Relax with a cuppa and spend a few quiet moments digesting this EGCAN Newsletter, with climate action in mind….

Firstly big thanks to all those who are boosting our social media profile by posting, sharing and placing a few thoughtful comments on our facebook page. Tony has been expertly overseeing our socials since EGCAN’s very start seven years ago – facebook, instagram, blog spot website, whatsApp, bluesky and even some tick tock style short videos … an awesome feat! THANK YOU  https://www.facebook.com/EGClimateAction/      https://climate-news.org/

Strategic planning – many thanks to Don for facilitating a strategic planning session at the end of March – he has woven all the threads of a very positive and energetic session, keeping our purpose and guiding statements, recorded  into a cohesive document. 

Since then we have refined our focus based on the daft strategic plan and still want YOUR input as to the priorities that matter to you.

Our last meeting was held on 7th April and included 15 participants.  Agenda items covered :~

Logo development (keep an eye out on WhatsApp as the design evolves), election climate action coalition, spontaneous chalking, Rising Tide paddle outs and scheduling Sybil outings. 

Coffee mornings – continue to be massively popular, now with special signage to alert other patrons of the growing presence of EGCAN upstairs at The Stables, 10.30 am each week bar the first Tues of each month. Missing out? Come along – everyone welcome!  

Fridays for Future – consistently happen every Friday in Bairnsdale when weather conditions allow. Signs and support provided – what an effort from those who regularly show up and keep the climate issue front of mind to the varied motorists cruising down the highway mid-afternoon at the end of the week. Thank you to all  our FfF “enfusiasts”

As mentioned earlier, our recent strategic planning session highlighted the breadth and diversity of activities our EG climate action group has undertaken in the last seven years.  Climate Ready Communities, monthly meetings, a buzzing WhatsApp chat group, thousands of followers on social media, Paddle outs and Sybil outings reinforce we are indeed an engaged group determined to bring focus to the climate crisis.

Beyond our region… 

Also unsurprising, but we can also draw inspiration not only from within our group but from communities near and far… We are not alone! 

I’m always in awe of the brilliant climate newsletter regularly circulated by welCAN produced by friends in the Wellington Shire. They work hard in pushing for sustained commitment and action on climate action by all levels of government, business and households. They believe communities are part of the solution, and our actions matter. If you haven’t already subscribed to their newsletter- here is the link https://www.welcan.org.au/copy-of-subscribe

Other organisations include Gippsland Climate Change Network (GCCN)  Since 2007, they have collaborated with Gippsland communities, businesses, and governments around climate change awareness and solutions. If you haven’t caught up with their latest projects in a while, head to their website to learn more https://www.gccn.org.au/news

Baw Baw Sustainability Network (BBSN) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven community organisation based in Yarragon, West Gippsland. Since 2007, they’ve been supporting and inspiring sustainable living across Baw Baw Shire and surrounding areas. https://www.bbsn.org.au/

Just over the mountains to our north …recently The WATCH people were brought to my attention by Phil. Wodonga Albury Towards Climate Health  …  have a look at their latest newsletter to see the amazing things that they are tackling. Very inspiring! https://mailchi.mp/79a70389937f/watchword-apr26

And in the wider context we are constantly being reminded of worthy organisations delivering effective projects and running great campaigns. Thanks to many of our members who post on WhatsApp and email us about  positive people with great climate initiatives… so many people working hard to get the solutions rolling out!

Any takers for local action in the campaign “Make the Polluters pay” ?? – Tipping Point and Friends of the Earth are working together in their national campaign to ‘make the polluters pay’. Details here: https://www.act.tippingpoint.org.au/partnerships/communities-for-climate-compensation. If this is your thing and you want to lead it – the have a chat at coffee mornings or put it on the agenda for Tuesday’s mtg.

Newsletter produced by Robyn. Some minor changes as the Newsletter was sent to followers prior to our May meeting.