Director’s Note — May
May is shaping up to be a busy month at Gungaderra Homestead. Our events program is expanding, new collaborations are taking shape, and we’ve also onboarded a new team member – welcome signs of growth in the centre we’re building together.
Last month, for instance, we launched our brand-new Impact Hour series at Dissent Bar & Café in partnership with SEE Change and the Conservation Council ACT Region. Our first session with Dr Amy Carrad sold out – and for good reason! It was engaging, energising, funny, and a fantastic opportunity to connect Canberrans who passionate about creating change social and environmental change.
Dr Michael Mulvaney from Red Hill Regenerators
This monthly series is all about spotlighting local environmental leaders and building community. If you missed the first session, don’t worry – there’s more to come. Our next event features long-time Red Hill regenerator Michael Mulvaney on 19 May, and we’re thrilled to announce that climate science guru (and all-round lovely, inspiring human) Mark Howden will be joining us on 16 June.
We’re also excited to soon begin recording the next season of our podcast, Local Environmental Heroes. CEC president and sustainable fashion expert Julie Boulton and I will be sitting down with food systems researcher Amy Carrad as our very first guest. Watch this space.
Behind the scenes, we’ve been strengthening our team and are delighted to welcome Zali Rackel. Zali is in her final year of a Bachelor of Arts at the Australian National University, majoring in Australian Indigenous Studies. Zali is committed to respectful, community-led approaches and to supporting the participation of young people – particularly in First Nations contexts.
Speaking of community, May is packed with hands-on, community-focused events. We’re kicking things off with a relaxed BBQ and DJ set at the Recyclery this weekend on 2 May. Come along for good food, music, bikes and great company.
Our Recyclery continues to go from strength to strength, and we’re now running our refurbished bike sales every Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, making it easier for people to access affordable, sustainable transport.
Recyclery- always buzzing!
Jyoti’s garden tour runs on 9 May (sadly, already sold out!)
We’re also hosting a garden tour with Jyoti (pictured on the right) on 9 May, offering inspiration and practical ideas for sustainable living.
Later in the month on 23 May, you can join us for a sourdough workshop or build your skills at our creative mending workshop – two practical ways to reconnect with slower, more sustainable practices.
Finally, a special mention to the Red Hill Regenerators (the topic of our May Impact Hour session). Over decades, they’ve transformed Red Hill from an overgrazed paddock into thriving box-gum woodland – now recognised as a stronghold for gang-gang cockatoos. We love this powerful example of what sustained community effort can achieve.
Hope to see you at an event soon.
Warmly,
Jennifer
Director, Canberra Environment Centre