Green Futures Now! is a leadership program for people aged 12 – 25 aimed at building knowledge and supporting young people to help tackle local environmental issues.
Green Futures Now! program begins with a series of workshops and activities that connect young people with the work that is happening locally to mitigate, adapt and respond to climate change. Participants gain hands-on knowledge and skills from local people who are helping create an environmentally sustainable future.
Following the workshops, the young people lead their own project to address climate change and broader environmental issues. Projects in previous years have involved a winter clothing donation drive, an environmental scavenger hunt, ‘Living Simply’ packs and video interviews of local environmental champions. Please read below for further information on these projects.
Green Futures Now! means:
- Including the voice of young people in climate change adaptation and mitigation planning
- Connecting young people with local activities that transition to a greener future
- Supporting young people to lead action on climate change and sustainability
Submissions for the 2025 Green Futures Now! Program will open early next year.
Register your interest here to receive updates.
2024 Green Futures Now!
This year’s group began by participating in six hands on workshops which provided them with practical skills and increased knowledge of local environmental initiatives. Day one involved insect and vegetation surveys at Tozer Reserve with Warrnambool Coastcare Landcare Network and Warrnambool City Councils Environment Officer. The young people learnt how to identify different species, including several threatened plants, and the importance of preserving urban reserves in the face of future housing expansions. Next, the group helped harvest leeks for Food Share at Volcano Produce. The group were able to actively help tackle local food insecurity, while learning about the benefits of growing food locally.
The following week they collected over 5kg of rubbish from the breakwater with Beach Patrol 3280, then classified the different litter items and uploaded the data to Litter Stopper App. The group then learnt about how we are all agents of change, by participating in a workshop with Agency International.
In the final workshop, the group wove bracelets out of native grasses using traditional indigenous techniques with artist Emma Stenhouse, learnt how Fruit Rescue redistribute fruit to the community, and practised mindfulness in nature with Nurture in Nature. The Green Futures Now team particularly enjoyed hearing from Emma about caring for country and learning the cultural significance of weaving techniques.
Inspired by the work of Beach Patrol 3280 volunteers, this year’s group project focused on raising more awareness around local litter and pollution. The group hosted a community art competition called Rubbish Repurposed- a creative way of encouraging people to help clean up beaches and waterways by repurposing rubbish into art! The young people worked with artist Carmel Wallace to host a creative workshop where people brought along their collected rubbish and explored different ways of creating art.
An exhibition featuring 23 unique and wonderful artworks was held at the F Project over one week. It was officially opened at a special Youth Showcase event on 1st September. A total of 440 people viewed the Rubbish Repurposed Art Exhibition! The project not only raised more awareness around the extent of rubbish on our beaches, but also recognised the dedication of community members in regularly cleaning up our beaches.
The winning artwork from the exhibition by Shell Knoll Miller was used to create an educational sign that is displayed at the Warrnambool breakwater. It reminds locals that even the smallest of actions can help make a difference.
We kindly acknowledge the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority for providing additional funding for Green Futures Now in 2024 by the State Government’s Our Catchments Our Communities Program.
2023 Green Futures Now!
Participants in the 2023 began their intensives at the Warrnambool Community Gardens with Ngatanwarr Merring/Welcome to Country and Truth Telling by Brett Clarke, followed by a tour of the Gardens by Rob Porter.
Intensive two involved a trip to Kelly Swamp where participants heard from Geoff Rollinson (Warrnambool Coastcare Landcare Group) and Lachlan Farrington (Nature Glenelg Trust). The group learnt about the aquatic values of the wetland by participating in fish sampling and bird watching. This was followed by a visit to the Merri River where they heard from Stephen Ryan (Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority) about recent works to improve habitat. The group enjoyed a bike ride along the promenade to the Pavilion, where they heard from councils Nicole Wood about the Active Travel program, Colleen Hughson about her work in tackling marine pollution, and Megan Nicholson about her passion for turning marine debris into art.
Intensive three saw the group visit a sustainable farm in Dennington, which is powered exclusively by solar. They toured Are-able’s Big R Shed and e-Waste facility, along with Loved and Shared Warehouse. The participants were excited about how these two organisations are not only supporting community, but also working to reduce and recycle waste. After their final tour at Hycel Deakin, the group reflected on their experiences during the intensives and identified areas of environmental action for their group project.
The 2023 Green Futures crew were interested in:
- Increasing local knowledge and community participation in environmental volunteering (e.g. beach clean ups, planting days); and
- Leading campaigns around nature strip planting, growing your own food, reducing single use plastics and minimising textile waste.
The group decided to address the issue of textile waste and fast fashion by organising a winter clothing donation drive. The goal was to collect as many warm clothes and blankets as they could to help the less fortunate while keeping textiles out of landfill. The group received over 50 donations from the public which amounted to just under 200 kg of clothing and other winter apparel! Donations were distributed within the community through the Salvos and Loved and Shared.
The group also ran a raffle for those donating items, giving away a vegetable gardener starter pack, and vouchers to the Salvo’s store and Worn Gundidj Nursery.
Following the completion of the group project, a number of the crew worked with council’s environment team to help plan and deliver the Green Futures Festival. This event, held on Saturday 4th November, was a chance for community to come along and hear from local environmental groups and also enjoy some nature based kids activities. Over 60 people came along and enjoyed the day.
2022 Green Futures Now!
2022 Green Futures Now! The 2022 program kicked off at Moyjil/ Point Richie with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony by Brett Clarke. John Sherwood then spoke about the Moyjil conundrum and the global significance of the site (provides evidence of human existence some 80,000 years ago). During the three intensives, the group also visited the Warrnambool Community Gardens, Hycel Deakin and a Sustainable hair salon (Unisex Cuts).
The group heard from Kevin Sparrow around rare plants and climate change, and Stephen Ryan (Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management) Justin Harzmeyer (Fishcare) and Bruce Campbell (Warrnambool Coastacre Landcare Group) about the importance of conserving and restoring local habitat. The members also heard about sustainable house designs (Fiona Golding), the Barwon South West Resource Recovery Group, along with council’s roof top solar project and sustainable travel initiatives.
Following the intensives, the group reflected on what they had learnt and identified areas where more environmental action could be undertaken.
Young leaders from Green Futures Now 2022 identified the following needs:
- Educating people on local initiatives and actions occurring to tackle climate change and environments issues.
- Empowering community members to take simple everyday actions.
- Specific need for further education around how to recycle and manage waste.
- The need for undercover bike shelters around town to encourage more cycling.
The group decided to focus on the first two needs, by organising ‘A Walk In the Park’ scavenger hunt. This family friendly activity was designed to raise awareness around the small everyday actions people can take to help create a greener future. People followed clues to discover five iconic places in Warrnambool. At each discovery station, a QR was scanned which directed people to an animated video showcasing simple messages around five important themes:
- Waste and wellbeing
- Conserving our oceans
- Protecting our habitat
- Reducing your footprint
- Helping the Planet
At the end of the trail, each person received a free Green Futures Now keep cup and drink. The animations will also be linked to QR codes on concrete bollards at Victoria Park. We encourage you to visit and take a look!
Green Futures Now 2022 members at Hycel Deakin.
The group cycling to their next destination during one of the intensive workshops.
The group hearing from Stephen Ryan at the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority.
2021 Green Futures Now! Pilot Program
During the 2021 Green Futures Now program, young leaders identified the following needs:
- Educating people on what local community is doing to address climate change
- Sparking people’s interest and engagement in the local community groups involved in sustainability
- Educating our youth so they can make climate change less of a risk in the future
- Supporting young people to include environmental sustainability in everyday life as a habit
To address these needs, the 2021 GFN members put together “Living Simply” packs containing reusable and sustainable products and information sheets to educate young people about the everyday changes that can have a big impact on our planets health.
They have created video interviews with local people and representatives from groups involved in tackling climate change and making a healthier environment.
Check the interviews out along with additional information and links below.
You can find out more about Warrnambool Community Gardens here: https://www.wcg3280.org.au/
You can find out more about Mad for the Merri here: http://www.connectwarrnambool.com.au/directory/com_connect_clubsview.php?showdetail=&id=66
You can find out more about Beach Patrol here: https://www.beachpatrol.com.au/beach-groups/3280/16
You can find out more about Megan Nicolson’s practice at Instagram https://www.instagram.com/meg_nicolson/
You can find out more about Sherry Johnstone’s practice here: https://www.spiritandsoulcreations.com.au/
Additional Information
Green Warrnambool Strategy:
Green Warrnambool reflects our community aspirations as set out in the Warrnambool 2040 Community Plan. It is a roadmap for creating our environmentally sustainable and resilient future.
Vision: Warrnambool will be the most environmentally sustainable regional city in Australia
https://www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au/environment-and-sustainability
Regional Adaptation Snapshot Barwon South West – Climate Change
This resource provides insight into the climate change effects that are being experienced across the Barwon South West Victoria region, along with the ways that communities are working together and adapting to these challenges.
https://www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/?a=392919
South West Community Energy Project
This partnership between South West Community Energy, Warrnambool Community Gardens, and Warrnambool City Council illustrates a collaborative approach to greening the energy grid.
https://www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au/news/community-energy-project-first-…
Sustainable House Day
Sustainable House Day provides the opportunity to explore some of Australia’s most unique and inspiring homes, and learn from the people who designed them, built them, and live in them. This is an annual event which includes a program of local houses.
https://sustainablehouseday.com/
Deakin University
Universities play a crucial role in helping Australia understand, mitigate, and adapt to climate change. Here are a couple of local projects with big impacts:
Drone Monitoring
A world-first initiative from Deakin University, hundreds of citizen scientists have been mobilised and are using high-tech drones to help monitor Victoria's coastline.
https://www.deakin.edu.au/research/impact-stories/drone-users-come-to-c…
Hycel
Deakin’s Hycel is one of Australia’s first facilities for testing, manufacturing, optimising and training in new hydrogen technologies, Hycel is focused on technologies that use hydrogen rather than processes that produce it. Hycel Technology Hub is a ‘living laboratory’ that translates lab results into real-world solutions.
https://www.deakin.edu.au/hycel
Moyjil – Point Ritchie
Point Ritchie or in Aboriginal language, Moyjil, is a rocky headland at the mouth of the Hopkins River in Warrnambool, Victoria. The indigenous community and scientists have been working together to help tell the story of Moyjil which is recognised as having great heritage significance.
http://www.moyjil.com.au/point-ritchie-story
Nature Glenelg Trust
Nature Glenelg Trust is a mission-driven, not-for-profit organisation that believes in positive action, and working with the community and our partners to achieve real results on the ground.
https://natureglenelg.org.au/about/
GLENELG HOPKINS CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY
The Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority protects and enhances the land, water and biodiversity across 26,910 sq km of Victoria’s South West.
https://www.ghcma.vic.gov.au/
Learn about some of the practical work Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority does to heal ecosystems by watching this video:
Warrnambool Recycling Services Directory
Learn how you can ‘Reduce, Reuse, Repair and Recycle’ in Warrnambool by visiting this directory.
Barwon South West Coast Recovery and Resource Group
Our region is filled with wonderful and innovative local businesses committed to creating a brighter, happier and healthier future. Visit this sustainable choices map to find one near you!
Choosing sustainable seafood
Good Fish is a comprehensive guide to sourcing sustainable seafood. It provides the opportunity to support sustainable fish stocks for generations to come by making informed choices when purchasing seafood.
Warrnambool Plant Selector Tool
This online plant selector tool provided by Warrnambool City Council allows you to make an informed plant choice based on the size of your garden, how much gardening you like to do and how much water a plant needs to thrive.
Carbon footprint calculator
Here are a list of websites which allow you to calculate your own carbon footprint. Identify changes you can make to reduce your own carbon footprint.
https://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx
https://climateactionaustralia.net.au/information/tools-and-other-resou…
Volunteer Connect
Connect with a local environmental group and volunteer your time. Volunteer Connect is a great way to get started.
Gardens for Wildlife
A free program developed to help Warrnambool residents encourage wildlife into their garden. You can improve the habitat for wildlife in your garden by creating a wildlife friendly garden that provides shelter, food and water. Find out more about the program here.
Sustainable Salons
‘Sustainable Salons is a social enterprise that helps its salon members reduce their impact on the planet and invest in local communities.’ Visit their website to find a sustainable salon near you.