Welcome to the August edition of the DCAN Dispatch.

Call on Albo to announce strong emissions targets!

The Government is due to set national climate targets within a few weeks. DCAN is campaigning for net zero carbon emissions by 2035 and a separate target for drawing down carbon pollution from the atmosphere, now essential if we are to achieve a safer climate future. We are also calling for detailed plans across all sectors for reducing carbon pollution.

A strong target together with detailed plans will help protect us from worsening climate disasters, unlock economic opportunities in clean industries, and enhance our regional security. A weak target means more destructive climate extremes, more economic disruption, and catastrophic impacts on communities and ecosystems. Please support our campaign by making a call or sending an email:

• Ged Kearney's office on (03) 9416 8690 or email [email protected]
• Prime Minister's office on (02) 6277 7700 or fill out the contact form
• Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen on (02) 6277 7120 or email [email protected]

Please also sign and share the Climate Council's petition.

Fantastic outcome: ICJ Rules on Climate Action

Students from Vanuatu, supported by their government, pushed for a UN General Assembly resolution requesting that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) provide an advisory opinion on the issue of climate change and human rights.

“The International Court of Justice's (ICJ) advisory opinion found that countries have binding legal obligations under international law to prevent climate harm and protect human rights. While the opinion is not legally enforceable, it carries substantial political and legal weight for states and communities seeking accountability.” (Radio New Zealand)

Click here to see the press release and details on the obligations all countries and states now have to act on Climate Change (irrespective of signing the Paris Agreement or not). The Court affirms that States with major and historical polluters have a clear legal obligation to cut emissions, prevent serious harm, and work together to protect those most at risk, both within their borders and beyond. This duty applies to fossil fuel consumption, extraction, expansion, and subsidies, or a lack of adequate regulation, and extends to States that are not a party to climate change treaties and private entities that operate within their jurisdiction.

There is an excellent discussion of the implications of the court ruling in the podcast “Outrage and Optimism” with Christiana Figueres who was the UN Climate Chief.

Gas exodus: Tens of thousands of households flock to discounted electric upgrades

Nearly 100,000 households have participated in the Victorian Energy Upgrades program in the first six months of 2025, including swapping gas appliances for efficient electric alternatives that can cut hundreds of dollars from their annual energy bills.

State energy minister Lily D’Ambrosio says 99,000 households have taken advantage of the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program so far this year, with participation expected to exceed 170,000 households by the year’s end.

The VEU scheme incentivises households and businesses to invest in energy efficient appliances and building upgrades by offering discounts.

See full report here.

One of the most impactful ways of personally reducing your contribution to climate change is to reduce your direct use of fossil fuels. For many people this means reducing or eliminating the use of fossil gas for heating and cooking in their homes.

A simple and practical guide has been put together on the DCAN website to get you started on this journey. Once you have looked at this, you will probably have more questions than answers, so Graham Moore, a DCAN member and expert on home electrification, is available to give free one-on-one sessions to help you understand how this applies to your particular situation.

To find the guide go to the DCAN website and choose 'Electrify' from the menu, or follow this link.

Calling Renters and Landlords

Renters and landlords in Darebin now have an opportunity to participate in research by RMIT University and the University of Technology Sydney on energy upgrades in private rental homes in Victoria and NSW. This research will inform policy development and provide better home improvement services and schemes to all households. Benefits include a home energy efficiency and comfort assessment tailored to your home and a $50 Coles-Myer voucher.

Complete this quick survey now to express your interest.

Corals’ Last Stand: Event Wrap

The Darebin community showed their concern for climate on Sunday August 10 when they packed the Thornbury Picture House, with extra people turning up on the day. Outside on High St, Climate Choir Melbourne drew a curious crowd with beautiful renditions of familiar tunes, cheekily reworked to call for climate action. Inside, the film delivered a powerful message about Scott Reef’s natural wonder and the real risk posed by gas expansion in the Browse Basin.

Mitch Pope from the Australian Marine Conservation Society traveled from the Surf Coast to answer questions about the campaign to save Scott Reef, the extension of the North West Shelf gas project and Woodside's source of funding (a reminder to check where your Super fund invests your dollars).

Thank you to everyone who came along, brought friends and added your voice.

Take action now:

Write to your local member and ask them to press Minister for the Environment, Murray Watt, to act to protect Scott Reef. Use DCAN’s letter template to make it quick and effective.

Painting exhibition in Northcote highlights environmental urgency

With her work focussing on the anthropocene Dr Megan-Jane Johnstone AO is exhibiting with several other artists. This exhibition, "As In Nature", explores the raw beauty of mountainous and forested landscapes through expressive, experimental painting. Each work invites close reflection on nature’s colours, forms, and fragility — aiming to evoke wonder, deepen appreciation, and encourage awareness in a time of environmental urgency.

Gallery Unbound, 497 High Street Northcote from August 27th to September 14th.

The gallery is open Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm, Sunday 12 to 4pm.

March for peace, justice and a livable planet

Please put this date in your diary. Excellent speakers already confirmed include Extinction Rebellion’s Catherine Strong, Disrupt War’s community organiser Nat Farah and Victorian Senator Lidia Thorpe.
There will be food and music at Camp Sovereignty afterwards.

State Library, Naarm, 3pm Sat., September 13th

Vale Nicky Coles

Nicky Coles, a long-time member of DCAN, passed away recently.
I got to know Nicky through a mutual friend, Jeremy Evans, another long-term DCAN member. We met occasionally to plot how we could best get Ged Kearney (Federal member for Cooper) to read the excellent climate change book "Five Times Faster" by Simon Sharpe. Following on from this, the three of us would meet on a regular basis for a coffee and a chat. Over this time I got to know Nicky. Despite her age of 89, she regularly rode her bike and took part in many activities and demonstrations - including her solo climate change protests outside Ged's office (à la Greta Thunberg), all this despite having dialysis three times a week. She told me she made good use of her time (seven hours each day on the machine) by catching up with climate change news and discussion.
We had many delightful conversations usually over a cup of hot chocolate and Portuguese tarts!
After a fall which put her in the Austin Hospital, I visited her and we had what was to be our last chat. She died peacefully two days later.
Vale Nicky - a true climate hero and wonderful human being.

[Obituary by Lawrie Hanson]

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 September 11th in the Waratah Room at the Bridge, 261 High, Preston.

Invitation - Corals' Last Stand - film screening

DCAN is hosting a screening of the powerful new documentary Corals' Last Stand and we would love you to join us. The film is about Scott Reef, a pristine coral atoll off the WA coast, home to endangered sea snakes, turtles, and pygmy whales, which is under threat from Woodside’s plans to drill for gas. The documentary follows author Tim Winton and musician John Butler, as they journey to protect this extraordinary place.

There will be a post-film Q&A with Mitch Pope, Campaign Manager for the Australian Marine Conservation Society. The wonderful Climate Choir Melbourne will be singing before and after the film. The film screening is on August 10th, 4-5pm at the Thornbury Picture House. Book your seat now to avoid disappointment.

North West Ward By-election

Do you live in the North West ward? Use your vote for action on the climate emergency and building stronger local democratic processes. Read the candidates' responses to the DCAN questionnaire here. As this election is by postal ballot make sure to post your ballot paper no later than 6pm on August 1st. (Authorised by A. Sanson 17 Hartington St Northcote 3070).

New report unveils the truth about Australian gas exports to Japan and South Korea

New research reveals that Japan doesn't need Australian gas for energy security as Minister Bowen would have us believe. Japanese buyers of Australian LNG are over-contracted and resell up to a third of this gas to other countries in Asia such as Taiwan and Thailand. Expanding the Gas Empire and exporting more Australian gas to Asia isn’t really about ‘keeping the lights on in Tokyo’, it’s about corporations making more money.

Read @Jubilee Australia’s new report ‘How to Build a Gas Empire – Part 1’ co-published with the Australian Conservation Foundation and Fossil Free Japan

[Above picture credit: Fran Johnson-Cash]

Passing +1.5C and our 2035 targets


Last year was the hottest year on record and +1.6C warmer than pre-industrial times. We won’t officially breach the lower limit agreed at the Paris climate talks for some years, but currently we are seeing, not just warming, but accelerating warming. Sir James Hansen says we have passed +1.5C ‘for all practical purposes’.

This puts us in the danger zone for runaway warming, as outlined in the 2018 ‘Hothouse Earth’ paper by the late Professor Will Steffen and colleagues.

DCAN has long pushed for an emergency transition to zero emissions and strenuously opposed new or expanded fossil fuel projects. However, as Sir David King, former UK Chief Scientist, has argued, we are now so far into the danger zone that emissions reductions alone are no longer enough.

By September, the Labor government will decide Australia’s 2035 emissions reduction target. When DCAN representatives meet with our local MP, Ged Kearney, we will be arguing that we must commit to a 100% reduction target. It is nonsense to talk about a ‘remaining carbon budget when the Earth is already way too hot! We will be arguing that Australia must also set ambitious targets for large-scale drawdown of the excess greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere and work with other nations to research active cooling measures.

Read more about the ‘three Rs’ (Reduce, Remove and Repair) here.

The time to stop procrastinating is now!

Take action on those home energy emissions by starting with a risk and money free chat with a DCAN energy expert. Meet with DCAN member Graham Moore to get insights into how you can save money and emissions in your home or small business. Contact DCAN now to arrange a meeting in a place of your choice.

Electrify your home and life - Report on a Library event

Darebin City Council Climate and Environment team hosted a timely winter event at the Reservoir Library with two speakers providing practical guidance on how we can reduce our energy bills and electrify our homes to get off unhealthy and polluting gas. Speaker Tim Forcey explained how transitioning to solar power and energy efficient appliances makes our homes safer and more energy efficient. Tim’s tips are detailed in his book My Efficient Electric Home Handbook, which is available to borrow from Darebin Libraries. Tim also recommended searching the ‘My Efficient Electric Home’ Facebook group to find answers to questions on a wide range of electrification topics including advice on purchasing solar systems and hot water heat pumps. Find out more about Tim on his website.
The second speaker, Nathan Burgess, shared how he and his partner Jess Barry built an all-electric home with limited space and budget. Nathan designed the home based on holistic, sustainable design principles and the result is a home that is comfortable, healthy, energy efficient and affordable.
Darebin Library supports the clean energy transition providing information on going electric here and you can trial induction cooking by borrowing a portable induction cooktop here.

Conversations for a better tomorrow - August workshops

There are two remaining workshops in this series of conversations designed to help us to connect, find hope and take action. 'Youth and the Future' is the next workshop featuring DCAN Convenor Ann Sanson and Parents for Climate who will lead a discussion on 'How do young people stay hopeful and how can parents help?' This workshop is on August 2nd from 3pm- 5pm. The final workshop focuses on 'Resilience' in a changing future. This workshop is on the August 30th, 4pm-6pm. Both events are at the Black Spark Cultural Centre Northcote. Book your tickets here.

Transition Darebin is collaborating with Transition Australia, Parents for Climate, DCAN, climate experts and local community groups to bring you this series of workshops.

Big win for strong climate action in Darebin!

Thanks to significant community pressure, Darebin Council has agreed to allocate $200,000 to a program which will help speed up household electrification, especially for low income households. This is a key initiative in the Climate Emergency Plan (CEP) and one that DCAN campaigned to have included in the 2025/26 annual budget. We would like to thank everyone who made submissions and signed the community petition to ensure that climate action remains a priority for Darebin Council. Much work remains to be done to make sure Darebin's CEP is fully implemented and properly funded. If you are keen to help drop us an email at [email protected]

Singing for Scott Reef

DCAN is delighted to welcome Climate Choir Melbourne with their singing before and after the showing of the film “Corals' Last Stand”. They will even sing a couple of songs about Scott reef. Here’s a verse from one of them (sing it to the tune of the well-known children’s hymn “All things bright and beautiful”):

All things bright and beautiful
All creatures great and small
All things wise and wonderful
Our gas will kill them all.

The Browse gas field is under
The heritage Scott Reef.
Now Woodside wants to drill it
That’s just beyond belief.

This is just one of the many songs from their current songbook Get Out of Gas.

 Fridays for Future Climate Vigil

The Fridays for Future Climate Vigil with Extinction Rebellion has celebrated its 100th gathering. Through hot and cold a bunch of committed activists have managed to show up with banners, flyers, cheerful greetings and facts for all and sundry who wander past the Spring Street Parliament steps.
We’ve had interesting chats with John Pesutto, Tom Gleeson, and even Ross Garnaut. But the most rewarding ones are with everyday folk, from groups of schoolboys who tell us we’re “doing a beautiful thing”, to tourists who use their phone apps to translate our signs, then tell us the same thing. Their friends take photographs of them standing with us and holding those signs.
We are hoping to celebrate another two years worth of Fridays, on August 8th, but every Friday from 8 a.m. (usually) to 12 p.m. (usually) we’ll be there, and would welcome company.

Vale John Englart (1955-2025)

It is with a very heavy heart that we pass on the sad news that John Englart, convenor of Climate Action Merri-bek, has passed away.

Many of us have worked closely with John on climate campaigns, some of us for a decade or more. We have greatly appreciated John’s insight and advice on strategies and tactics designed to influence our political leaders.

John also campaigned on many other issues including public transport, social justice and environment. He was also an amazing citizen journalist, providing analysis on important international climate meetings representing grassroots community perspectives.

Our sincere condolences go to John's family, friends, and fellow activists. He will be sorely missed.

Help DCAN Grow on Social Media!

Exciting news! DCAN is now on Instagram and Bluesky, 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

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 Thornbury. 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 August 14th at the Bridge, 131 Shaftesbury Parade, Thornbury.

Anger at Labor's betrayal on North West Shelf

White hot anger best summed up the feeling amongst the 60 local residents rallying outside MP Ged Kearney's office last month to protest against the Federal Labor Government’s approval of Woodside's North West Shelf extension to 2070. This extension will lock in decades of climate destroying pollution which will be very bad for our health, future generations and our environment. It will also damage the World Heritage nominated Murujuga Cultural Landscape, a 50,000 year old collection of First Nations petroglyphs.

DCAN presented a letter to Ms Kearney's office calling on her to publicly condemn the decision and convince her colleagues that it must be reversed. Please express your opposition to this project by emailing Ged Kearney

Read more about this disastrous project here.
If you would like to be part of future actions like this please email us at [email protected]

Call on Darebin Council to fully fund the Climate Emergency Plan

DCAN is deeply concerned at the lack of funds for climate action initiatives in Council's proposed 2025-2026 budget and annual plan. Innovative programs such as providing tailored support to help residents transition away from gas and become fully electric are absent from the budget. The promised delivery of community education and capacity-building campaigns on energy literacy and efficiency for low-income households and renters is also absent, as well as many other priorities listed in the Climate Emergency Plan.

Every delay in implementing the Climate Emergency Plan means that Darebin residents are not receiving the support they need to reduce energy bills and live in healthier and safer homes. Every delay means more carbon pollution in our atmosphere fuelling dangerous climate change. You can find a snapshot of the issues we have identified in the draft 2025-2026 budget and plan here. While public submissions have closed it's not too late to email your local councillor to express your concerns. You can also sign and share this petition started by a local resident.

Woodside scapegoating young people

Meg O’Neill, the chief executive of Woodside, recently attacked young Australians for their “very ideological, almost zealous view of, you know, fossil fuels bad, renewables good” while “plugging in their devices, ordering things from [online fast-fashion stores] … without any sort of recognition of the energy and carbon impact of their actions”.

Hannah Ferguson, 26-year-old chief executive of Cheek Media Co., responded  by asking O’Neill whether it was easier to blame young people for “plugging in their devices” than to acknowledge Woodside’s recent spilling of about 16,000 litres of hydrocarbons off Western Australia’s north-west coast. Ferguson also asked how O'Neill would compare buying a bathmat or earrings online to the 74 million tonnes of CO2 that were emitted by Woodside gas last year alone -- let alone the “carbon bomb” which would be released by extending Woodside’s North West Shelf gas project to 2070, exacerbating the climate crisis while also risking the incomparable First Nations rock art at Murujuga.

Ferguson also reminded people that the term ‘carbon footprint’ was coined by an advertising firm working for British Petroleum, for exactly this purpose, that is, to deflect attention away from fossil fuel production and use, and put the responsibility onto ordinary members of the public.

This debate reminds us of the importance of our roles not only as consumers (which obviously do matter) but also as citizens who can and should take action to influence our decision makers. Take action against the extension of the North West Shelf here.

Thinking about home electrification or energy efficiency and don’t know where to start?

If you live in a typical Darebin home with gas heating and hot water, it is literally like having a tip truck load of coal delivered to your house each year and burning it to make CO2.  DCAN can help you with taking that first step towards canceling the truck load of coal. Retired Associate Professor Graham Moore, formerly an environmental engineering academic and researcher from Melbourne University, can meet with you to chat about your current energy use.  If the professor bit puts you off, think of Graham as the boy who grew up on a farm with the practical skills of a farmer. Meet Graham one-on-one at a location and time of your choice.  All you need to bring is a recent electricity and gas bill, and a desire to save some money and the climate.  This is a free service.  Graham doesn’t sell anything or have any affiliations with any service provider, but he can help build your confidence through education to move towards a better world.  Contact DCAN to be put in touch and arrange a meeting.

Electrify your home and life - Reservoir Library, 25th June, 6pm

Don't miss out on this great talk at the Reservoir Library on Wednesday 25 June at 6pm. Local residents Jess and Nathan join Tim Forcey, author of My Efficient Electric Home Handbook and creator of the ‘My Efficient Electric Home’ Facebook group, to talk about the ins and outs of their electrification journey. Tickets are free but are bound to book out quickly! Register for this free event here.

Show Your Stripes Day, June 21st

Show Your Stripes is a global moment to share our concern about how the climate is changing and the need for urgent action. Each stripe represents one year. The colours transition from cool blues to warm reds to represent the increases in temperature seen throughout the past 150 years.

In 2020 Common Grace, a Christian social justice group, took up the idea and published a knitting pattern for a striped scarf to convey the reality of our warming climate. Each stripe represents the average global temperature change of around 0.07C, and the scarves show the average global temperature rise of 1.2C from 1919 to 2023.

For more information, see Reading University's Show Your Stripes website  and Common Grace's Knit for Climate Action website

Below: DCAN members Linda Bradburn, Linda Marks and Lesley Walker are proudly wearing their #ShowYourStripes scarves.

People’s Blockade of the World’s Largest Coal Port

Rising Tide Victoria is hosting a screening of the new film Turning the Ship. It tells the story of Rising Tide and the extraordinary 2024 People’s Blockade of the World’s Largest Coal Port.

Whether you’ve been to many People’s Blockades, or you’re considering joining for the first time this year, get yourself (and your friends!) along to the screening! Connect with the Victorian Rising Tide community, celebrate the success of 2024 and be part of making the 2025 blockade the biggest and boldest yet.

The Melbourne screening is on Thursday the 26th of June, 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Patagonia, 287-289 Little Collins St, Melbourne.

Wear BLUE if you can! RSVP here

Getting Out of Gas in Song

DCAN is following all the ‘normal’ steps to encourage Australia to move beyond gas. We are encouraging everyone to electrify, we are putting pressure on MPs to reject new gas projects and we are actively engaged in the ‘Beyond Gas Network’. Several members of DCAN are also members of Climate Choir Melbourne which is now singing about getting off gas. In particular, Woodside and their intention to develop the Browse gas field under Scott Reef is one of their targets. This verse from Gas, the Great Polluter fits to the tune of ‘Puff, the Magic Dragon’ by Peter Yarrow. (Full lyrics and music available here)

Woodside is a driller sending gas off-shore
All they want is more and more and more and more and more.
Scott Reef is in danger, sea life will be smashed
While miners smile and save on tax and count their dirty cash.

Smokescreen - a play by Christopher Samuel Carroll

Smokescreen is a powerful play about the dark arts of marketing behind climate denial.

"Compelling, unnerving, and piercingly relevant, Smokescreen is a psychologically-charged battle of wits that unpicks how the climate crisis we face today was shaped by the invisible hands of Ad Men. Searing performances by Damon Baudin and C.S. Carroll ignite a pressure-cooker of manipulation, morality, and earth-shattering choices about controlling the narrative while the planet burns."

Tuesday July 8 to Saturday July 12 at 7:30pm and Sunday July 13 at 5:00pm. Venue: fortyfive downstairs theatre, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

Further information and bookings here.

Help DCAN Grow on Social Media!

Exciting news! DCAN is now on Instagram and Bluesky, 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

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 Thornbury. 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 July 10th at the Bridge, 131 Shaftesbury Parade, Thornbury.

• Concern that action on the climate emergency no longer appears to be a top priority for Council.  
• Ask why community climate education programs, targeted support for household electrification and energy efficiency measures for low income households and renters have been left out of the Our Darebin four year plan.
• Ask why there is no transparent, separate budget allocation for the Climate Emergency Plan in the financial documents. 
• Ask what's happened to the promised concierge program which was allocated $50,000 in last year's budget to help support Darebin households to electrify.
• Ask when will each Council program area demonstrate that it has taken climate risk into account and has appropriate plans in place. 

Read DCAN's full submission here.

Background information:

The Climate Emergency Plan 2024-2030 includes the following actions which are important in helping householders electrify and reduce carbon emissions in Darebin, but none of them appear in the four year plan:

• Create a program that provides tailored support and a financing mechanism to support electrification and renewable energy for both households and transport, with a target of engaging 1000 Darebin households per year.
• By 2025 develop and begin delivery of an education campaign supporting Darebin households and businesses to electrify, improve efficiency and access affordable 100% renewable energy
• By 2025 develop and deliver an education campaign supporting Darebin households and businesses to reduce consumption, increase reuse and repair and support a circular economy
• Deliver community education and capacity-building campaigns on energy literacy and efficiency, food resilience and water saving, that reach at least 5,000 residents annually, prioritising people in Darebin who are most vulnerable to heat stress, food inequity and energy inequity
• Increase climate resilience and energy equity in Darebin through a program to support low-income households and renters to increase energy efficiency and climate resilience, reaching 150 homes per year via direct interventions and engaging with a further 1000 households by 2027.  
• There are other points DCAN has raised in our submission on sustainable transport and community education on waste management that you may also want to have a look at here. 

Article updated 19 June 2025

Cooper returns strong climate advocate

DCAN congratulates local MP Ged Kearney for retaining her seat of Cooper. We look forward to her continuing advocacy for strong climate action within the Labor caucus, and to our ongoing constructive relationship.

In view of the strong showing for the Greens candidate, Tara Burnett, especially in the southern part of the electorate, we expect to see Labor working proactively with the Greens and cross bench in the Senate to enact strong laws to address the climate emergency.

Time is running out and we need the returned Labor government to act quickly to reduce emissions, including banning new gas and coal projects. We would love to have your help! Email us at [email protected]

Thank you!

We would like to extend a very big thank you to all the DCAN volunteers who were out in force at railway stations and pre-polling booths handing out the DCAN voting guide to Cooper residents, urging them to put climate first on their ballot paper. The guide was also widely distributed via social media and by volunteers on election day.

Our volunteers reported great conversations with voters and much appreciation for the advice contained in the voting guide. The Senate guide proved to be a hot favourite, helping people to maximise their vote and preferences. Many thanks to Jane Morton for preparing the guide.

Many thanks also to our supporters who helped organise the highly successful Candidates Forum, distributed and put up fence signs and helped spread the climate message in other electorates such as Wills and MacNamara. 

Courage needed to grasp election opportunity

Some excellent articles have been published since the election outlining the key climate policies the federal government will need to address in the coming months. Anna Skarbek in the Conversation and Adam Morton in the Guardian describe these policies and emphasise the once in a lifetime opportunity Labor now has to act boldly.

Richard Dennis from the Australia Institute has also called on Australians to urge the Albanese Government to seize this nation shaping opportunity. ​"As a nation", he says "we simply cannot afford to waste this golden opportunity by tinkering around the edges of problems. This is our once-in-a-generation opportunity for a progressive government with an unprecedented super-majority to enact the bold, brave, and necessary change Australia needs.......democracy thrives on high expectations and together, we can help the next Parliament be courageous and ambitious for Australia".

Time to roll up our sleeves folks (again) and make sure that Labor rises to the challenge. Join us!

What does the election result mean for DCAN?

At our monthly meeting in early May, there was a lively discussion about the implications of the election result for our work.

While Labor’s strong majority means that the transition to renewable energy will continue, there are many areas where we will still need to work for faster progress. Here are a few of the ideas for campaigning which we came up with:

• Removing the social licence of the big polluters (Santos, Woodside, etc) and their funders
• Encouraging the transition away from fossil fuel exports to the export of green energy and green technologies
• Continuing opposition to the opening of new coal and gas mines
• Reducing/removing fossil fuel subsidies
• Pushing for reform of the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act, including a climate trigger
• Promoting changes in farming practices, including land regeneration
• Community education, e.g. there is no gas shortage
• Electoral reform, including revising the recent amendment to political donation laws which disadvantage independent MPs
• Promoting climate change education at all levels, with attention to helping people cope with climate distress

Please share your ideas and observations with us, either by email to [email protected] or by coming along to our next meeting on June 12th (see below for details).

Darebin Council

DCAN would like to pass on our condolences to family and friends on the sad loss of Gaetano Greco. Gaetano was an extraordinarily long-serving Darebin City Councillor, from 2008 to 2025. He was a passionate advocate for the Preston Market and strongly committed to social justice and representing the diverse communities in Darebin. He will be missed.

New CEO appointed to Darebin

We would like to welcome the new CEO of Darebin City Council Anne Howard. Anne has worked at the Colac Otway Shire (as CEO since 2021), as well as the Surf Coast and Campaspe Shire Councils. Anne will commence her role in July 2025. We look forward to meeting Ms Howard and discussing the implementation of the Climate Emergency Plan.

Help DCAN Grow on Social Media!

Exciting news! DCAN is now on Instagram and Bluesky, 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

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 Thornbury. 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 June 12th at the Bridge, 131 Shaftesbury Parade, Thornbury.

Cooper and Senate voting Guides

With pre-polling and election day fast approaching, there's a lot we can do to make sure that the climate emergency is a top priority! Read on to see the DCAN voting guides for the seat of Cooper and the Senate and how you can help.

Can you help distribute the voting guides?

Our voting guides show people how they can use their votes most effectively for the seat of Cooper in the House of Representatives and for the Senate. We need volunteers who can help hand out the guides at:

• Pre-polling stations (starting next week)
• Polling day - Saturday 3rd May
• Local train stations (starting next week)

Please email us at [email protected] to let us know which activity you would like to be involved in.

Do you have a climate sign for your fence or front window?

We have two great signs available. Hosting a sign in a prominent place is an important way to get the message across.

Please contact Katherine at [email protected] or 0402 451 236 for your free sign.

Cooper Candidates Climate Forum

The forum, which was held on Tuesday, was a great success with candidates speaking to a full house. Each of the three candidates talked passionately about why they are seeking to represent the seat of Cooper and what actions they will take on the climate emergency if elected.

Excellent questions from the audience fully tested each of the candidates on their past record and commitments.

Candidates presenting at the forum were: Tara Burnett (The Greens), Ged Kearney, sitting Member for Cooper (Australian Labor Party) and Kath Larkin (Victorian Socialists).

Watch the forum here on DCAN's YouTube channel.

The forum was moderated by Professor John Wiseman, Senior Research Fellow with Melbourne Climate Futures at the University of Melbourne and author of Hope and Courage in the Climate Crisis (see below for more information). DCAN expresses our deep gratitude to John, the candidates and audience for a very engaging and informative debate. Many thanks to Span Community House for once again being our wonderful hosts.

Conversation Cafe: Hope. How do we build and maintain hope in the future?

We are surrounded by negative stories and problems, ranging from natural disasters to autocracy and war. Has this influenced how we view our neighbours, ourselves and our hope that actions can have the impact on the world that we want? What does this feel like and how does it influence the hope of our children and young people? Do we believe that we can develop a hope for the future to drive change?

Join this free online discussion forum supported by our friends at Transition Australia, with two very special guests Karen Hewitt (Transition Tamar) and Alex Sangster (Darebin Council), for a journey to explore our own experience with hope and what we can do to build a more hopeful community. Register for the online forum here.

Climate Choir Melbourne at Fairfield Village

Last Saturday saw the return of the popular Climate Choir Melbourne to the Fairfield Village for a wonderful hour of climate songs updated to include specific election messages. The choir uses humour and catchy tunes to communicate the urgent need for voters to think about CLIMATE CHANGE when they vote.

The songs also send a message to all candidates and parties to seriously address this existential issue in their campaigns.

Everyone is encouraged to use the songs during the campaign (and beyond). You can access the Songbook here which you can view on your phone or easily print. You can also hear and see the Choir in action on YouTube.

Suggested Reading: Hope and Courage in the Climate Crisis

Hope and Courage in the Climate Crisis by Professor John Wiseman explores diverse sources of learning and wisdom—from climate scientists and activists; philosophers and social theorists; Indigenous cultures and ways of life; faith based and spiritual traditions; artists and writers—which can help us live courageous, compassionate and creative lives in a world of rapidly accelerating climatic and ecological risk.

Drawing on broad experience as a climate activist, researcher and policy maker, John provides a wide ranging, accessible and provocative guided tour of ideas which can inspire and sustain radical hope and defiant courage in the long emergency which now lies before us.

Help DCAN Grow on Social Media!

Exciting news! DCAN is now on Instagram and Bluesky, 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

Every like, comment, and share helps amplify our impact. Follow us today and be part of the movement for a greener future!

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 Thornbury. 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 May 8th at the Bridge, 131 Shaftesbury Parade, Thornbury.

Make your vote count!

Wills Candidate Forum for a safe, healthy & sustainable future

The Wills candidate forum is being held on Tuesday 18th March at 6.30pm in Coburg. Seats are free but limited so book your seats and RSVP now.

Candidate forums are a unique opportunity to inform your vote. They’re also one of the most powerful opportunities to show politicians just how much the community cares about particular issues. The forum will be chaired by Kelly O'Shanassy, CEO of the Australian Conservation Foundation, with two guest speakers who will frame the discussion: Sarah Hussein from Merri Food Hub, and Dr Ben Dunne from Doctors for the Environment. All candidates have been invited.

Come along a little early from 6:00pm to enjoy a deforestation-free democracy sausage sizzle (Halal and vegan options available). Entertainment will be provided by The Melbourne Climate Choir. Stay tuned for news about the Cooper Candidates Climate Forum which we hope to announce soon!

Choice of two fence signs for this coming election

In addition to the free "No more coal and gas" signs we have been offering, we are now able to offer a favourite from previous federal elections - "For the kids I'm voting climate". Help keep the pressure up on the candidates. We need strong climate action to be at the very top of their priorities. Let Katherine know which sign(s) you would like to display on your front fence or window by emailing [email protected]

Nuclear accident fallout map for Coalition proposed reactors

March 11th marked the 14th anniversary of the Fukushima disaster which caused widespread radioactive contamination of the air, soil and ocean. What would be the consequence of a nuclear accident in Australia? A new website released by Don't Nuke the Climate shows that almost 200,000 Australians would be at risk of a nuclear accident if the Coalition's proposed nuclear scheme goes ahead. The website lets you choose one of Peter Dutton’s proposed reactor sites to see how a nuclear disaster would contaminate surrounding areas. For those of us living in Melbourne the nuclear site proposed at Loy Yang is particularly frightening. Please share the information widely. We don't need dangerous nuclear power stations that threaten our health and safety. Solar and wind backed by storage is the clear pathway to a clean and safer future.

Q&A on Citizens' Assemblies

Are you interested in finding out more about citizens' assemblies and how they can help us on the path to a safe climate? Right now, there is a massive disinformation campaign on how citizens' assemblies work at the local government level. Join Sonia Randhawa, a democracy activist who has been involved in the recruitment for over 100 citizens' assemblies or similar processes, for a monthly Q&A session on what a CA really is, and help us protect and expand these processes across Victoria. The next two events are on Zoom at 5pm AEDT, on Sunday 16th March and Sunday 20th April. Contact Sonia on 0430 426 618 or email for more information and the Zoom link.

Help DCAN Grow on Social Media!

Exciting news! DCAN is now on Instagram and Bluesky, 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

Every like, comment, and share helps amplify our impact. Follow us today and be part of the movement for a greener future!

Suggested Reading - Slick: Australia’s toxic relationship with Big Oil

Slick takes a comprehensive look at the origins of the Australian petroleum industry, investigating what these companies knew about climate change and how they learned to wield influence and insert themselves into all facets of public life. Royce Kurmelovs reveals how the US petroleum industry was warned about its environmental impacts back in the 1950s and yet went on to build the Australian oil industry which, in turn, tried to drill the Great Barrier Reef, sought to strong-arm governments, and joined a global effort to bury the science of climate change and delay action despite knowing the harms it would cause.

The climate elephant is still in the room. But now it’s a mammoth!

Sometime ago DCAN mounted an installation of a dolls’ house full of mostly borrowed toy and ornamental elephants in a shop window at 497 High Street, Northcote. One of the loaned ornaments, a mammoth, inspired local artist, and owner of the window, Eugene von Nagy, to create a 1.6m x 1.5m charcoal sketch he calls 'Fossil Fools'.

Eugene writes, “We must upgrade to fully renewable energy solutions or soon face the same fate as the extinct species which make up our fossil fuels today.“ DCAN thanks him for his support, and it is further proof that every small thing we do matters, even just sharing a toy.

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 Thornbury. 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 10th at the Bridge, 131 Shaftesbury Parade, Thornbury.

DCAN planning session a great success

Many thanks to the 20 people who gave up their Saturday afternoon to help plan our strategies and activities for 2025. It was a very productive afternoon where we shared stories of our achievements from last year before moving on to brainstorm the context we are working in at the local through to the international level. We then turned our attention to prioritising the key areas we will focus on for 2025.

The upcoming Federal election is high on our agenda as is our continuing work to support the implementation of Darebin's new climate emergency plan, to get off gas and move to a fully renewable and electric future as fast as possible. We also need to continue our outreach work to the community and keep up the pressure through meetings with our local councillors and MPs.

If you would like to find out more, come along to our next meeting on March 13th or drop us an email at [email protected]

Now's the time to get your fence sign!

With an election due to be called at any moment, now is the time to order your fence sign. We need a sea of 'No More Coal and Gas' signs on our fences, in our gardens, windows and shop fronts that send a powerful message to all election candidates that we won't stand for any more investments in coal and gas. We need all hands on deck to help the community move to renewable energy as fast as possible. Order your free sign from Katherine - [email protected]

Help stop fracking in the NT

Lock the Gate is running an email campaign to encourage the government to assess the water impacts of fracking in the Beetaloo Basin before allowing fracking to continue. The campaign asks the government to “pull the water trigger” under the EPBC Act. You can read more and sign the letter here. This action is time critical so please consider signing today.

Coalition’s nuclear folly

"The Coalition is selling its nuclear scheme using fraudulent statistics about today’s Australian electricity cost… It’s a warning not to trust their future costings.” This is the conclusion drawn by Andrew Gunner on his website Feedback Reigns: Act on Climate Change. Andrew provides a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the Coalition’s nuclear energy campaign and shows how ‘cherry-picked’ statistics have been used to justify, support and promote the policy.

Andrew has been working on his Act on Climate Change website since 2009 and it contains a wealth of information relating to the evidence and dangers of global warming, possible solutions and progress towards achieving them. He is well qualified to provide this content having worked for 20 years in the petrochemical industry developing and running computer models to optimise company operations.

How Climate Change Drives Up Australia’s Cost of Living

Climate change is contributing to the cost of living in multiple ways. Any government that is not ambitious with climate action and stopping new coal and gas is embedding an increase in cost of living for all Australians generally through increasing food prices, energy costs, and insurance premiums. Read this great article by John Englart from Climate Action Merribek.

Can we pull the brakes on 3°C?

Climate tipping points are approaching faster than expected—how close are we to 3°C of warming, and what actions could still help avoid this dangerous trajectory? Tune into this highly engaging webinar with climate analyst David Spratt about the risks we face and the critical responses we need to change course. David unpacks the findings of "Collision Course", Breakthrough's latest report that dives into the profound risks of a world under extreme warming—including threats to food security, health, and global stability.

Getting Off Gas - One Person’s Journey

Over the past year, Lawrie Hanson has been on a journey to get his house ‘off gas’ and become a completely electric household. He has had a number of interesting encounters and learning experiences throughout this journey and he has shared these experiences in a detailed article which you can read here. In conclusion, Lawrie says: “although the journey hasn’t been straightforward, I’m delighted with the end result and very content I no longer contribute any gas emissions.” He also thanks DCAN for organising the Energy Masterclass in February 2024 which Lawrie says ‘gave me the impetus and access to the resources to allow the journey to take place.”

Situation Vacant

As you may know, DCAN works closely with the Climate Choir Melbourne. This wonderful group regularly performs all over Melbourne.

To help the audience understand and connect with the choir’s message, we need people to hand out the choir's leaflet, with the lyrics and message. If you think you might be able to help with this, please contact the choir at [email protected]. We will of course support you in the role.

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 Thornbury. 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 March 13th at the Bridge, 131 Shaftesbury Parade, Thornbury.

Invitation: DCAN planning session 2025

While the year is fast drawing to a close, we are already thinking about next year and would like to invite you to join us on Saturday 8th February 2-5pmfor our 2025 planning session.

The upcoming Federal election will be a key focus for us as we plan strategies to elect candidates who are committed to serious and urgent action on the climate crisis. We will also be reviewing our working groups and key roles to ensure DCAN remains a proactive and influential grass roots climate group.

If you are interested in attending, please let us know by email: [email protected] so that we can keep you posted on the details as they come to hand. Many thanks for your support over the past year.

Community outrage at coal mine expansions

As part of nationwide protests outside Labor MP's offices, over 70 people, including many DCAN supporters, demonstrated outside Peter Khalil's office in Brunswick to express outrage over the Albanese government's imminent coal mine approvals.

The Albanese government has rejected legal requests to assess the environmental and climate harm of three new coal mine expansions, paving the way for approval of these climate wrecking projects to go ahead.

Call the PM and your local Labor MP and tell them no more coal mines!

DCAN says no to nuclear fantasy

DCAN recently presented to a public hearing of a Parliamentary Select Committee Inquiry into nuclear power generation in Australia.

In our submission to the inquiry, we argued that nuclear is not a sensible or safe option for Australia. It will simply arrive too late to help with the massive carbon emission reductions that need to be made by 2030. Every dollar invested in nuclear takes away precious investment dollars for the rapid expansion of cheaper, cleaner, renewable energy – an industry already on the ground and embraced by millions of Australians who are putting solar on their roof tops.

We also expressed serious concerns about the radioactive waste generated by nuclear power and the health and safety of families living near nuclear reactors.

Click here for more information and resources.

Stop fracking in the NT - Coburg event

Despite the hot weather, over 200 people turned up at the Coburg Town Hall to hear first hand from NT First Nations and community leaders about thethreats posed by fracking and the Middle Arm gas hub for Country, climate, and the very livability of the Territory. Growing numbers of people across Australia are taking a stand and urging the Prime Minister to redirect the $1.9b subsidy for the toxic Middle Arm gas hub.

DCAN was proud to co-host the event with Climate Action Merri-bek, the Environment Centre NT, Australian Conservation Foundation and supported by many other climate community groups.

Please sign the petition to Labor politicians calling on them to stand up against this fracking madness. Read more about the event and see photos here.

No More Coal & Gas signs popular in Fairfield

Our No More Coal and Gas signs are flying out the door. We gave away 40 signs in just one hour in the Fairfield Village while the Climate Choir Melbourne kept everyone entertained with creatively remastered Christmas carols. Like a sign for your front fence or window? Contact Katherine for your free sign.

3-degrees of warming and humanity's future!

Collision Course - a comprehensive report on the most recent scientific literature on the climate system makes compelling but disturbing reading.

The report comes from the eminent climate policy analyst David Spratt, Research Director at the independent think tank Breakthrough. He is not constrained by the caution imposed on many scientists working for governments and large organisations, and he concludes that we are on track for a world that is hotter by 3°C or more, with unprecedented heat, drowning cities, collapsing food systems, and societal instability.

He points out the radical policy changes needed to meet this existential threat and the requirement for urgent action rather than gradual change.

Download a copy here.