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That gorgeous weather over Easter had another benefit ~ a new Victorian clean energy record. At 1pm on Easter Sunday, renewables (mainly wind, rooftop solar & large solar) provided 83.8% of the state's demand!
Geelong’s first Circular Living Show and EV Show 'n' Shine was a huge success. A big thank you from GS to the volunteers, exhibitors and EV owners. Read the event wrap below.
There’s an amazing range of events planned over the next month. Read on to check out the details and get involved ~ most are free. I also want to draw your attention to some important consultations and surveys happening. More info below.
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As a non-partisan community association, Geelong Sustainability will never tell you WHO to vote for in an election. However this federal election is probably the most crucial election of your lifetime! Look past the personalities and politics and examine the candidates’ policies … then select the candidates whose policies will best create a safe and healthy future for people and the planet.
Regards
Vicki Perrett, President
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The Test Drives booked out quickly for the MG, Tesla and Nissan Leaf at the recent EV Show & Shine. Grab your chance to experience fossil-free driving! Contact Emilie at emilie@geelongsustainability.org.au to make a booking for a free MG ZS test drive on the following days:
- Saturday 14 May
- Wednesday 18 May
- Thursday 19 May
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Repair Café is a free meeting place, where expert volunteers will work with you to make repairs on items including: clothes, toys, furniture, electrical appliances (mainly kitchen), bicycles etc. All tools and materials are available.
When: Sat 14 May, 1.00 - 3.00pm
Where: St Luke's Uniting Church, Crn Barrabool & Scenic Rd, Highton
Cost: Free ~ bookings essential
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Our volunteers have the knowledge, equipment, skills and advice to help you repair a range of items whether it’s clothing and textiles, toys, jewellery, small electrical and mechanical items, furniture or garden tools. The Kids’ Tinkering Zone allows kids to get involved as well.
When: Sun 14 May, 10.00am - 1.30pm
Where: Anglesea Memorial Hall, 1B McMillan St, Anglesea
Cost: Free ~ bookings essential
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Join Heidi Fog as she provides a how-to guide for businesses wanting to do their first carbon audit.
Topics to be covered: *Why do it? *What’s in and out? *How to gather data? *What to do with the input? *Where to next?
When: Wed 18 May, 1.00 - 2.00pm (followed by refreshments)
Where: St Mary’s Terrace Community Hub, 192 Myers St, Geelong
Cost: Free ~ bookings essential
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Paul Taylor, Coordinator Procurement Services with the City of Greater Geelong will outline the City’s Power Purchasing Agreement for 100% renewable electricity supply. He’ll also explain how a Procurement for Innovation objective can stimulate sustainable solutions to challenging scenarios and drive circular economy procurement practices.
When: Wed 18 May, 2.20 - 3.20pm (refreshments at 2pm)
Where: St Mary’s Terrace Community Hub, 192 Myers St, Geelong
Cost: Free ~ bookings essential
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Better Than New - How to Repurpose & Reimagine What We Already Have
We all have something collecting dust in your home that we no longer use, but just can’t bear to part with? Join Ryan Mischkulnig, founder of The Reimaginarium in an exploration of why we hold onto things we no longer use, and what opportunities there are to donate/ repair/ reuse/ repurpose and reimagine them.
When: Fri 20 May, 12.00pm - 1.00pm
Where: Online via zoom
Cost: Free ~ bookings essential
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Going solar has lots of benefits: lower power bills, energy independence and inner joy from helping to save the planet. However going solar can be confusing. In this online seminar, Tom McKenzie from RACV Solar will answer all your questions about rooftop solar and battery storage.
When: Wed 25 May, 5.00 - 6.00pm
Where: Online via zoom
Cost: Free ~ bookings essential
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An online seminar with Pat Tale from RACV Solar explaining how organisations can develop and implement a sustainability roadmap to achieve net zero carbon emissions.
When: Thurs 26 May, 12.00pm - 1.00pm
Where: Online via zoom
Cost: Free ~ bookings essential
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Joining us as we talk with Saul Griffith about his new book, The Big Switch. Saul will share his detailed blueprint – optimistic but feasible – for fighting climate change while creating millions of new jobs and a healthier environment.
When: Tues 31 May, 11.30am - 12.30pm
Where: Online via zoom
Cost: free ~ bookings essential
Contact: megan@geelongsustainability.org.au
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Screening of Regenerating Australia & Geelong Circular Living Challenge Wrap
To celebrate the completion of the eight-week Circular Living Challenge, GS is hosting an exclusive screening of Regenerating Australia directed by Damon Gameau. Join us as we announce the Challenge Champions, thank our partners and are inspired by this uplifting short film. Finger food provided, drinks at bar prices.
When: Wed 8 June, 7.00 - 8.30pm Save the date!
Where: Potato Shed, 41 Peninsula Drive, Drysdale
Cost: Free for GCLC participants & kids/$7 for others
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Join our team of volunteers and help solve the climate crisis. No matter what your skills or experience there are meaningful ways you can help. Express your interest to participate in one of our volunteer teams.
Next volunteer meetings:
- Sustainable Cities Pillar - 7pm, Tues 24 May
- Circular Economy Pillar - 7pm, Thurs 26 May
- Renewable Energy Pillar - 7pm, Thurs 2 June
- Climate Action Pillar - 7pm, Wed 8 June
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Circular Living Show Wrap
We’re pleased to report that the Geelong Circular Living Show & EV Show 'n' Shine held on 30 April was a huge success! During the three hour event at the Geelong Showgrounds, more than 1200 people came to learn and discover new ways to reduce, reuse, upcycle, and share things for a more circular and sustainable lifestyle.
- More than 35 exhibitors offered advice and a range of products and services, aimed at helping people reduce their footprint
- 135 people attended the 6 presentations on a variety of low-impact living topics
- 15 ZEVs (zero emission vehicles) were on display
- 33 people got their first drive of an EV
- 65 people took an e-bike for a test ride around the grounds
- 100 sample bags of CoGG’s premium compost was given away
- The event was supported by the fantastic work of 46 volunteers
- This waste-wise event produced only 1Kg of recyclable items (mainly milk bottles), 1Kg of organic waste and a mere 250g of material went to landfill!
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Show survey prize winners
Thanks to everyone who completed the attendee survey. We appreciate your feedback. There was overwhelming support to see the Show become an annual event from both attendees and exhibitors.
The lucky winners of the prize draw were:
- Jenni Harper from Leopold won the home Thermal Camera Inspection from GreenLight valued at $400
- Ruth Dover from Leopold won the Worm Lovers Hungry Bin + 2000 worms supplied by the City of Greater Geelong valued at $418
- Malcolm Fisher from St Leonards won the delivered trailer load of CoGG's premium compost valued at $150.
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Registrations are still open!
Join the discovery and interactive fun at: rof.thinkific.com/courses/GeelongChallenge
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Federal Election - 21 May
There are many major problems needing national attention. So it’s not surprising that climate change has fallen below job security, wages, housing affordability and aged care in this election. However, according to a recent Ross Gittins article, 75% of the top 50 economists surveyed by the Economic Society of Australia nominated ‘climate and the environment’ as the most important issue for the election.
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Looking for further information?
- The Conversation - presents a detailed expert analysis of the two major parties climate policies
- Vote Earth Now - presents a scorecard based on an analysis of MPs past voting patterns and current policies
- Solar Citizens has a clear scorecard on renewable energy & clean transport (shown below)
- Climate Analytics - has analysed the global warming implications of the 2030 climate targets of the Coalition, the Labor Party (ALP), the Teal Independents (the Zali Stegall Bill) and the Greens (shown above).
As less than 1000 people decided the last federal election, your vote has never been more important!
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Are you interested in a Community Energy Retailer that provides consumers with an ethical energy retailer option, keeping the benefits of renewable energy in the local community?
The Community Power Hub Barwon South-West, Geelong Sustainability and community energy groups from across the region are exploring how to make this happen. Take this short survey to help us better understand our community’s interest in, and viability of such a retailer and go in the draw to win one of three $100 EFTPOS Gift Cards. Note: survey ends midnight Sunday 22nd May. Take the Survey
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The energy system is in the midst of a major transformation as efforts are underway across society to move away from fossil fuels and adopt renewable energy and energy efficiency. As the grid is powered by more renewable energy the requirement for storage becomes an essential component. Our community has expressed huge interest in battery storage and in particular neighbourhood scale batteries.
What are neighbourhood batteries and how do they work? Geelong Sustainability is undertaking a feasibility study to explore this emerging technology and determine the viability of Neighbourhood Batteries in the City of Greater Geelong. Read more
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Tim Forcey, a qualified home energy advisor with over 12 years of experience, presented a fascinating webinar for us recently on how residents can increase the efficiency and comfort of their homes. Watch the webinar recording here.
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Journey on Wadawarrung Country
Bellarine Landcare Group is coordinating this immersive cultural learning experience that captures the stories of Wadawurrung elders and landscapes is a multidisciplinary multisensory exhibition.
When: Various dates from 19 May - 3 June
Where: Potato Shed, 41 Peninsula Drive, Drysdale
Cost: Free, more information, school bookings
Like to help? Volunteer here
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Have your say on these current community consultations.
- CoGG FY2023 Budget - closes 24 May
While the budget has funding for shared trails, yet again it commits very little to the environment. There’s only $95,000 to advance its Climate Change Response Plan but over $206m for capital works.
- CoGG Building Better Bike Connections - closes 30 May
The community needs to show its support as several councillors are trying to stop the North-South link. Attend a drop-in session on Monday 23 May from 2.30-7.00pm at the Belmont Library, 163 High St, Belmont.
- DELWP Proposed Ramsar Wetlands - closes 10 June
A very timely review of the Ramsar wetland boundaries around Port Phillip Bay and the Bellarine that haven’t been updated since 1982
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24 music videos from Australian artists have been shortlisted for the $20,000 prize which calls for musicians to inspire action for climate and conservation.
- Watch the music videos, then VOTE for your 3 favourite songs
- Build a playlist that inspires you and share with others
Watch videos - Listen on Spotify - Vote here by 15 May.
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The Surf Coast Shire is looking for local initiatives that enact its Climate Emergency Corporate Response Plan 2021-2031 ~ Goal 5 ‘Our organisation empowers community-led responses to the climate emergency’.
These grants provide $5,000 funding to two community projects or programs that demonstrate how they will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase community action on climate change. More info ~ Grants close 23rd May 2022.
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The Geelong Climate Choir is an independent community organisation that works collaboratively with environmental and climate action groups in the Geelong Area. Rehearsals are held at the Geelong Trades Hall, 127 Myers St on Monday evenings during the school term from 7 - 8:30pm. All welcome! More info
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