Challenge has points, leaderboards, prizes, weekly winners. Might you be the 2022 Circularity Champion?
When: Sunday 10 April to Sunday 5 June Where: It is delivered online, on your digital device Cost: It’s free to participate! Who: Residents in Geelong and the surrounding regions.
Like to get involved?
- Rally together a household, neighbourhood or workplace team of 3 - 5 people
- Decide on a team name
- Register your details individually HERE.
If your organisation is interested in being a Challenge partner, reach out to Sally at: sally@geelongsustainability.org.au.
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Geelong Circular Living Show + EV Show ’n’ Shine
When: Sat 30 April, 10am - 1pm Save the date! Where: Geelong Showgrounds, Breakwater Rd
Don't miss Geelong's first ever Circular Living Show and EV Show 'n' Shine. Open to everyone, this engaging event will showcase a range of zero emissions vehicles. There’ll be free ZEV test drives and e-bike rides. In the Agriculture Hall, a wide range of local exhibitors will showcase products and offering practical info on upcycling, recycling, gardening, composting and energy efficiency. This project is supported by the City of Greater Geelong through its Environment Sustainability Grant Program.
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Passionate about climate action? Join our team of climate action volunteers to make a difference. No matter what your skills or experience there are meaningful ways you can start volunteering ~ as a team member or leader. Perhaps you are interested in building sustainable communities, hastening renewable energy uptake or spreading circular living concepts? Contact us or come to one of our events below. Read more. If volunteering is not possible then please consider becoming a financial member and supporting our work.
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GS is committed to empowering our community to transition to a renewable energy future. So we’re delighted to report the results of the 2021 Geelong+ Community Solar Program. The program was the G21 region's largest ever solar bulk-buy ~ resulting in 281 local residents and businesses getting solar and/or batteries! Once installations are completed, around 2.5 MW of renewable energy will have been added to the local electricity grid, achieving our ambitious program target. We thank everyone in the community who supported and participated in the program.
As part of the social dividend, our delivery partner, RACV Solar agreed to donate a solar panel for every system installed. Due to the strong community support around 100kW of solar will be donated to 6+ community sites. Read more
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Our new Community Energy Revolving Fund officially launches this week (see the event details above) with a new logo and a campaign to raise funds towards solar and energy efficiency upgrades for local not-for-profit organisations. For more information (or perhaps to make a tax deductible donation) please visit our website.
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How green is your electricity provider?
Our consumer choices matter. We have more power than we realise. If your electricity retailer is not in the top 10, perhaps it’s time to consider switching.
By selecting greener electricity providers, we can hasten the demise of polluting coal and gas and support more renewables. Find out how green your electricity provider is by visiting the Greenpeace Green Electricity Guide.
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Viva’s Environmental Effect Statement (EES) has been released and the community has until 11 April to make a submission. Environment Victoria and the ACF Geelong Community Group are seeking help from the community.
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Electric cars powered by rooftop solar only cost between 1-2 cents a kilometre to run, compared to 2-3 cents if they are powered off grid electricity, or between 10-20 cents using petrol or diesel. (Saul Griffith, 17 Feb 2022).
To find out more about our 2022 100% Electric Vehicle project or how you can book a free test drive - Click here.
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If you’ve gone "off the gas" recently, you may have redundant heating vents that should be sealed from draughts, rodents and dust. In this How To video series, Technical Director, Maurice Beinat walks you through the steps so you can achieve a professional job yourself. If you decide to purchase the ecoMaster kit, insert GEELONG5 in their online store for a 5% discount. Watch their excellent video series
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When: Thurs 17 Mar, 6.15 - 7.45 pm Where: Village Geelong, Ryrie St
Regen Studios and WWF-Australia invite you to the local screening of a new short documentary film by award-winning filmmaker Damon Gameau (2040, That Sugar Film). Given the current natural disasters, it’s a timely story of hope, empowerment and solutions. Movie is followed by a panel Q&A with Damon and local guests. More info ~ Watch trailer Cost: $20, free for anyone under 18s Book tickets
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When: 17-27 March Geelong Design Week (GDW) is an annual community celebration of local design excellence and Geelong’s designation as Australia’s only UNESCO Creative City of Design. This year’s program has over 60 events including: installations, exhibitions, workshops, walks, talks, and tours that will investigate and illustrate the vital role design plays in our everyday life. More info - program #geelongdesignweek #geelongcityofdesign
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When: Fri 18 March, 11am - noon Where: Geelong Botanic Gardens
Join CoGG’s Smart City team on a guided walk through the gardens as they launch the new Urban Forest Dashboard and kick-start a citizen science project to map tree hollows and help protect local birdlife. #geelongdesignweek More info / book
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When: Thurs 24 March, 6.30 - 8.00pm Where: Peter Thwaites Theatre, Deakin Uni, Waurn Ponds
With Climate a key issue in the upcoming federal election, the Corangamite Climate Alliance is hosting a climate-focused Candidates Forum. ALP’s Libby Coker MP, Liberal candidate Stephanie Asher and the Greens’ Alex Marshall have confirmed their attendance and all candidates have been invited. The forum will be moderated by respected ABC journalist Tim Lamacraft. Cost: Gold coin donation at door Book tickets
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When: Tues 29 March, 12.30 - 2.15pm Where: Captains Room, Geelong Football Club Cost: $75 including luncheon More info / book
Environment protection is now a core objective of Rotary International. The Rotary Club of Geelong has a special fundraising event with renowned economist speaker, Ross Garnaut.
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Earth Fest Ocean Grove
When: Fri 1 April, 4.00-7:00pm Where: Ocean Grove Park, Presidents Ave
Organised by the Our Lady Star of the Sea PS, this fun twilight fair aims to inspire people to connect and care for our Earth. GS will be there with a range of fun activities including our Recycle Right activity, EVs and e-bikes to check out. More info
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When completed the Golden Plains Wind Farm, located in Rokewood in the Golden Plains Shire will have up to 228 wind turbines and will generate enough electricity to power more than 750,000 homes. The local community groups, families and businesses support the project and want it to go ahead. However construction has been delayed for 18 months by a legal challenge relating to its potential impact on Brolgas. The state government is working to mitigate the impacts of wind farms on native wildlife. If you would like to show your support for the Golden Plains Wind Farm please consider signing their community petition.
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