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Inspired by the actions of two Wollongong grandfathers who are sailing from the Illawarra to Newcastle to raise attention for the need to stop burning fossil fuels, Central Coast community groups will be holding four events from November 17 to 19 to ‘Nail Net Zero’.
“Dr Simon Leslie and Mr Tom Hunt are sailing their kayak (it’s a sea kayak with a sail!) to Newcastle to participate in the largest peaceful civil disobedience protest for climate action in Australia’s history and they’re including a stop over on the Central Coast,” said Richard Weller, spokesperson for Climate Future.
“We concur with Simon and Tom – there is still far too little being done in Australia to combat the climate crisis and we have no time to lose,” Mr Weller said. “As a coastal community with a growing population, the Central Coast is particularly vulnerable.”
Four events are planned for the Central Coast and organisers – Climate Future, the Narara Eco Village, The Point ESG News Site, Future Sooner, the Community Environment Network and Rising Tide – are encouraging the whole community to join in.
“We will be welcoming Tom and Simon to the Coast when they arrive at Terrigal Haven at 12 noon on Friday, 17 November, and we want as many people as possible to gather at the boat ramp to let them know we support their efforts,” he said.
The Narara Eco Village (NEV) will then be hosting a Net Zero Expo from 5pm – with community information stalls, sausage sizzle and a display of electric vehicles.
“The Village wants to welcome the broader community to learn how we can all contribute to net zero solutions on an individual and household level,” said NEV spokesperson, Tanya Mottle. “Then from 6:30pm we have an excellent lineup of speakers including Dr Liam Phelan from the University of Newcastle, who will speak on the need for urgent cuts to emissions.
“Tom Hunt will also be speaking about his journey and why he and Simon have decided to Sail 4 Sanity.
“The Expo will explain the best options for emissions reductions, solar installations, the smart grid power system at the Ecovillage (which includes a community battery) and the influence of the media on the climate crisis. There will be a panel session for questions after the presentations.”
On Saturday, 18 November, from 11am there will be a Kayak for Climate on Brisbane Water. Community members are encouraged to bring their kayak and a picnic rug for a casual paddle and a chance to meet Tom and Simon.
Finally, on Sunday, 19 November, the kayaking grandfathers will arrive at Cabbage Bay near Norah Head where they will be holding a discussion with two local doctors from Future Sooner about the health impacts of nearby coal-fired power stations.
De Brierley Newton, spokesperson for Future Sooner, said it would be a unique opportunity for members of the public to hear three doctors talking about their experiences and concerns.
“The communities of Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast have been living with the health consequences of coal-fired power stations for 50 years – asthma, cancer clusters, contaminated waterways and air pollution,” Ms Brierley Newton said.
“It will be a refreshing opportunity for the community to hear directly from health experts about what needs to be done to save our children and grandchildren from the double whammy of health crisis and climate crisis,” she said.
As the Central Coast bids farewell to Simon and Tom on Sunday 19 November, the community groups involved hope their stay on the Central Coast has been a catalyst for community education and activation so that, together, we can nail net zero.
