Spotlighting sustainability at Nightjar

People intrigued by ecofriendly living are encouraged to attend a sustainability workshop at Torquay’s Nightjar Festival next Thursday.

The event, supported by the Surf Coast Shire, features a program of films on environmental action.

Among the pictures gracing the big screen is 2040, a film which was showcased by the shire at the Boardriders auditorium last July as part of a local climate change discussion.

Set in the year 2040, the film offers a visual insight into what the future could look like if we improved the planet by shifting sustainable practices into the mainstream.

There will also be a screening of the documentary Farmer’s Footprint (which explores regenerative agriculture) as well as a series of short films spotlighting local environmental action along the Surf Coast.

Cr David Bell said the shire’s sustainability team would be attending to chat with people throughout the evening.

“The Nightjar Festival is an event leader in sustainability and continues to draw large crowds, so this is a great opportunity to reach out to our community, showcase local environmental action and encourage more people to get on board,” Cr Bell said.

“We’re keen to hear what our community cares about and what environmental action local people are involved in. Our staff will also be able to share information about environmental programs.”

Anyone is welcome to attend the workshop, which aims to celebrate environmental action and inspire others to become involved.

The workshop will run from 4pm until 9pm at Torquay Common and will include these screenings:
– 4-4.45pm: A series of short films showcasing local action.
– 5-6.30pm: 2040 film (90 minutes).
– 6.30-7.15pm: Short films showcasing local action.
– 7-7.30pm: Farmer’s Footprint (30 minutes), followed by a panel discussion.

“We organised a community screening of the film 2040 in July and there was a really positive response, so I’d encourage anyone interested to come along and stay on for the panel discussion afterwards,” Cr Bell said.

The workshop is part of the council’s Towards Environmental Leadership Program, which aims to recognise existing environmental achievements, build on them and set directions for the future.