MEDIA RELEASE 

Wednesday, 16 September 2020

Canberra’s inner north will this weekend host a Sustaining Our Future Festival that seeks to reduce our carbon footprint and build resilient communities.

The churches of Holy Cross Anglican and St Margaret’s Uniting in Hackett have put together an afternoon of talks, demonstrations and tips for action. 

“If you want to do something about climate change but aren’t sure where to start, the festival can help identify simple ways to reduce your carbon footprint, tell you how much CO2 you would save and inspire ideas for the future,” said Reverend Chris Lockley of St Margaret’s.

“During these pandemic times, it’s even more important we find ways to get together safely and discuss common concerns and to ways to make a difference.”

The program includes an ACT election candidates forum moderated by college students. 

“We think it’s great and appropriate that our young people, who have a lot invested in a low-carbon future, will have this opportunity to quiz local candidates about their sustainability policy ahead of the October poll,” said Reverend Tim Watson of Holy Cross.

Also speaking will be Australia’s Ambassador for the Environment, Jamie Isbister.

The full program is as follows:

Saturday 19 September

  • 12.00 noon – 12.20 pm  Welcome to Country by Aunty Vi Sheridan
  • 12.25 – 1.00 pm Australia’s Ambassador for the Environment and head climate negotiator, Jamie Isbister in conversation with author, Toni Hassan
  • 1.05 pm – 1.35 pm Brook Clinton from Capital Scraps Composting on “The science of composting”
  • 1.40 pm – 2.00 pm Holy Cross/St Margaret’s Carbon Action Project talk
  • 2.05 pm – 2.45 pm Mia Swainson from Zero Waste on “How to halve your household waste”
  • 3- 4 pm  ACT Candidates’ Forum run by students from Dickson College, with Kurrajong candidates including Elizabeth Lee and Shane Rattenbury. To book https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=659164
  • 4.30 – 6 pm Free concert with Lucy Sugerman (The Voice / National Folk Festival Youth Ambassador 2020) plus local bands including Northbourne Flats and Pig Dog  To book: https://www.trybooking.com/654789    
  • All afternoon – stalls by Society, Environment and Economy (SEE) Change, Canberra Seed Savers, Switched on cycling, ENJO & Women’s Climate Congress, photography on display, art for kids and food/coffee cart    

Sunday 20 September

* 9.30am Ecumenical “Celebration of Creation” outdoor worship service