Hopeful new research on coral reefs demonstrates in addition to removing pollution inflows, that fostering biodiverse systems - rather than refuges for specific endangered species - is critical while ecosystems actively reorganise and adapt due to climate change. In other words, the more ingredients available, the more potential recipes for reef recovery.
Likewise, the EcoCentre knows a diverse team of staff, volunteers and partners best places us to ensure Melbourne flourishes, mitigates climate change and remains a welcoming community. From conquering #PlasticFreeJuly to saving species, our strength lies in our web of wonderful people like you - and unlike you, too!
P.S. Council recently extended their support of the EcoCentre. Help us send 100 signatures of thanks to City of Port Phillip: add your thank you message here.
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Congratulations to our partner schools St Louis de Montforts Primary School (Aspendale), St Columba's Primary School (Elwood), Moorabbin Primary School and Melbourne Girls' College for being finalists in the 2019 ResourceSmart Schools Awards in categories including Community Leadership, Curriculum Leadership, and School of the Year! Congratulations to all winners on building sustainable schools!
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We've team up with ERM to develop specialised STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) curriculum with a focus on how to take individual and collective action to improve catchment and bay health. Last term over 180 female students and teachers from six schools joined pilot STEM Marine Citizen Science excursions and Professional Development workshops. Watch this space for upcoming PDs! |
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Cool & compelling
- Two of our projects have been shortlisted as finalists in the 2019 Sustainable Cities Awards, hosted by Keep Victoria Beautiful. Our Alive Outside program is a finalist for the 'Protection of the Environment' award, and Clean Bay Blueprint for the 'Clean Beach/Waterway' award. We congratulate all other finalists!
- Australia has one of the worst extinction rates on the planet. Watch this insightful Four Corners documentary on Australia's extinction crisis, and what needs to be done.
- E-waste is now banned from landfill in Victoria: find out what this means for you, and how to dispose of your e-waste appropriately. Remember, our Repair Cafe volunteers can also fix broken electronic goods!
- Do you live in Bayside City Council? Kerbside food waste recycling starts on 15 July - find out how it works here.
- A new state-of-the-art plastic recycling plant has opened in Melbourne's north, and soon it will run on wind power.
- Could you be an Enviro Champ? City of Port Phillip's FREE Enviro Champs program provides ten weeks of expert mentoring to turn your vision into a reality. Apply by 23 August.
- St Columba's Primary School's Climate Change Choir performed their original song 'Port Phillip Bay' at the MCG last month, encouraging listeners to "find a better way for a sustainable life in Port Phillip Bay".
- The City of Sydney has joined over 600 local, state, and federal governments worldwide to declare a climate emergency, but what does this declaration mean?
- Australia sends almost 4 million nappies to landfill everyday, which severely contaminates the waste stream. Around the world, countries are finding ways to ditch disposable nappies.
- Check out this itinerary for spending a sustainable 24 hours in City of Port Phillip.
- The Threatened Species Children's Art Competition calls on students around Australia to draw or paint any threatened species in Australia. All finalists will have their art displayed in an exhibition in September. Entries close 3 August.
- We're excited to welcome two new affiliates to the EcoCentre: South East Suburbs Permaculture and Permaculture Women Australasia.
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Mark your diary
• Mon 7 Jul - Sun 14 Jul - NAIDOC Week. Various events happening across Victoria.
• Thurs 11 Jul 6:30 - 8:30pm - Draught Proofing Workshop, at the EcoCentre. Stop letting money blow through the cracks - let the experts show you how to draught proof your house. FREE - Registrations essential.
• Fri 12 Jul 10:30am - 11:30am - EcoCentre Volunteer Induction. Join us to get started volunteering with the EcoCentre! Registrations essential.
• Sat 13 Jul 9:30 - 10:30am - Bastille Day Community Street Clean, hosted by Love Our Street 3162. Bring gloves and plenty of energy! Volunteer hours contribute to the EcoCentre's Living Water Workbees.
• Sat 13 Jul 4 - 6pm - World Chimpanzee Day: Trivia, hosted by Roots & Shoots Victoria, at the EcoCentre. Trivia day to test your knowledge on apes and sustainability. Featuring a guest talk by Dr Varsha Pilbrow on chimpanzee behaviours and human evolution. Purchase tickets here.
• Sun 14 Jul 2 - 5pm - St Kilda Repair Cafe at the EcoCentre. FREE.
• Wed 24 Jul 7 - 9:30pm - MBTC Club Meeting - Tour de Patagonia at the Library at the Dock. Learn about the legal entitlements cyclists have on the road, and about a club member's solo tour around South America. FREE - Registrations essential.
• Sat 27 Jul 9:30am - 5pm - Community Bushwalk in Westerfolds Park, Eltham, hosted by Port Phillip Community Group. Meet outside St Kilda Library. $6: includes transport and lunch. Book here.
• Sun 28 July 10am - National Tree Day: Revegetation at Point Ormond, hosted by Earthcare St Kilda. Help keep our city green and plant some native flora! All equipment supplied. Volunteer hours contribute to the EcoCentre's Living Water Workbees.
• Wed 14 Aug 6:30 - 7:30pm - EcoCentre Volunteer Induction (Evening Session). Join us to get started volunteering with the EcoCentre! Registrations essential.
• Thurs 5 Sep 9:15am - 12:30pm - School Sustainability Festival, hosted by the EcoCentre. Now in its 14th year, the School Sustainability Festival connects primary or secondary students to inspiring leadership and practical sustainability ideas through student-led workshops, Aboriginal Cultural activities, food and music. Free for Green Teams or one class. Register now.
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