The good news is we can all do our bit, and in the Illawarra, we have created some of the best sustainability programs in the country. There has never been a better time to make a difference - here are some of the ways you can get involved, starting today.
Words John Buchelin
The good news is we can all do our bit, and in the Illawarra, we have created some of the best sustainability programs in the country. There has never been a better time to make a difference – here are some of the ways you can get involved, starting today.
Hi Neighbour
With plans to “electrify everything”, we are going to need more renewable energy and tradies to help us. Hi Neighbour gives everyone a chance to help by contributing to community-funded solar projects, which will then finance scholarships for locals to train for low carbon jobs.
The Hi Neighbour’s scholarship applications are open to any local person over 18 who has a vision to work in the low carbon industry. The first round of scholarships will support jobs in home electrification, offering education support for electrical apprenticeships and upskilling for solar, batteries, heat pump, induction stove, and electrical hot water installation. For applicants, Hi Neighbour will work with you to design the right training pathway to suit your low carbon job vision.
Register your interest for a training scholarship
Electrify 2515
There is a unique opportunity for households to take part in a proposed (world-first!) pilot project to electrify a whole community. The Electrify 2515 initiative is 100% volunteer driven and has teamed up with Rewiring Australia to support communities to go fully electric using rooftop solar, home battery, induction cooking, reverse cycle air-conditioning, heat pump hot water and electric vehicles.
The program will demonstrate how households can save money, save the planet, improve your home, and provide work for local installers.
Register your interest at Electrify 2515
Fair Food program
Food Fairness Illawarra is a local community coalition that has been working together since 2005 to make healthy and sustainable food affordable and accessible for all. Recognising that we all have a role to play when it comes to our food, they have developed resources that enable the community to participate in unlocking fairer food solutions including:
– The Fair Food Field Guide, provides an overview of digestible steps we can each take to participate.
– Fair Food Directory highlights the great variety of fair food educators, advocates, producers and assets we are blessed with in the Illawarra – from school and community gardens, to organisations who accept food donations and providers of fair food volunteer opportunities.
– Events Calendar – the awesome fair food events that are hosted in and by our community.
Find all these resources at Food Fairness Illawarra
Make-Do Library of Things
Before you go out and buy something brand new, see if you can grab it at The Make-Do Library of Things. They have a huge range of the ‘things’ you only need once or a few times a year like; power and garden tools, car pods, gazebos, cooking appliances, party equipment and even a jumping castle. Memberships are $80 per year or $22 per quarter, with fees going towards maintaining the library, tools and building the collection of ‘things’. Volunteer-run, the team are always looking for more people to get involved – doing a monthly or occasional library shift, helping with social media, writing grant applications, repairing tools or running a workshop.
Find Make-Do Library of Things at Coledale Community Hall
Saturdays from 9am -11am
Green Connect
When it comes to producing fair food and strengthening our community, Green Connect has got you covered. Green Connect is a not-for-profit organisation that creates jobs for youth and former refugees in roles that help the planet and the community by growing fair food and reducing waste. Last year Green Connect helped to keep 160 tonnes of waste out of landfill, grew 55,000kg of food and provided jobs for 130 former refugees and young people. If you would like to see what they do, visit the farm in Warrawong or the Op Shop in Unanderra.
For workshops and volunteering, check out Green Connect
Together We Can
Author and journalist Claire O’Rourke has been leading the charge on taking action for almost 20 years. Her book ‘Together We Can’ tells the stories of people across Australia who are making a difference and provides inspiration and ideas for making the switch at home.
Claire has seen a big shift in the conversation in recent times, “Climate action is flourishing across the Illawarra, cultivated by everyday people, who love this community and understand that what’s required at this critical moment for our planet are simple acts that can transform our region. It’s amazing!”
Wollongong, Let’s Get Salty
If you are looking for more inspiration, check out a new podcast ‘Wollongong, Let’s Get Salty’. Hosted by Industry and Sustainability advocate Robyn Johnson, the podcast highlights stories of Wollongong based change-makers who are having a local, national and global impact. Robyn has done some great interviews with locals who share their stories about contributing to a sustainable future. Listen to Wollongong, Let’s Get Salty on your favourite podcast app.
Don’t let sustainability be an afterthought, make it a part of every decision you make.
Check out climateactionstartshere.com for a comprehensive list organisations and initiatives from across Australia that you can support today.
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We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Dharawal Country. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging. The original storytellers.
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