Festival to inspire climate action

A NEW environment festival on the way to the Surf Coast, aiming to inform, empower and energise the local community about climate change.

One Planet Festival is on March 16, 2024, at Torquay’s Elephant Walk and themed “Empowering Communities, Protecting Earth.”

The Surf Coast Parents for Climate and Surfers for Climate collaboration event will follow two weeks of feeder events, which will provide an inspiring environment for people to connect with sustainability-focused community groups and businesses.

Parents for Climate co-organiser Laura Grufas said the call-out was on for volunteers, business operators and sponsors for the event.

“We are excited to be presenting this new event for our community,” she said.

“One Planet is about empowering people in our community to become changemakers, advocates and leaders for climate action.

“It all starts with one simple action. There are already so many great things happening along the Surf Coast, but climate change is so big we need all hands-on deck to create a safe climate that our kids can thrive in.

“We want people to discover their power to make a difference, in their personal lives, within their community and at a national level, and we hope volunteers, sponsors and businesses will show their support as we bring plans for the event together.

“As well as informing and inspiring, the festival event will be fun for all of the family with a kids’ zone, live entertainment and local food trucks.”

Surfers for Climate chief executive officer, Josh Kirkman said the community was slowly starting to feel the impacts of climate change.

“We have the power to take positive action and we’re stoked to be bringing the One Planet Festival to the Surf Coast.

“It will be a great opportunity to showcase our resilience and innovation as well as practical solutions we can make to respond to the climate emergency.”

Cr Kate Gazzard encouraged community members to embrace the festival and its ideas.

“The concept of a climate festival aligns with Council’s declaration of a Climate Emergency and our aim to inspire community action.

“Having an informed, motivated and mobilised community is key to limiting global warming and adapting to the impacts of climate change that we’re already starting to experience. Everyone can contribute to climate action.”

Volunteers, sustainable business operators and sponsors can express interest in supporting One Planet Festival via www.oneplanetfest.com.au