Director’s Note: November
In the garden with big son
It’s been a busy spring at the Canberra Environment Centre, especially over the past fortnight when we welcomed two new and wonderful Project Officers to our team: Tina Gopalan & Bianca Knox (read more about Bianca this issue, and we’ll introduce you to Tina next month).
As we move into November, there’s a real sense of energy and collaboration around local climate action. Recently, we were pleased to take part in the ACT Government’s Climate Leadership Forum, for instance, and contribute community perspectives to the development of Canberra’s next Climate Change Strategy. Pleasingly, in its current form, this strategy involves a focus on social connection and engaging marginalised communities in climate-friendly initiatives. Yet the plan contains some gaps. If you want to contribute your own gap-spotting or solutions suggesting to this draft strategy, join one of the government’s upcoming workshops or keep an eye on the Your Say website.
Closer to home, our own programs are flourishing. The Recyclery’s weekly Bike Kitchen evenings kick off properly from 13 November with our regular Thursday drop-in sessions at Gungaderra Homestead — a friendly space to share tools, stories and skills, and keep more bikes on the road in the process.
On a Black Mountain walk with little son & his lion beanie
We’re also excited to launch our monthly Women’s and Gender Diverse Bike Kitchen on 19 November, which also runs in the evening. Look out for next month’s session on 10 December.
Throughout November, our workshops continue to celebrate sustainable living — from spring foraging walks and fermentation basics to visible mending, wicking beds, and urban farm tours. These hands-on sessions connect us to seasonal rhythms and remind us that sustainability can start with everyday choices.
We’re also running a community survey this month to hear what matters most to you — your feedback will guide our programs and advocacy into 2026. If you have a couple of minutes to spare, we’d greatly appreciate your input. Click here to share your thoughts.
And please mark your calendars for our Community BBQ + Annual General Meeting on 28 November (stay for one or both), where we’ll reflect on the year’s achievements and look ahead together. Interested in joining our committee? Now is your chance to nominate. If successful, you’d be working alongside some pretty special, environmentally minded Canberra legends.
Speaking of legendary… spaces, have you tried the new Mindjagari Track network at Tidbinbilla yet? I haven’t, but am super keen. Until I get there, I’ll stick to my Black mountain trails, walking alongside my two little bosses.
As the days lengthen, perhaps you can take time to enjoy Canberra’s natural spaces for yourself — pack a picnic for the Botanic Gardens, cycle by the lake at sunset, or simply listen for the return of summer birdsong.
Hope to see you out there.
-Jennifer
director@canberraenvironment.org
PS. If you have kids of your own, Bob Brown suggests you take them to bush or beach at least once a week to cultivate their connection to nature and grow up mini environmentalists. He shared this tip in a webinar he gave for the Australia Institute last week, which you can watch here.
Spring art work, proudly decorating our fridge