Neighbourhood House climate plan launched

On October 10, the Yarra Neighbourhood House Network (YNHN) unveiled its Climate Action and Resilience Plan. City of Yarra Deputy Mayor Edward Crossland spoke, highlighting the plan’s alignment with Yarra Council’s Climate Emergency Plan.

The plan is a commitment to building a future where the community actively participates in climate action. It addresses various aspects from supporting at-risk communities through to government planning and infrastructure upgrades.

Jane Tonkin, CEO of the Fitzroy Learning Network, showcased how each house is actively participating in climate action.

The Carlton Neighbourhood Learning Centre (CNLC) is projected to save 36,000kg of waste from landfill this year through its compost hub, involving 700 residents and local businesses.

North Carlton Railway Neighbourhood House has been a champion of repair and reuse, saving 43kg of items from landfill through one repair workshop.

Alphington Community Centre leveraged additional state funding to expand its ability to prepare and store community meals.

Belgium Avenue Neighbourhood House is almost gas-free.

Richmond Community Learning Centre have saved 60kg from landfill last month at its repair corner.

Finbar Neighbourhood House has been a hub for sustainability, with initiatives like a compost and recycling station.

Holden Street Neighbourhood House supports its community to reduce waste with food relief offering Second Bite recycled food weekly.

Fitzroy Learning Network saved $15K worth of new clothes and $5K worth of second-hand clothes from landfill via its clothing distribution project.

CNLC executive officer Tony Milne shared a story of creating a new frog bog at CNLC, a case study of enhancing urban biodiversity. He illustrated the criticality of the plan by envisaging a potential heatwave scenario, highlighting the pivotal role Neighbourhood Houses play during extreme weather events and the necessity of fortifying them against disruptions.

The plan doesn’t merely respond to the impacts of climate change; it aims to mitigate it. Objectives like developing an ecological and social justice procurement policy, minimising waste, and providing sustainable living and climate action education are steps towards not just surviving in a changing climate but actively reducing our collective impact on it.

YNHN’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan stands as a beacon of collective, community-driven action towards a sustainable and resilient future. It calls for collaboration, support, and funding to navigate the ambitious yet crucial path ahead.

The plan can be read at cnlc.org.au/about/publications

In the spirit of sustainability, CNLC is hosting a garage sale on Saturday, November 11 9.30am to 2pm at 20 Princes St. Come along for a fun day of food and bargains. We would love to accept your quality second-hand goods to sell. Drop off 9am to 5pm during the week on the front veranda.

All proceeds go to help us support the community. •

Caption: From left, Gabrielle de Vietri (State MP for Richmond), Alison Beck, Leanne Coughlin, Edward Crossland (Yarra Deputy Mayor), Sue Kent, Jane Tonkin, Tony Milne, Simone Gardiner, Mary Parfrey.