This Sunday, from 10am to 3pm Murwillumbah is celebrating in style with the World Environment Day Festival. It will include great music, First Nations dancers, acrobatics, a wide range of speakers on the environment and more.
The event is presented by Caldera Environment Centre and is a great chance to get out and about and be part of the town’s recovery an opportunity following the flooding in February and March.
‘This year marks the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day’ said organiser Marion Reardon.
‘In 1972 the UN launched the event in Stockholm with the motto “only One Earth”. Half a century later this message and the #OnlyOneEarth campaign is as important as ever.’
Music and arts
There’s a full program of entertainment, including Byron Indie band Loose Content, as well as Felicity Lawless and Black Rabbit George from Tijuana Cartel, and the sublime sounds of Luna Junction. There’s also plenty for the whole family with circus acts, First Nations dancers, Gypsy folk music and jazz.
Environmental speakers
A range of speakers will be discussing topics from the understanding of rainforests with ecologist Robert Kooyam, the impact of climate change with local Dr Willow Hallgren, how water shapes the landscape with environmental scientist Grant Periott to the more practical side of earth walls and sustainable design with architect Rebecca Whan. Other speakers include Photographer Donavan Teal, environmental journalist Karina Miotto, and electrical engineer and EV builder Dean Patterson.
Free giveaways and advice
Council’s Environment and Sustainability, Resource Recovery and Water and Wastewater teams will be at the event showcasing a range of programs and services – with lots of giveaways.
Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry said the event provided a great chance to come together at a local community gathering for a clear purpose.
‘It’s never been more evident that taking action on climate change and protecting our environment is vital,’ Cr Cherry said.
‘We would like to invite people along for a friendly chat with our team to see how we can work together to create positive change in the Tweed. You can visit Council’s stall to contribute to a new Conservation Strategy for the Tweed or learn how to help protect Glossy Black-Cockatoos, Bush Stone-curlews and the rare Albert’s Lyrebird.
‘Times have been tough lately, so we’d also love our community to pick up some free things to help the hip pocket. Council staff will be giving away complimentary kitchen caddies, compostable liners, shower timers, and native species planting guides. You can also bring the kids to decorate reusable shopping bags to take home and go into the draw to win prizes.’
Residents can also save money with Council’s residential water-saving rebate and get up to $100 back when you install eligible water-efficient showers and tapware.
With electricity prices soaring, Council’s sustainability team will be on-hand with smart power-saving tips to help residents get their power bills under control.
Community members are encouraged to visit Council’s stall and share any actions they’re taking at home to save money on power bills to be in with a chance to win one of five home energy assessments. These assessments will see an expert visit your home and provide tips on how it can be made cosier for less cost.
Council’s biodiversity team will also be available to discuss how landowners can apply for funding to help look after native habitat, how to control weeds, how to encourage native fauna to flourish in the backyard and which native plants to grow to promote habitat resilience to climate change.
