Director's Note – August
Winter can tempt us to hibernate, but it's also one of the best times to come together. Over the next few weeks, we have a fantastic line-up of events to tempt you away from the heater and into the outside world – as I type this note in my fluffy, spotted dressing gown, the morning sun is streaming through my window, beckoning me to get out there… It always feels good when I gather the energy and do so.
On Tuesday 28 July, join us online for Greening Your Finances, a free and practical lunchtime webinar that reveals how everyday financial choices can influence the future of our climate and environment. Whether it's your bank account, superannuation, or investments, you'll discover ways to align your money with your values and make your money work for good.
The following day, 29 July, we'll be at ANU Bush Week. If you're on campus – or you know someone who will be - come and say hello and learn more about our workshops, volunteering opportunities and The Recyclery. We'd love to see you there.
A preview of Zali at the Mulligan’s Flat route she chose!
Then on Saturday 1 August, pop along to Gungaderra Homestead for a day of community connection. Drop into our Community Garden Open Day, where you can lend a hand, learn about growing food in Canberra's climate, or simply enjoy spending time in our beautiful shared garden. Afterwards, wander over to The Recyclery Community BBQ for a free sausage, browse our range of bikes, meet our team, and celebrate the incredible community that's growing around active travel and waste reduction. If you've never visited us before, this is the perfect opportunity to make a trip to Harrison (maybe you can pair it with a trip to the Sat morning farmers' market in Fyshwick, like I aspire to do on a good week).
July also marked an exciting milestone for The Recyclery with our first-ever social bike ride, which ended at Gang Gang Cafe in Downer. Hosts Zali and Bianca will be back on their bikes again on 15 August, exploring Mulligan's Flat. Be sure to register to join in on the adventure.
If you've ever wanted to become more confident maintaining your own bike, registrations are also open for our beginner's Bike Service Course, kicking off on 22 August. Over four Saturdays, bike guru Duncan will share essential maintenance and repair skills - helping you keep your bike on the road while saving money and reducing waste.
Earlier this month we also hosted another wonderful Impact Hour - our talk series collaboration with SEE Change & the Conservation Council of the ACT - featuring Canberra artist and activist Jacqui Malins.
The conversations continue on 18 August with our next Impact Hour, featuring Julie Boulton, President of Canberra Environment Centre and one of Australia's leading experts on circular fashion.
The awesome crowd from our last seed savers work shop
Julie will discuss the hidden underbelly of Canberra’s puffer jacket love affair, and she’ll explore how fashion offers one of the clearest examples of the systems change needed to create a greener future. Whether you're interested in sustainability, business, policy or simply curious about how meaningful change happens, it's an evening not to be missed. Come along and support our amazing president, while enjoying a delicious meal from Dissent Café and Bar in Civic (I love its pizzas and arancini balls… and its locally made beers, if I’m being honest!).
Throughout August we'll also be gathering for regular Community Garden sessions (every Thursday, 9:30-11am), learning to bake sourdough (1 August), exploring how to grow herbs and vegetables from seed (22 August), and touring inspiring local gardens (Tiny Farm CBR, Jyoti’s Garden).
Whether you're interested in food, biodiversity, cycling, climate action, or simply in meeting like-minded people, I hope you'll brave the Canberra winter, rug up, and join us over late July and August.
Hope to see you soon!
-Jennifer
director@canberraenvironment.org