General News
8 February, 2024
Climate rally one week away
The Central Goldfields Shire’s second environmental rally is only a week away and residents are being urged to get onboard the event — which is promising to be a joyride for all. Scheduled for next Saturday, the Climate Action Rally is all set...
The Central Goldfields Shire’s second environmental rally is only a week away and residents are being urged to get onboard the event — which is promising to be a joyride for all.
Scheduled for next Saturday, the Climate Action Rally is all set to be a family-friendly initiative, with a number of community organisations expected to be present.
Organised by the Climate Action Stewarding Group (CASG) — to empower the community by creating climate change awareness — the event will also celebrate all that the group has achieved since the last rally, held in 2020.
These achievements include supporting the Youth Council’s climate conversations, helping procure solar panels for the Maryborough Community House as well as the Dunolly Neighbourhood Centre, and hosting numerous workshops for locals on relevant topics.
In support of the group and its work over the past years, CASG member Bronwen Haywood said a range of clubs have come forward to ensure a successful outcome for the community.
“Few people are aware that a number of local groups and volunteers have adopted climate action as a central pillar of their operations some time ago.” she said.
Offers to formally join an alliance with CASG have been enthusiastically embraced by groups such as the Maryborough Girl Guides, Asteria and Millhouse.
Zonta — having previously acknowledged that women are being disproportionately affected across the world by climate change — is the most recent local alliance member.
The Senior Citizens Club has also shown its support by offering up its club rooms for displays at the rally and is serving Devonshire Tea as a fundraiser for their solar panels project.
“We know there are many more community organisations and businesses who will be keen to become CASG alliance group members,” Ms Haywood said.
“It’s heartening to see groups so willing to contribute to community building and supporting each other in helping to make our shire more sustainable.
“On the day of the rally, as well, this support will be evident — a highlight of the event will also be hearing a youth perspective from Khoa Do, the Central Goldfields Shire’s Young Citizen of the Year for 2024.”
The rally, according to councillor Wayne Sproull, is also indicative of the benefits of a community-council partnership.
“I’m seeing community groups pulling together in a very special, focused and united manner to address this important issue across our shire,” he said.
“It’s really important that as many people as possible attend the event to signal to all levels of government that we are concerned about climate change and that we expect governments to do all they can to secure our safe future.”
Those attending the rally are being encouraged to ‘do their bit’ for the community by taking the town bus to Phillips Gardens and supporting public transport which CASG promotes as a great way to reduce emissions.
The Climate Rally will take place on Saturday, February 17 from 10 am at Phillips Gardens — behind the Senior Citizens Club.