15 November 2022
Council’s program leader for climate change and sustainability Debbie Firestone coordinated the event and was pleased to see the benefits people gained from the event.
“It was a beautiful day, with around 500 people joining us throughout the day for music, markets, a chance to gather and an opportunity to share knowledge,” Ms Firestone said.
“We’ve had great feedback from the community so far and were pleased to be able to bring an event like this to the community after a tough year in our region.
“Interestingly, three-quarters of people who filled in the event survey hadn’t attended Council’s previous sustainable living events before so it was great to see new people in the community embarking on a climate-ready journey.
“People were inspired to take action on ideas ranging from being more grounded and culturally connected to country, looking after themselves for better mental health, being better fire and flood prepared, boosting backyard gardens for veggies, wildlife and bees, planting the right trees for local biodiversity, saving water and using the right bins.
“One comment that summed up the day from an attendee was that they felt stronger from being part of a larger community. Together we’re supporting each other and making a difference.
“We appreciate our project partners including the NSW State Emergency Services (SES), Australian Red Cross and NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) for supporting the event, as well as the stallholders, speakers and performers who made it a great success."
The Tweed Eco Festival was a one-off event to help people take action to be ready for natural hazards, reduce their environmental footprint and work together for a sustainable future. The event was made possible by grant funding from the Australian Government.
See images and a video from the event on Council’s Facebook page at facebook.com/tweedshirecouncil.
Image: Many local kids got involved with an interactive mural installation during the Tweed Eco Festival, adding their own ideas for creating an even more climate-resilient community.