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General News

3 October, 2022

Climate Conversation Month

Climate change will be the talk of the town, or rather the shire, throughout October as community groups get set to host climate conversations to get residents thinking, talking and taking part in climate action. Climate Conversation Month follows...

By Riley Upton

Climate will be the word on the street this month, as community groups across the shire host climate conversation events throughout October. Climate Action Stewarding Group member Tony Macer, along with fellow group member and local councillor Liesbeth Long, are encouraging residents to take part in the conversations.
Climate will be the word on the street this month, as community groups across the shire host climate conversation events throughout October. Climate Action Stewarding Group member Tony Macer, along with fellow group member and local councillor Liesbeth Long, are encouraging residents to take part in the conversations.

Climate change will be the talk of the town, or rather the shire, throughout October as community groups get set to host climate conversations to get residents thinking, talking and taking part in climate action.

Climate Conversation Month follows the Central Goldfields Shire Council’s adoption of the Central Goldfields Climate Action Plan and will see community groups take part in climate conversations, facilitated by members of the Climate Action Stewarding Group.

A range of events are taking place throughout the shire this month, culminating in the community renewable energy and home sustainability forum on October 26.

Maryborough Climate Action Group convenor and Climate Action Stewarding Group member Tony Macer said the collaborative group was thrilled to see Climate Conversation Month come together.

“One of our first actions and priorities as part of the Climate Action Plan was getting the community involved,” he said.

“The best part of this is there are a number of different ways people can get involved depending on what they are most interested in, or their level of knowledge to date. Some community members might be more comfortable starting out by having a chat with us at the information stand at the Goldfields Community Festival on October 15.

“Others might be looking at getting more insight into how they can achieve an energy efficient home at the workshop event, or they might like to hear more about community renewable energy projects and home sustainability opportunities at the forum.

“We’re also calling for community groups to get involved by hosting a climate conversation event which we can come along to and help facilitate. This is a great opportunity for our community to come together and share, listen and learn from one another.

“There is something for everyone and we look forward to a fantastic month of talking climate.”

Mr Macer said the climate conversations will be inclusive and open to everyone.

“Importantly, the conversations are not debates, there are set questions that everybody answers and talks to — it’s an opportunity to listen to others,” he said.

“For people who are not on board with climate change, they are entitled to come along and have input into these conversations and hear from others as well.

“This is all about building the level of discussion and knowledge of other’s views.”

Mr Macer said he’s expecting the forum on October 26 to be a success, with guest speakers Frank Forster from Enviroshop, Don Culvenor from Renewable Newstead and Bendigo Sustainability Group representatives speaking.

“We have some really top notch speakers coming to the forum and again, that is an opportunity for members of the community to engage with that discussion,” he said.

“It’s also an opportunity to learn about how you can make your home more sustainable and community approaches to renewable energy.”

Central Goldfields Shire councillor and Climate Action Stewarding Group member Liesbeth Long said she sees the impacts of climate change daily, highlighting the importance of these conversations.

“This year we put in canola crops like so many others in the district and to have the third La Niña in a row and an exceptionally wet spring as a result, seeing the crops waterlogged and damaged is really hard,” she said.

“It breaks your heart because you know how much time and effort goes into it with sowing, preparing, spraying and nurturing crops.

“This level of moisture in the ground is something I haven’t seen before but on the other side of that, there are good things coming out of climate change like the industries of renewables with solar panels and wind farms which is creating jobs and innovative ways of recycling.

“Learning more about climate change and what we can do is important and these conversations support that move.”

To find out more and to register for climate conversation events visit www.engage.cgoldshire.vic.gov.au/climateaction

October Climate Events

Home energy efficiency workshop

- Gain insights into the basics behind achieving an energy efficient home in our region, whether you rent or own.
Date: October 8, 2 pmat Maryborough Community House.
To register, visit www.eventbrite.com.au/e/404946595167

Climate Conversations

- Community group conversations
to share and learn from each other’s views on the impacts of climate change and generate creative solutions, facilitated by members of the Climate Action Stewarding Group.

Date: October 13 and 20, 3.30-4.30 pm at Dunolly Neighbourhood House and October 27, 3.30-4.30 at Dunolly Community Garden
To participate, email macerfam@yahoo.com.au

Goldfields Community Festival information stand

- Find the climate action information stand at the inaugural festival. Have your questions about the Climate Action Plan answered, voice your ideas for climate action and discover climate activities for the kids.
Date: October 15, 11 am at Phillips Gardens, Maryborough

Community renewable energy and home sustainability forum

- Find out from experts how to make your home more sustainable, cheaper to run and learn about possibilities for community renewable energy.
Includes guest speakers from Renewable Newstead, Enviroshop and Bendigo Sustainability Group.
Date: October 26, 7 pm at Maryborough Community Hub

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