Youth-led festival thinks green

BALLARAT Action Climate Co-op’s Green Fest will bring sustainably minded people together at Food is Free’s Green Space this Sunday, 27 February.

From 11am to 3pm, residents are invited to take part in gardening workshops, a clothes and book-swap, scarecrow-making for kids, engage with environmental community groups’ stalls, and enjoy live performances from musicians Gemma Foord and Roy Darby.

Led by the young people of BACC, including Hazel Lanyon, the aim of the event is to bring climate justice back to the fore of Ballarat residents’ minds.

“We’re hoping for a good turnout on the day, to engage some younger people, and inspire and motivate them to get involved in more sustainable actions in the community, like recycling, and being mindful of consumerism,” she said.

Clothes and book-swap organiser Eloise Amirtharajah expects the event will educate those wanting to bring more green practices into their lives, but who may be feeling “disempowered.”

“Bring as many clothes as you’d like to and swap them in the hall. It’s not just donating clothes, they’re getting something in return,” she said.

“There’s no financial exchange, just people coming together. Green Fest will have such a community vibe. BACC have worked really hard to make sure it’s a really welcoming event.”

Green Fest has been funded by a FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation grant, and is auspiced and supported by Food is Free, based at the south-east corner of the Western Oval.

Food is Free’s Katja Fiedler said the organisation is proud to be partnering with BACC’s youth leaders on the all-ages event.

“Young people are our future, so it’s wonderful to have young people front and centre when organising such events with such important messages,” she said.

“We also hope people will find out about volunteering opportunities and connect with this community based on what they’re passionate about.”

Book a COVID-safe clothes and book-swap time at linktr.ee/ballarat.acc.