Cultivating Climate Resilience: A Community Journey

Applicants: Geelong Sustainability Group and Common Ground Project

Amount requested: $10,000

Project summary:

The project focuses on community-led climate resilience and action on the Surf Coast Shire by centring local knowledge and connection.Through three collaborative events with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and Common Ground Project, we will engage the local community in learning about climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, Wadawurrung cultural knowledge, and regenerative land practices.

By building social cohesion, enhancing climate literacy, and embedding a deeper connection to Country within the community, this initiative will empower residents to become active stewards in our shared climate future, contributing to a more just and sustainable Surf Coast.

This project directly addresses the increasing impacts of climate change on the Surf Coast region, including disruptions to natural ecosystems, potential food system vulnerabilities, the growing sense of climate anxiety and community connection. It specifically highlights the disruption of traditional seasonal patterns recognised by Wadawurrung as a critical indicator of environmental change.

Building Resilience and Adaptive Capacity: By facilitating knowledge sharing between Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, Common Ground, and the wider community, the project will build resilience in several ways. A Wadawurrung Seasonal Calendar Session and Walk on Country will enhance understanding of local ecological indicators and traditional land management practices, providing valuable insights for adapting to changing environmental conditions. A Community Dinner and farm tour will showcase regenerative agriculture as a pathway to more resilient food systems and carbon sequestration as well as build and strengthen community connections. By building social connection and a sense of shared purpose, the project aims to strengthen community capacity to cope with climate-related challenges and build collective agency for climate action, mitigating climate anxiety and promoting mental wellbeing.

School For Climate: Regeneration and Climate Action in Regional Communities

Applicants: Common Ground Project and Winchelsea Primary School

Amount requested: $10,000

Project summary:

Extending upon our successful Climate Emergency Grant with Lorne P-12 School in 2024, this project will allow all 156 of Winchelsea PS student community to attend 7 climate and regenerative education programs facilitated by Common Ground Project.

Resources and materials will be provided to Winchelsea PS to extend and embed climate resilience into Winchelsea PS's school yard and food education program, as well as a 'community climate pack' which will be accessible to all students via the Winchelsea PS library.

This will allow all 156 students and school staff to mobilise, be resilient and act in the face of climate catastrophe, increasing community climate resilience and leading to a reduced climate footprint via climate-safe food choices within the community.

This project will target the vulnerable location and demographic of Winchelsea Primary School students who are at risk of isolation and disengagement due to limited school and community resources and opportunities. As a rural agricultural community with a rapidly growing population, climate and regenerative education is invaluable in securing sustainable community growth, and early access to climate-safe career inspiration for students.

Further, the vulnerabilities of the Winchelsea and surrounding region's climate sensitive industries and drought proneness will be attended to with a climate adaptive garden design and ongoing education resources for Winchelsea PS to share throughout the community. This community resource will be provided as a Climate Action Pack housed at the school, as accessible by the school community more broadly. The Climate Action Pack will include physical education materials and access to online content curated by Common Ground Project.

This project builds on successes of established school-based climate resilience education programs, and leverages already existing place-based infrastructure, resources and a social movement, including what Common Ground Project can offer with education, resources, collaboration, mentoring and inspiration. We know that collaboration across community organisations and schools as stakeholders of local knowledge, experience and resources should be leveraged to provide place-based solutions and build momentum that are specific and impactful for each community's needs.

Therefore providing this program to all students of the school broadens climate action across the whole Shire (where engagement may be low in Lorne, Winchelsea, Bambra, Deans Marsh) and provides more equitable social, economic and physical access to climate resilience resources.