Grants energise climate action Three projects will share $20,000 funding for climate action following Surf Coast Shire Council’s Climate Emergency Grants Pitch-Fest.
A 90 strong audience voted in the recipients after having evaluated live pitches outlining aspirations for a total of five projects. Mayor Liz Pattison announced recipients: · $5000 for Aireys Inlet Community Garden for ‘Growing Change’, an off-grid solar system for food production.
The system will enable expansion of the group’s community engagement activities, demonstrate viability of off-grid systems, provide inspiration for community members, and reduce emissions.
· $5000 for Bellbrae Primary School for its ‘Building Back Bellbrae’ school network climate change program. The program will identify and implement short and long-term changes within the school and wider community to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to climate change.
· $10,000 for a partnership between Australian Parents for Climate and Surfers for Climate for events as part of a ‘How to Save the Planet’ festival of climate action.
The project will aim to generate important conversations and educate, inspire and empower community members. Representatives from each project had seven minutes to pitch their project to the audience.
“We congratulate each of our recipient organisations, applaud all applicants for their visionary pitches and commitment to climate action, and of course thank audience members for having considered the pitches and cast their votes,” Cr Pattison said. “Pitch Fest is such an inspiring event to be involved with and fills me with hope for the future, witnessing so much community passion and willingness to take action to protect our precious environment.
“We know that both Council and community play key roles in climate action, separately and together, and Council is proud to support and help empower community-led initiatives through this grant program.”
This year’s Pitch Fest followed last year’s inaugural event which awarded $5000 grants to Anglesea Primary School for an e-bike project, and Jan Juc Pre-School Advisory Committee to help run the Surf Coast Kite Festival as a carbon neutral event.
