Hi there and happy almost-summer times!
November is shaping up to be a wonderfully busy month at the Centre, starting this weekend when we have a trio of events going on: our monthly Community Garden working bee and Recyclery bike sale, BBQ and DJ on Saturday morning (please come along); our sold-out Splendid Fairy-Wren walk at the Botanic Gardens; and Clothing the Loop – a celebration of circular design bringing together sustainable fashion runways, contemporary dance, live music, architecture and design talks, hands-on mending workshops, clothes swaps and creative activism. At the latter you can visit our stall tomorrow from 9am-3pm, and tonight, hear CEC's President Julie Boulton as she emcee's the festival's Friday line-up.
Jumping forward one week to 14 November, join our fun social bike ride around Lake Burley Griffin, discover the secrets of urban food production on a tour of Ainslie Urban Farm, or learn the art of fermentation in our sauerkraut and seasonal vegetables workshop.
On the same day, over at DiversityHUB in Kambah, you might also attend a free Bike Basics workshop, led by our wonderful mechanic Duncan. Here's what CEC's most excellent bookkeeper Belinda sent me after our last Bike Basics session:
"My partner went to the bike workshop at Kambah on Saturday and he came home raving about it. He said Duncan was great at explaining things and had some excellent tips!"
When I last checked... we had just four tickets left.
The following week, Impact Hour on 17 November at Dissent Bar features young Ngunawal artist and designer Bradley Mapiva Brown speaking about respecting Country – an important conversation that we're looking forward to hosting in partnership with SEE Change, Landcare ACT, and the Conservation Council ACT Region.
One of my highlights from recent weeks has been taking part in Climate Café facilitator training, alongside others from the CEC community. There was something special about learning how to hold space for honest conversations about climate change, and exploring how we can support one another through the emotions that come with living in a changing world. This is why I'm excited that we're launching our very first Canberra Climate Café on Saturday morning 28 November at the beautiful Botanic Gardens. Entry is by donation, and the 1.5-hour session will provide a welcoming environment in which to share thoughts and feelings about the climate crisis, without pressure to find solutions. I hope this becomes a regular part of our work, recognising that looking after ourselves and each other is an important part of environmental action. We'll also be holding our Annual General Meeting that same day at 11am.
Looking ahead to December, we'll celebrate the end of 2026 with a get-together with the wider environment and climate movement on 5 December, from 3–5.30pm at Poppyfield Commons in Dickson. Expect a picnic, good company and music from Recyclery DJ, Paul!
Then, on Thursday 10 December, along with partners the Conservation Council ACT Region, Dingo Culture & Defending the Wild we're bringing you Dingoes in December: Bringing Dingoes Back to Country at Ainslie Arts Centre – a special evening of film, conversation and fresh perspectives on one of Australia's most misunderstood native animals. For this, we'll screen two powerful short films, Moort: Calling Dingo Back to Country and Ganibarra, followed by a panel discussion featuring First Nations cultural knowledge-holders, wildlife conservationists and researchers. With special guest Sonya Takau joining us from Queensland, the evening will explore the deep cultural relationships between First Nations people and dingoes, their vital ecological role and the importance of listening to Traditional Custodians in shaping a better future for dingoes. We'll also turn our attention to the ACT's own dingoes and local management context. It's an evening not to be missed.
Book your tickets to Dingoes in December
As you can see from Nov/Dec alone, it's been an extraordinary year for us of learning, growing, connecting, and trying new ways of moving forward together to protect and nurture nature. I'm grateful to our staff, volunteers, partners and wider community for everything we've achieved together & I hope to see you at one of these many upcoming events.
Your support means a lot.
Warmly,
Jennifer
Executive Director
Canberra Environment Centre
director@canberraenvironment.org