Hello there… There’s so much I want to tell you about what I’ve been up to for the past month or so. I want to tell you about the incredible people in Townsville Council I got to work alongside for their biannual Eco fiesta (they dressed me as the flower above – made by local, Lyn) and who are the heart of their community. I love these people, they make good things happen and they do so much more than their job requires because their hearts are leading the way – pointing them in the right direction. While I was in Townsville I also met wonder woman, Helene who runs The Ecosophy Gardens – an inspiring project focused on fostering pollinators in cities. Onya Helene! 

And then there was the Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival. A weekend of connections and more community greatness. I got to listen and learn and yarn with so many people I love and admire including Bruce Pascoe, Matthew Evans, Rachel Ward and more – I left with an overflowing heart. Also (very importantly) while in Bellingen I stayed with a gorgeous local called Susana. It was pretty chilly while I was there so she gave me a special hot water bottle to sleep with which was at least 1m long… I’ll never forget you Susana!

I spent winter solstice in Meanjin/Brisbane with Northey St City Farm where we did workshops and talks all weekend. In between I stayed with one of my best mates (hi Jono) and we went dumpster diving for cardboard for a client’s garden he’s working on developing. 

And just last weekend I was in Naarm/Melbourne working with Maroondah Council for their inaugural Eco Gathering. It was a day of big hearts and sharp minds coming together looking to do good in the world to create  truly regenerative future for all. I left with a spring in my step and a reinvigorated fire in my heart. 

Folks, there are good people everywhere – everywhere. And everywhere I go I make sure I remind people of this, that there are millions of us working towards a greater good, towards a climate just and safe world for all. I also remind people that despite politicians and industry leaders currently dominating the narrative on how our future looks (shaky and full of climate chaos), there are more of us than there are of them (literally) who care deeply and want to create a climate just and safe world for all.  When we remember this, we can (and will) make swift and powerful changes on a big scale. How? We’ll vote for climate safe policies, divest our funds from banks and superannuation funds that back fossil fuels, we’ll support First Nations People’s self determination and we’ll reclaim democracy.

It’s a wild and wonderful time to be alive. Imagine the world we can live into reality if we all have a crack at doing good!

Ps – I’ve been listening to the new We Are The Great Turning podcast with Joanna Macy and it’s a wonderful summary of the importance of reconnection. Reconnection to ourselves, to one another and to our precious planet. Can highly recommend.