Our new Sustainability Champions program can help you turn your ideas into action!

If you live, work or study in Glen Eira, this free 10-week sustainability-focused program offers training and support to help you create change and deliver local environmental projects.  

Glen Eira Mayor, Cr Jim Magee is keen to see a growing movement of local people taking climate and sustainability action in Glen Eira.

“We know we need all hands-on deck to tackle the major environmental challenges we face. I encourage people from all walks of life to participate and create change in their own way,” Cr Magee said. 

“There are many ways for people to take action, whatever your passion or interest. It’s all part of our joint effort towards achieving zero net community emissions by 2030 and creating an ecologically healthy city that is safe from the impacts of climate change.”

Local climate group, Glen Eira Emergency Climate Action Network (GECAN) expressed its support for the program.

“The next years will be critical if we are to take effective measures to avoid the worst impacts of climate change,” GECAN convenor Bruce Cutts said.

“We need to organise and mobilise to bring the community along with us on this journey of challenge and opportunity. A safe future is at risk if we fail to deal with the climate crisis now.”

The new Sustainability Champions program will help provide the skills and connections for you to take action with others and assist you to develop your own Glen Eira community project. 

Examples of potential projects include, but are not limited to, engaging people to:

• Advocate for stronger climate action by decision makers.
• Reduce community carbon emissions, for example through renewable energy and energy efficiency.
• Create a circular economy through reusing, sharing, repairing and upcycling.
• Create a more biodiverse environment and connect with nature.
• Food growing and sharing to create local, resilient food systems.
• Take up sustainable transport.
• Prepare for climate change impacts, such as extreme weather, energy and food insecurity.

The program will run on Wednesday evenings from 17 May until 2 August (excluding school holidays), plus one daytime session on Sunday 21 May.

Applications for our 2023 program are now open. Expressions of interest are due by Sunday 2 April 2023. 

To find out more and apply visit www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/sustainabilitychampions