A bunch of like-minded youth went from strangers to firm friends after participating in the inaugural Act Now! Youth Climate Day in Cockburn.
The event attracted more than 50 young people aged 13 to 25 where a full day of activities helped participants learn, create, connect, and make change happen.
A collaboration between the City of Cockburn’s Sustainability and Climate Change and Youth Services teams, the event was well received by participants who enjoyed a range of activities including protest art painting, and climate justice and theatre workshops.
City of Cockburn Environmental Education Officer Rafeena Boyle said the participants provided some great positive feedback to the day’s activities.
Some of the comments included:
- This was great - we'd love to attend any events you run in the future
- This was actually really fun. I thought it might be boring but it was awesome
- I feel like I have a better understanding of climate change and how it affects me and the people in my community
- I loved the climate swag bags
- I loved how you guys made it fun but we were also learning.
“And this was despite an unscheduled day-long power outage at the venue,” Ms Boyle said.
“We made use of battery-operated lights and natural lighting from windows and open doors for the workshops and activities, and we all just got on with the show.”
Ms Boyle said the event was a great way to demonstrate the wealth of local knowledge, resources and networks available to help youth understand climate challenges and solutions.
“When real solutions can be demonstrated in a creative way, in the safety of a familiar, knowledgeable community, it helps reduce climate anxiety,” she said.
“We were also able to create greater awareness of careers and volunteering opportunities in sustainability, conservation, emergency management and renewable energy.”
City of Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett said the event was a chance for local youth to turn their passion into action.
“Participants discussed and designed real climate solutions, and connected with each other and inspiring organisations,” Mayor Howlett said.
“They also enjoyed a free sustainable lunch provided by award-winning Cockburn charity Friends of the Community which provides hospitality training for local youth.
“Our youth are a vital part of our community and being able to hold this event at century-old Manning Hall to coincide with the Passion and Protest Exhibition was a creative way to show examples of active communities fighting for a range of important causes across the decades.”