By Emma Donaldson
G’day team, and a big welcome back to Semester 2 from all at the Environment Collective.
Straight off the bat and particularly in light of the theme of Tharunka’s current issue (Ethnocultural/Indigenous), I’d like to acknowledge that as I’m sitting here in the UNSW Library right now writing this spiel, I am sitting on stolen land. This is the land of the Gadigal and Bedigal people of the Eora nation and it was never ceded to the Commonwealth. I recognise the original people and ancestors of this land, and I particularly note the past and present injustices that these people have faced and do face as they continue to struggle for land rights, social justice and cultural freedoms even in 2016. Most importantly, I acknowledge the pivotal role that First Nations Peoples from across the world play in climate and environmental movements.
Over the winter break, some of the members from the Enviro Collective took a little trip together to a conference called Students of Sustainability (SOS) on Jagera and Turrbal land in so-called Brisbane. SOS is an annual environmental and social justice convergence that brings together hundreds of activists, educators, artists, entrepreneurs and generally just cool people from all around Australia for a week of skill sharing, celebration, networking and camping. Excitingly, next year’s SOS will be held a bit closer to home for UNSW students, just up in Newcastle. Shoot me an email if you think this may be something you’re interested in or if you want more info – there’s really something at SOS for everyone!
Global Climate Change Week is approaching in Week 12 this semester! The Enviro Collective are on the lookout for any budding event organisers, graphic designers, writers, budding environmentalists, gardeners (literally anyone really!) who might be interested in helping put some events on around campus this week. It would be great to bring action on climate to the front of UNSW student’s minds. Again, shoot me an email if you’re keen.
Meetings for the Environment Collective in Semester 2 are Fridays 1-2pm every week. We’ve got a group on Facebook (search ‘UNSW Enviro Collective’ to join us!) that you can use to communicate with us, particularly if you’ve got ideas for a greener campus. Meetings are open to all and are held in the Arc spaces – we’d love to see you.
Cheers UNSW,
Emma
enviro@arc.unsw.edu.au