e-news 4 May 2007
Posted on 4 May 2007 by e-news
Mount Alexander Sustainability Group
Weekly News Digest
A summary of news and events: for further details follow the links or contact the office on (03) 54 70 6978;
MASG presentations
Australian National University comes to town….
MASG is co-hosting Mr Ray Prowse, from the Australian National University, on Saturday 5 May, 4 – 6.30pm, at the Uniting Church Hall, Castlemaine. Ray is Manager of the Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems and will outline choices for mobilizing our community into increased energy efficiencies and explaining the new sliver cell technology. This event is being held in conjunction with ANU-CSES, the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group and Braemar College. Tickets are $10 and children are free. A screening of “The Inconvenient Truth” will follow the session.
The first MASG Transport Working group met on Thursday 3 May, and will meet again at a time tba. Contact Ian or Dean for information on 5470 6978.
Sustainable House described in last week’s e-news – for more detail, see the Castlemaine Mail (today, 4 May, on page 4)
MASG at school:
All year 9, 10 and 11 Castlemaine Secondary School students went to see The Inconvenient Truth this week at the Theatre Royal. The College’s Environmental Awareness week opened on Monday 30 April – with live music, speeches and tree planting. The Mayor Jim Norris and Upper Campus Principal Michael Slessar planted local provenance Lightwood (Acacia implexa) during a very welcome shower of rain! Thanks to MASG member Frances Cincotta (Newstead Natives) for donating the trees.
MASG, with Terry White Associates and Castlemaine North Primary, hosted a meeting of teachers, principals, admin staff and parents from schools; and Terry and Ian later met with the Principals from all schools in the Shire area. MASG will support regular networking between local schools as they move towards carbon-neutral.
Arts and Writing Competition
Thanks to judges who have offered to assess entries in the MASG-sponsored competitions for Secondary Students during Environmental Awareness week – on the theme of Obituary to Oil. Each prize is worth $100, and the closing date has been extended to Friday 11 May: encourage your CSS daughter/son to enter.
MASG in Prison
Ian and Janet Phillips led a workshop with 30 trainers who work in the Tarrengower, Loddon and Malmsbury Correctional centres. Staff there are already initiating ‘green teams’ and appreciated the chance to brainstorm more carbon neutral activities.
Volunteers needed
Vols needed at MASG – we have lots of fascinating jobs, some small and simple, others massive and complex; ask us for details – it is fun!
Wanted: tea-cosies for our various size teapots, we will give you a great cuppa in return.
Festival figures
During the festival our incredible team of volunteers served 175 people over the 2 I00km meals, 100 breakfasts at three events and more than 100 Morning teas.
14 May – office closed for strategic planning retreat.
OTHER NEWS, not endorsed by MASG
MAP2020 workshops!
Give your input about what matters to you and what you want to see for the future of the Mount Alexander Shire. Business workshops: Wednesday 9 May at 7.30pm; Cumberland Hotel, 191 Barker Street, Castlemaine; and Business Breakfast Workshop, Thursday 10 May at 7.30am; Garden Room at Buda Historic Home, 42 Hunter Street, RSVP Essential: 54711 786
Cert I Sustainable Energy Course
Started Monday 30th April. This course will continue as an internet [distance learning] course: details from Garry Pierce Tel: 03 5434 1619 Email: gpierce@britafe.vic.edu.au
Celebrate Community House Week
Castlemaine Community House Community Child Care Centre, at the rear of the Continuing Education building, 32 Templeton St. Face painting, story-telling and music activities for the under 5’s – Wednesday May 9th 10am-12noon. Morning tea and a chance to relax, chat & play.
Sustainable Book launch – Ian’s new book will have its premiere at Stoneman’s bookshop in Castlemaine on Saturday 12 May at 11am – not just a MASG employee, Ian is now a published author!
WIDER WORLD
Brisbane has just voted to go carbon neutral – very significant as Brisbane Council is more than 1 million people, not just CBD area, see report which covers how to prepare metro Brisbane for climate change AND peak oil. And some advanced warning of interesting event “Carbon Neutral – reality or hot air“
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY AWARDS 2007 – NOMINATE NOW
United Nations Association of Australia World Environment Day Awards 2007: Meeting the Greenhouse Challenge Award for Excellence in the Implementation of Innovative Strategies for Greenhouse Gas Reduction. Nominations for the Awards are NOW OPEN Australia-wide. Catherine Sutherland, Ph: 03 9670 7878 Email: office@unaavictoria.org.au webpage: http://www.unaavictoria.org.au/
Quote:
If all the world were paper / And all the sea were ink,
If all the trees / were bread and cheese / What should we have to drink?
anon
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