The Tweed Council is calling on businesses, community organisations and not-for-profit groups to get involved in November’s Eco Festival, whether as a stall holder, performer, to run a workshop or as a speaker.
The Eco Festival, to be held in Murwillumbah, aims to bring Tweed residents together for a fun, free event with practical tips to help residents prepare to be climate-ready and environmentally friendly.
SES, Australian Red Cross and the NSW RFS
Tweed Council’s sustainability program leader Debbie Firestone said sharing local knowledge and passion for keeping our community safe during natural disasters and protecting our environment were the driving force behind initiating this event. ‘We are pleased to be partnering with NSW State Emergency Service (SES), Australian Red Cross and the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) to make this event happen, and we know there will be a lot of practical information people can take away from the event, as well as just having a fun day out with the family.
‘We’d like to encourage local stallholders, businesses and suppliers to get involved, particularly those who can showcase flood and fire-resistant building materials and other products to help residents prepare for future natural disasters.’
A platform to connect with the community
NSW State Emergency Service’s (SES) Murwillumbah Unit Commander Jack Frost said the event would provide a platform to connect with the community about preparedness which is key for the upcoming storm season. ‘We are currently in storm and flood season and we encourage the community to make sure they’re aware of the triggers for storm warnings, to be sure they have a home emergency plan and if they’re going to evacuate, to know where they are going to go.
‘A new SES warning system has just launched for floods and tsunamis which will provide more targeted communication during emergencies.
Mr Frost said the SES focus is for the community to be proactive before it gets to that critical time. ‘Being prepared is the biggest step people can take to safeguard their lives, their homes and their community.
Planting a seed to take action
‘We are pleased to be involved in an event like this and hope it will plant a seed in people’s minds to take action. On the day, we can help people with their flood preparedness such as when they should call the SES and what to put in an emergency kit, for example. People can also come and see us to ask specific questions about their property.’
Applications for stallholders, performers, speakers and workshop hosts are due by Monday 31 October. Find out more and apply online at tweed.nsw.gov.au/SustainableLiving.
The event has been made possible by grant funding from the Australian Government.
The eco event will be held on Sunday 13 November from 9 am to 2 pm at Knox Park, Murwillumbah and will feature eco markets, kids’ activities, food trucks and live entertainment. Presentations, stallholders and practical workshops will help people take action to be ready for natural hazards and reduce their environmental footprint.
