$20,000 rewarded to local climate projects

THREE local projects will share in $20,000 of funding from the Surf Coast Shire Council as part of a Climate Emergency Grants Pitch-Fest.

The Aireys Inlet Community Garden ($5,000), Bellbrae Primary School ($5,000) and Australian Parents for Climate and Surfers for Climate ($10,000) will use the proceeds to promote positive climate action within the community.

A strong crowd of more than 90 people reviewed and evaluated a total of the five projects which were live pitched at Council chambers earlier this month.

Representatives from each community group had seven minutes to pitch their project to the live audience.

The Aireys Inlet Community Garden will use the grant to expand their off grid solar system for food production and community engagement activities.

Bellbrae Primary School will identify and implement short and long-term changes within the school and wider community to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to climate change.

The Australian Parents for Climate and Surfers for Climate will use the grant to support their ‘How to Save the Planet’ festival for climate action.

Surf Coast Shire Council Mayor Liz Pattison congratulated all recipients for their hard work and dedication to promoting climate action.

“We congratulate each of our recipient organisations, applaud all applicants for their visionary pitches and commitment to climate action, and of course thank audience members for having considered the pitches and cast their votes,” Cr Pattison said.

“Pitch Fest is such an inspiring event to be involved with and fills me with hope for the future, witnessing so much community passion and willingness to take action to protect our precious environment.

“We know that both Council and community play key roles in climate action, separately and together, and Council is proud to support and help empower community-led initiatives through this grant program.”

The 2023 Pitch Fest follows on from last year’s inaugural event which awarded $5,000 grants to Anglesea Primary School and Jan Juc Pre-School Advisory Committee.