Welcome to the March edition of the DCAN Dispatch.

Make Big Polluters Pay: A Campaign Gaining Momentum

Across Australia, the costs of climate damage are rising far faster than council revenues. Local governments are increasingly being left to pick up the bill for extreme weather, infrastructure damage, and community recovery.

In response, councillors around the country are backing a growing national push for a “Polluter Pays” approach. The campaign calls on councils to pass motions supporting the creation of a federal Climate Compensation Fund, ensuring that those most responsible for emissions contribute to the cost of climate impacts.

Given Darebin Council’s proud history as the first government body in the world to declare a Climate Emergency, it’s only fitting that DCAN plays a role in this important campaign.

The campaign is designed to:

• Build strong community support
• Create a positive, engaging atmosphere where locals can connect and take action together
• Equip local teams with surveys, petitions, and training
• Use community-driven data to increase pressure on decision-makers at all levels of government
• Build momentum towards a national week of action from 18–24 May

To make the most of this opportunity, we need more Darebin volunteers. If you’re considering getting involved, you won’t be on your own — support and guidance will be there every step of the way. Please contact Lesley.

Fossil fuel subsidies growing faster than NDIS

Australian state and federal governments provided $16.3 billion in subsidies to fossil fuel producers and major users in 2025-26, according to new research from The Australia Institute.

That equates to $31,020 per minute, handed to some of the biggest, most profitable companies in Australia at a time when ordinary Australians are struggling with surging petrol and electricity prices.

Total subsidies to coal mines, gas companies and major diesel users was up 9.4%. By contrast, despite widespread suggestions that its growth is ‘unsustainable’, the cost of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) increased by only 7.6% over the same period.

A small group of DCAN members plans to lobby Victorian Federal Parliamentarians about this report. To join this small group please email Linda Bradburn.

AI and Climate Change: A Double-Edged Sword

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping our world — but what does it mean for the climate? While AI holds promise as a powerful tool for tackling the climate crisis, its growing appetite for energy, water, and materials is already driving significant environmental impacts.

From soaring data centre energy use and fossil fuel dependence to rising water consumption and e-waste, the expansion of AI infrastructure is accelerating emissions at a critical time. At the same time, AI technologies could help optimise renewable energy systems, improve climate modelling, and unlock new low-carbon solutions.

A recent article by DCAN member Lawrence Hanson explores how AI is both contributing to the problem today and potentially part of the solution tomorrow — depending on how we choose to deploy it. To read more click here.

Help protect our forests - Sunday March 22nd

On Sunday 22 March, forest supporters will gather in Melbourne for the annual March for Forests — a powerful rally calling for real protection of native forests and an end to destructive practices. This is a moment to stand together for climate, biodiversity and the future of the forests we love.

This is a nationwide event with co-ordinated actions taking place in cities throughout Australia.

Add your voice and call on the Albanese Government to end logging in our native forests - once and for all. RSVP and keep up to date here.

Electrify your Home and Life - Northcote Library event

Want to reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint and create a comfortable home? Come along to this free event at Northcote library to learn how to electrify your home and life. Find out how government rebates and the Darebin Energy Upgrade Program can help you.

Also hear from a local Northcote resident who will share his experience of building an efficient all electric home for his family: Wednesday April 1st, 6pm-7.30pm.

Reserve your free spot here.

Age is no limit

The owner of this recently installed battery and solar system made the decision to electrify her house at age 88.

The climate benefits of replacing your gas heating and hot water system are undeniable. Most households will be better off financially after several years, while the assault on the world’s climate will be reduced straight away.

Putting in solar panels and batteries requires more careful consideration because there are more factors to consider. Things like feed-in tariffs, tariff reviews, changes in planning regulations, maintaining or increasing shade from trees and the general decarbonisation of the grid all need to be considered. DCANs electrification expert, Dr Graham Moore, can help you make well-informed choices about your particular situation by providing a free, one-on-one consultation about electrifying your home and transport.

Complete the form here to book your consultation.

Linda Bradburn Is Proof You Can Go Electric Over Time

Linda Bradburn has electrified her home step-by-step over more than 15 years - installing solar, heat pump hot water system, induction cooking and reverse-cycle air conditioning. She’s now on a mission to show others that making the switch can be done over time. Read more here in Rewiring Australia's blog.

135 Fridays Strong: Climate Vigil at State Parliament

The Friday Climate Vigil at State Parliament has now reached an inspiring milestone - 135 consecutive weeks of standing for climate action.

Each Friday between 8am and 12pm, a rotating group of committed vigilers gathers outside Parliament. No two weeks are quite the same, and there’s often something a little special that emerges.

In February, for example, a group of school students joined the vigil, bringing energy, creativity and powerful climate messages to the steps of Parliament (see photo). Moments like these remind us how the movement is growing and how broad it has become.

While many of these highlights happen spontaneously, our friends at Extinction Rebellion are planning something more coordinated for the middle of the school holidays on Friday April 10th.

If you’d like to be part of a creative and engaging action like this (note: the video includes strong language), please contact Lesley.

In conversation with Travis Lovett - 24th March 6.30pm Wheeler Centre

Proud Kerrupmara/Gunditjmara man Travis Lovett will reflect on the work of the Yoorrook Justice Commission and the ongoing imperative for national truth-telling.

In April 2026 Travis is leading a National Walk for Truth calling for a national truth-telling process developed in genuine partnership with First Nations Peoples.

Travis' commitment to truth was powerfully embodied in his 500-kilometre Walk for Truth that ended on June 18 2025 with the handing over of the final report Truth Be Told to the Victorian Government with over 100 recommendations for systemic reform.

Secure your tickets to this special event now at Walk For Truth Conversation.

Turning the Ship & Outpicker

Wednesday 29 April • 6.30pm to 8.30pm • Richmond Library

The Yarra Environmental Film Festival presents two inspiring documentaries about the transformative power of community. Turning the Ship (2024) tells the story of the extraordinary 2024 People’s Blockade of the World’s Largest Coal Port. Outpicker (2024) portrays a queer, Chinese immigrant's search for belonging through litter picking.

The screenings are followed by a discussion with local changemakers who are taking action on climate change.

Register here to watch and discuss Turning the Ship and Outpicker.

Support our work in 2026 and beyond

Help DCAN Grow on Social Media!

Exciting news! DCAN is now on Instagram and Bluesky in addition to Facebook, and we’d love you to join us there. By following and engaging with our posts, you help spread the word about climate action in our community.

Instagram – See inspiring photos, event updates, and climate tips. darebin_climate_action

Bluesky – Join the conversation on policies, actions, and solutions. @darebincan.bsky.social

Facebook – Keep up to date with DCAN activities and climate news. www.facebook.com/DarebinCAN

Every like, comment, and share helps amplify our impact. Follow us today and be part of the movement for a greener future! Please email us if you would like to join the DCAN social media team.

Want to know more about DCAN?

Why not come along to one of our monthly meetings? We usually meet on the second Thursday of each month at 7.00pm at the Bridge Preston. Please drop us an email at [email protected] to let us know if you are coming so that we can make sure to welcome you and give you an agenda ahead of the meeting.

Our next meeting will be at 7:00 pm on April 9th, 2026 in the Waratah Room at the Bridge, 261 High, Preston.