MASG e-news 16 Feb 2007
Posted on 16 February 2007 by e-news
MASG NEWS
* Greenpower meetings: Dean, Christine Kilmartin and Peter McRostie met with senior staff of Origin Energy and TRUenergy on 15th February to discuss ways in which we can better promote the use of Green power in the Shire. We currently only have about 3% of people using Greenpower and MASG aims to have 30% of all households using Green Power by 2010. This is part of a discussion MASG is having with several energy retailers that provide accredited Greenpower. I these discussions, we are proposing to assist them get more greenpower users as long as they contribute money to help establish a locally-owned solar energy farm on a prominent public building.
* Thanks to all those who came to the co-ordination lunch for State Festival volunteers last Wednesday. It was a lively session. All welcome at the next one: 28 Feb at 1pm at MASG. These meetings are to hear reports on how each sub-group is progressing and what is needed between now and the big event (30 March – 8 April). More info from Ian on 5470 6978
*Sustainable house tour: A tour of 3 local houses that incorporate sustainability principles. One new house, one “newish” and one renovation. Sunday March 18th. $60 pp includes lunch, afternoon tea, detailed notes and information pack & discussion time with the designers. Limited numbers. Bookings and pre-payment are essential. Contact Peter on 5474 2403 or email bundara@netcon.net.au
* Run on Wind During the Festival! For only a few dollars, businesses can source all their energy needs from wind power during the CSF. Participating businesses will be allowed to display a special Greenpower and State Festival Carbon Neutral logo and be listed in promotional material. MASG will assess each business’s energy use for the 10 day period. The cost for each café, shop, office or gallery will vary, depending on their actual energy used. This could be as little as $5 for a small business and no more than $50 for a larger operation. All businesses and venues are invited to participate. Contact Ian at MASG on 5470 6978 or ian@masg.org.au for further details.
HELP NEEDED:
Can you be present [or take a lead role] at MASG stalls for Saturday March 24th? MASG is invited to run stalls at the Harcourt Apple Festival and at Castlemaine North Primary School. We need to staff tables and distribute MASG literature. Call the office to put your name down.
MASG REQUESTS
* We have 50 Cyclists already committed to the “River of Bicycles” event in the Castlemaine State Festival. We want 150 more! Please Ring the office on 5470 6978, or email Jill vol@masg.org.au to register your interest in being part of the ride. See MASG or MABUG web site for more details
* Computer chair for volunteer computer users.
* Thanks to those who have offered bicycles for use by Festival Patrons. We have enough bikes, but still need helmets, locks and racks on loan. They can be brought to the MASG office, give a call first on 5470 6978 or email Jill vol@masg.org.au
OTHER:
for members information: these events are not MASG endorsed –
*Sustainable Living Festival; 16th – 18th February, 2007 Federation Square. Find out great ways to be part of sustainability. See website
* Former Gasworks site: public meeting called by SP AusNet; Monday 19 February at 7.00pm at the Town Hall. EPA, DHS, Shire and AusNet representatives will be present to answer questions. Find out what is happening with the toxic waste and make sure a cloud of it isn’t spread out over the Shire.
Energy Smart Workshops: for anyone who lives in Castlemaine, Chewton or Campbell’s Creek.
Monday 19th Feb and Monday 26th Feb *no RSVP needed … simply turn up at 7!
Geoff Brown, Castlemaine 500, T: 0403 763 660, E: geoff@tangentconsulting.com.au
C500: A Community Conference … anyone can attend! Campbell’s Creek Community Centre
Saturday March 3rd – arrive 9.30am for a 10.00am start. Please RSVP – to limit wastage of catered food. Ph. 5470 5934 or email info@castlemaine500.org.au
* The Chair and the Board of the Castlemaine State Festival have pleasure in inviting you to the launch of the program for the 2007 Castlemaine State Festival. Castlemaine Market Building Mostyn Street, 11am Saturday 24 February. RSVP Festival office 5472 3733 or info@castlemainefestival.com.au
* The 8th Vaughnbury – Fundraising for Guildford School and CFA – live music and family friendly fun. 4th March from 11am. Vaughn Mineral Springs reserve
* Tonksculpture Prize will once again be part of the Fringe Festival Carnival of Chaos. Get your entry details from Tonks or the Fringe office, above Stonemans Bookroom. START SCULPTING RIGHT NOW to be in the running for a $300 prize for entries from a secondary school age sculpturer or a $100 prize for a entry from a primary school age person.
*C500 Energy Smart Workshops happening on Mondays February 19th & 26th. All workshops start at 7pm sharp and will be staged at the Theatre Royal. For details see website
FINAL WORDS
….some good news
From Time Magazine 12 Feb 2007: “Superbowl For The Earth” – The Pigskin may be brown but the game is going green. The world’s most bally-hooed gridiron game is going carbon neutral. In the past the NFL has sponsored tree plantings to offset the hundreds of tons of greenhouse gasses emitted during the event. This year the league is partnering with energy provider Sterling Planet to use renewable energy to promote the use of non-polluting energy sources. Lowering emissions rather than offsetting them would be the next logical step.” – Carolina A. Miranda
“I can remember when the air was clean and sex was dirty” – George F Burns
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