our beginning
In 2019 a group of locals in the Mid North were taking part in an organised hike on one of the many walking trails within the area. The discussion moved around to climate change and the incomprehensible concept that most Australians were happy to elect a government that proudly were not interested in tackling the climate crisis. How could people not be wanting our elected officials to not have this is as a major focus of their energies. The discussion moved to what groups existed in our area that were interested in this sphere.
We were unaware of any and it was proposed that we do something about it. Julie Cutten took up that baton. Greta Thunberg was doing an incredible job of activating and motivating students worldwide to get out on the street and let the decision makers know how they felt about this inaction. School students in Clare were wanting to join in and it was decided that we should support them.
This motivated a couple of us to call a meeting of like-minded people at a local café and we were overwhelmed with attendees. There was interest in this area! We decided upon a name, painted a banner and joined the kids who were striking. Sustainable Connections – Mid North was born.
What have we done?
Since that initial meeting we have grown to become an incorporated association. Our primary purpose is to raise awareness about the need to take action on climate change. We do this by organising information sessions, market stalls, whatever opportunity comes our way that allows us to get out amongst our local community and talk about the environment.
We often collaborate with other groups to help spread the message. We regularly communicate with our council about the direction we think they should be heading. At election time we provide information to our followers about every candidate and their environmental policies (if they have one).