Where do we stand

In Australia most of us are fortunate to have access to services such as education, health care, welfare, modern technologies and medicines, and a strong economy, relative to most other countries. The issue of climate change is a growing global concern that will affect us all and more so our future generations adversely, and it is important to think and act in ways that support the environment and communities on a local, Australian and Global scale.

We take a lot from the community and the environment to build our successes. It is important that we give back to the community and the environment in whatever measure possible. In doing so we can set a good example for the next generation to build a nurturing lifestyle.

The One Mile Dune Care group at work.

Great changes in the Great Lakes

A local group that is actively caring for our local environment is the One Mile Dune Care group, coordinated by John Ward. Its priorities are to fight major weed problems such as asparagus fern, cassia, bitou bush and lantana; protect the littoral rainforest with its endangered vine Cynanchun elagans; and continue to build its popular boardwalk to link up with the existing Rotary walk at One Mile Beach. See the Ways To Act Local Directory for details.

The Tuncurry Dune care group is the largest of its kind in the state and along with its main dune care work it even helps other community organisations doing similar work.

Another good example of a community organisation is the Great Lakes Rural Australians for Refugees. The group helps raise awareness about the refugee issue in our local area, and has hosted several refugees and given the locals a chance to talk to them and understand their issues.

Refugees from a whole range of backgrounds can bring new innovations, new food, new art forms, and other benefits into Australian communities, when given good support and a chance to raise their families somewhere welcoming. With the emergence of climate refugees these opportunities to help are even more vital.

The One Mile Dune Care group at work.

Over to you

The Forster Tuncurry Earth Editors would like to encourage everyone to choose an environmental or community cause they can relate to and offer assistance by sharing skills, volunteering time and giving financial support. Even the smallest support from individuals can add up to benefit humankind and the environment on a grand scale.

The best way to reduce the effect of any problem on a national or international scale is to start dealing with its impacts at a local level. In the Great Lakes area we have important issues such as weeds endangering our local littoral rainforest, coast care, bush care, raising awareness about our natural habitat and so on. If we can solve some of our local issues then we can share those successes with other communities.

Try to involve yourself and your children with some of the following organisations. Please be aware it is sensible to do your own research on which service you would like to support as some volunteer requirements can be rewarding, but challenging. Try to commit to something that you can relate to, and participate in, by being willing to learn new skills or by the use of your existing talents.

Find Out More

www.acfoline.org.au — Australian Conservation Foundation
www.wfca.org.au — Women for Change Alliance with green footprint programme
www.planetark.com — Planet Ark campaigns
www.wwf.org.au — World Wildlife Fund campaigns, 1800 032 551

Ted Bickford
Graffiti Buster, Great Lakes Shire

"I find that wherever I go people are not very mindful of the environment. When you look around and see the rubbish left behind, or dumped by thoughtless people, do you wonder what is happening to our planet?

"My grandchildren, together with most young people, seem to be more conscious of litter than our generation. I feel this is an area where the older generation should be taking more notice of the younger generation and start cleaning up our environment.

"Together we can achieve."