Forces For Nature (FFN)

         put climate change at the heart of everything we do: in work, as a parent, as a consumer, as a citizen.

         inform and educate our community about climate change and the associated impacts

         support a just transition from coal, oil and gas to a renewable-energy future 

         grow a grassroots movement demanding climate change action through community led solutions to the climate crisis

         end Native forest logging in NSW 

         provide support, mentoring for the Youth Initiatives group 

         shut down Zombie development applications  

         have many everyday conversations about climate change

         for a fairer, more equitable world where communities can thrive and where we are all safe from the impacts of climate change.

         to accelerate emissions reduction through promoting and creating more renewable energy projects while supporting and advocating for science-based targets to keep the goal of the Paris Agreement of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees of warming within reach.

         to continue to challenge policies that usher in climate and nature destruction, and support those that align with our shared vision of thriving communities, a safe climate, and protected nature.

         Our Climate Actions: attending and supporting the Rising Tide Protestival – November 21^st– 24^th November 2024 in Newcastle in support of the people’s blockade of the world’s largest coal port. The peoples Blockade 2024 was a mass mobilisation of peaceful action for a climate revolution. To demand an immediate end to new coal projects and an end of coal exports from the Newcastle coal port. 

         Ongoing support of Potoroo Palace though working bees

         Solar Garden Pilot Project: The SJASC Environmental group are collaborating with the Sapphire Coast Historical Car Club (SCHCC) to develop and establish a solar garden on site at the club facilities in South Pambula. 

         NETS OUT Campaign continues: We continue to support, advertise and encourage signatures for our joint Nets out campaign. In collaboration with Sapphire Coast Sea Shepherd and thanks to SWAMP (Sustainable Water Actions Merimbula Pambula) funding received has enabled us to purchase over 500 postcards, educating the public about the impacts of shark nets to many other non-target species like whales, turtles, stingrays….and pushing to get the Nets out up and down the east coast ASAP. This postcard campaign has been adopted nationally by Sea Shepherd Australia.

         2 x Envision solar group buys in Pambula where over 60 local residents bought solar panels for their homes. A free solar install was given to Pambula Surf Life Savings Club by Lakeside Electrical as part of this group buy 

         SJASC Donated solar panels to Panboola Wetlands

         Supported Lumen Christi schools solar installation

         Coordinating working bees at Potoroo Palace, Black Duck Foods and other local environmental groups.

         Promoting and educating the Bega Valley Shire about eliminating single use plastics and alternative options in Pambula and Merimbula

         Running information sessions/ screenings/ trivia nights in collaboration with Sea Shepherd Sapphire Coast about Fracking, Zombie developments and other environmental issues and concerns: The Franklin Screening, Bentley Effect, Envoy Shark Cull just to name a few documentaries

         Supporting the Youth Initiative group and Bob Brown Foundation with student marches and educational activities.

         Being waste warriors at various festivals and fundraising events: significantly reducing  waste reaching landfill

         Solar garden project: grant writing, advertising, developing the project

         Ongoing support for our Marine Education: Ocean Guardian projects – expo, carp eradication, trivia night to date

         Au spicing the Atlas for Life group and supporting the Merimbula Wharf project: eradicating and researching the impacts of sea urchins

         On- going support to local environmental groups and organisations- Potoroo Palace, Coastal Landcare projects

         Renewable energy project in Pambula and surrounds for resilience and adaptation

         Campaign at the local council elections in September for candidates who believe in and support positive actions on climate change.

         Support for Youth Initiative group

         More working bees supporting local environmental groups

         Grant writing for projects

         Fundraising activities as required

          Have clear, constructive and achievable targets.

         Advocate for climate generosity, where the community supports the local council and governments to move towards a clean renewable energy future: solar group buys, gifting solar panels to community groups, low interest finance, power purchase agreements, fundraising, and education through festivals, expos and grant writing.

         Partner with the local community and relevant organisations to inspire and facilitate projects that transition to clean renewable sources of energy. This will involve reducing consumption, enabling energy generation, storage and sharing.

         Solar installations at residential, community and commercial properties will continue working alongside local contractor Lakeside Electrical.

         Promote local, independent secure power supply through renewable energy sources.

         Publicise and advertise how our regional economy will be stimulated by these solar installations, and jobs will be created from this development.

         Organise information evenings, festivals and expos to discuss and learn about ways to cut emissions, boost renewable energy possibilities and showcase the great sustainable initiatives already occurring in the shire.

         Work alongside the BVS waste management team to: reduce single use plastic waste, promoting FOGO (Food organic, green organic) and compostable products, while educating about how wasted food is the world’s third biggest carbon emitter.