Greater Bendigo Climate Collaboration
Launch
In June, 2022, I attended the launch for the Greater Bendigo Climate Collaboration which saw more than 170 people come together to work towards a more sustainable future.
After hearing from Co-ordinator, Ian McBurney, Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf, school-strike organiser, Ildi Clemens, Climate Council representative, Nicki Huntley, and environmental film-maker, Damon Gameau; attendees brainstormed to come up with ideas for a Community Climate Action Plan for Bendigo to get behind.
This Action Plan stemmed from the following prompts in regards to what Bendigo has, or can accomplish:
-What have we already done as a community to move towards zero emissions?
-What do we need to do in 2022/2023 as a community to move towards zero emissions?
-What do we need to do in 2026 as a community to move towards zero emissions?
-What do we need to do in 2030 as a community to move towards zero emissions?
Attendees also had the opportunity to respond to the prompt, “I care about climate because…” and have their photo taken in front of an illustration by Brenna Quinlan.
100% Renewable Energy Community Forum
The Greater Bendigo Climate Collaboration hosted their second community forum in August 2022, this one on renewable energy.
It included guest speakers Dr Jarra Hicks, a community-owned renewable energy enthusiast and expert; and Benjy Lee, an independent consultant who specialises in energy and climate policy development, as well as new energy technology research, and net zero carbon strategies.
Dr Hicks is the co-founder and Director of the Community Power Agency, an organisation that leads in supporting communities across Australia to participate in the transition to renewable energy.
I had the pleasure of having in-depth conversations with Dr Hicks after her presentation, and learnt how she got into what she’s doing to make an impact.
Greater Bendigo Climate Summit
The Greater Bendigo Climate Summit was held in May 2023, where more than 600 people attended.
The Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio, Minister for Climate Action, opened the summit, along with Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf, and Rodney Carter, CEO of Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, who performed a Welcome to Country. Jason Kerr from Djaara also played the didgeridoo to welcome attendees.
It was a full day event with panels, guest speakers, activities, and over 20 stalls that offered climate-friendly products and services.
The evening included Electrify Everything guru, Saul Griffiths, who informed the attendees on his work in the United States of America, as well as here in Australia.