By Eleanor Wilson
Berwick’s Pioneer’s Park will be the setting for an environmental justice picnic this weekend with families from the local area invited to join in Australian Parents For Climate Action’s National Week of Action.
Event organiser and local mum of two Christine Micah said all interested community members were welcome to attend the picnic to demand further action on climate issues. She also extended the invitation to Federal election candidates.
“It will be a positive, family-friendly event and a great opportunity for candidates to connect with their local constituents,” Ms Micah said.
“Their presence will be a positive step in demonstrating their willingness and desire to work with our community to effectively address this for our community.”
Australian Parents for Climate Action is a national advocacy group of more than 15,000 parents who want to see stronger action on climate across all sides of politics.
“We know parents in our local electorates care about climate, and it’s a hot topic on their lips in the lead up to the federal election,” Ms Micah said.
According to the Australian Conservation Foundation, 63 per cent of residents in the La Trobe electorate believed the benefits they receive from greater action on climate change would outweigh any costs involved.
The picnic is part of the National Week of Action whereby parents around Australia are organising community climate events between 2 – 8 May.
Australian Parents for Climate Action’s National Community Organiser Laura Grufas said families across the country are using the week to raise awareness for the climate crisis through social events including walks, playgroups, family picnics and coffee runs.
“We all desperately want our kids to enjoy the freedom and opportunities we had as kids. But we know that won’t be possible due to climate change,” Ms Grufas said.
“To protect a positive way of life for them, we must throw everything we have in reserve into advocating for stronger action on climate to all sides of politics.”
She said AP4CA members are also using the National Week of Action to advocate for the implementation of key environmental initiatives.
“Parents are also asking all our federal candidates to pledge their support for Solar Our Schools, a shovel ready policy initiative that would see solar and batteries on school and early childhood centres around Australia,” she said.
Over 70 federal candidates have signed the pledge so far, including La Trobe’s Greens candidate Michael Schilling.
“The Greens and I fully support the campaign to provide solar and batteries for schools and early childhood centres,“ Mr Schilling said.
“As part of our 2022 election platform, the Greens have proposed and costed a grants-based $5 billion Green Education Infrastructure Fund to address this and other sustainability needs of schools.“
The Greens have also proposed $200 million in grant funding to upgrade community and non-profit early childhood centres.
The Climate Family Picnic will take place in Pioneer Park from 11am on Saturday 7 May.
