Climate Advocate Anika Molesworth Will Headline A Packed Day Of Workshops, Speakers And Practical Ideas In Clare This June
One of Australia’s best-known rural voices on climate, farming and resilience will headline Clare Sustainability Festival next month, with farmer, scientist and author Dr Anika Molesworth announced as keynote speaker for the inaugural event.
Raised on a mixed farming property in far western New South Wales, Molesworth is widely recognised for her work around climate science, agriculture and helping rural communities adapt to environmental challenges.
The festival will bring together a packed day of speakers, workshops, demonstrations and market stalls at Clare Town Hall on Saturday June 20.
Organised by Sustainable Connections – Mid North, the festival is designed for everyday people looking for practical ways to waste less, save money and live a little more sustainably without turning life upside down.
With support from Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council, Landscape SA Northern and Yorke and Clare Lions, the small volunteer group could finally bring the festival to life.
And in the middle of rising living costs, ongoing drought and growing conversations around waste and sustainability, organisers reckon the timing felt right.
“There was a time when people repaired things, reused what they had and wasted very little,” organisers said.
“In many ways, people are starting to circle back to some of those habits again.”
From Worm Farms To Runways
The program covers everything from renewable energy and regenerative agriculture through to food waste, wildlife rescue and clothing repair.
Clare’s very own gardenista and sustainability advocate Paulie Calaby, pictured below, will host “Love Your Leftovers” workshop, sharing practical tips on reducing food waste, stretching ingredients further and making the most of what’s already sitting in the fridge.
Watervale local Josh Jenner will speak about First Nations perspectives on sustainability, while Clare Valley-raised agronomist Adam Burford will talk all things regenerative agriculture and soil health.
Professor Gini Lee, a respected landscape architect and pastoralist, will discuss sustainable landscape design, while Dr Robert Crocker will tackle overconsumption and waste.
There’ll also be practical workshops covering worm farming, native gardens, bike maintenance and invisible mending, alongside market stalls and displays from environmental organisations and community groups.
One of the more colourful additions to the day will be a recycled and upcycled fashion parade, emceed by Clare and Gilbert Valleys Mayor Allan Aughey, a man well-known for enjoying a bold splash of colour himself.
Organisers hope people leave with a few practical ideas, a little inspiration and some simple things they can try at home themselves.
CLARE SUSTAINABILITY FESTIVAL
WHEN: Saturday June 20, 9am-3pm
WHERE: Clare Town Hall
COST: Free entry
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
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