Climate emergency grants pitch fest

THREE projects aimed at addressing the climate emergency and benefiting the community have been shortlisted by the Surf Coast Shire, with residents invited to vote for their favourite at the Pitch Fest on World Environment Day next Wednesday.

The Surf Coast Shire Pitch Fest event is an opportunity for applicants to present their projects to the community.

There will also be a panel discussion on the theme “using your passion for the planet,” featuring Ashika Kanhai, Senior Climate Lawyer at Environmental Justice Australia, Emily Vines, legendary videographer and storyteller, and Rowan Reid, author and agroforestry expert.

The panellists will share their stories and experiences of how they have harnessed their passion for climate and the environment.

Cr Rose Hodge said it was all about supporting causes that matter.

“People vote for what resonates with them, ensuring the winning projects will have the most impact.”

The “Arckit Sustainability Studio” project, proposed by The Brainary and Geelong Regional Library Corporation, seeks $10,000 to provide a hands-on educational experience using the Arckit architectural model building kit.

Participants, including local schools, community groups, First Nations people, and NDIS participants, will learn about sustainable living and climate change.

The workshops aim to equip participants with skills to reduce their carbon footprint and propose actionable ideas to combat climate change.

The second project, “School for Climate: Regeneration and Climate Action,” is a collaboration between Common Ground Project and Lorne P-12 College, requesting $10,000.

The project will involve the entire Lorne P-12 student community in a program focused on sustainable gardening, farming, and food systems at Common Ground Project.

Students will learn about adaptation and mitigation practices and apply this knowledge to a sustainable garden at their school, promoting community resilience and climate action.

The final project, led by Deakin University and Aireys Inlet Primary School, also seeks $10,000 to study the impact of school relocations during extreme and catastrophic fire danger periods.

The project will gather experiences from children, families, and school staff to understand the educational, psychological, and social impacts of these relocations.

The findings will inform the development of teaching resources and community preparedness for bushfires and other climate-related disasters.

Pitch Fest will take place at Bellbrae Community Hall on Wednesday, June 5 and run from 6pm to 8pm.