Trentham Sustainability Group (TSG) aims to inspire more change and better environmental practices in the community by holding a World Environment Day celebration.
On June 5, the international day celebrates all things environment, raises awareness of local issues, gains political attention and inspires public action.
Charles Sherlock, of TSG, says the day reminds people to turn to their own backyards to prompt change. “We want people to keep on being aware of what they can do around their homes to be more environmentally conscious.”
The Trentham group has turned its focus on energy consumption. The town is dependent on electricity; there is no natural gas available.
The group has organised environmental audits of houses, from newly built homes to Edwardian weatherboards, to see where sustainability improvements can be made.
Mr Sherlock said a “crew” was involved in the community garden and a group of farmers was learning how to use their farming land more economically.
As part of World Environment Day, the Trentham group is teaming up with Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group to hold a celebratory dinner. Mark Wakeham, acting chief executive of Environment Victoria, the peak organisation aiming to safeguard the environment by advocacy and education, will speak at the dinner, at the Cosmopolitan Hotel, Trentham, from 6.30-7.30pm. Cost is $30; book by May 30. Details: mrsgonline.org.au
Angela Valente
