Welcome to the October edition of the DCAN Dispatch, packed full of practical ways for you to support climate change action and get inspired!

KEY EVENTS & NEWS

Northcote Election Climate Forum: Thursday 3 November, 7pm–8:30pm at Span Community House Thornbury

Show the candidates that we want emergency climate action in this term of government! RSVP here.

The election forum is a great opportunity to put questions directly to the candidates. All candidates with climate policies will be invited. The forum will be moderated by Emeritus Professor Judith Brett - well known political historian, author, and resident of Northcote. 

Brought to you by the Darebin Climate Alliance (DCA). All people attending the event are encouraged to wear a mask and keep a safe distance from each other.

Darebin/Northern Melbourne Community EV Show & Shine: Sunday 6 November, 10am–2pm at Bundoora Secondary College

Are you keen to find out more about electric cars AND find one that you can afford? DCAN, in partnership with the Good Car Company, is very excited to invite you to register for our free upcoming program of information on the benefits of electric vehicles (EVs) and how you can find one that is more affordable.

The Good Car Company is a social enterprise dedicated to decarbonising transport and has been working with community groups and local councils across Australia to accelerate the take-up of affordable electric cars through community bulk buys.

Register now to join us for a free, no-obligation program of information, online Q&A, and the Show & Shine event on Sunday 6 November at Bundoora Secondary College. The Show & Shine event will feature the cars on offer, information sessions, test rides, a coffee cart, sausage sizzle, and live music!

You will be able to buy an EV at a much more affordable price through the program - but there is absolutely no obligation to buy. If you don’t end up buying you will still be armed with the information you need to make a decision in the future. Please contact us if you have any questions. Proudly supported by Darebin City Council’s Community Grants program.

DCAN visits Moondog Brewery

A few of the DCAN Planning Group members were invited for a tour of Moon Dog World in Preston last month. DCAN is keen to be in touch with local Darebin businesses as the Snapshot report shows industrial and commercial electricity make up 41% of Darebin’s carbon emissions.

We had a fascinating tour of the brewing area by Karl van Buuren, one of the founders. A repurposed Toyota factory, Moondog has put on 100kw of solar PV and has a retractable roof area. Gas is used in the brewing process and Karl described how this was hard to replace with current technology.

Moondog is currently working with consultants to achieve carbon-neutral certification which is due to happen soon. Significant work has been done with packaging to reduce it and ensure the sources of products are environmentally friendly. At the end of the tour, we were treated to some Seltzer. Many thanks to Karl and the team for such an excellent presentation.

Induction Cooktops - Portable Possibilities

Here's a tip from Eileen (pictured) and Keith for using less gas, for both homeowners and renters. Keith and Eileen bought a cheap portable induction cooktop. For two people in the dwelling, it has worked very well. They cooked with it almost exclusively for two years.

A portable single induction cooktop costs well under $100 online and is sometimes on special at Aldi. Keith and Eileen used a magnet to make sure their saucepans were compatible. 

For Keith and Eileen, transitioning off gas was vital, and this was a short term step. Now they are going the whole hog and replacing the gas stove with an all-electric induction stove. A portable induction cooktop can still be a good solution over the long term. And renters can take it with them!

We wonder about the feasibility of a borrowing scheme so people can trial induction cooking. We see a real need to combat the 'gas cooking is easy' messages of the gas industry. Have you successfully transitioned to induction cooking? Email us your story!

Fence signs targeting the upcoming Victorian election

Please help us get these fence signs out! We have two versions available and would be very happy to hear from anyone who would like to put these up on their fence or gate.

If you live near a railway station or on a prominent road, these are always effective places for these signs.

If you would like a fence sign please get in touch with Katherine, who can arrange for you to pick up a sign or will deliver it to your address.

E: [email protected]
M: 0402 451 236

OTHER EVENTS

Leafletting help needed for the Victorian Forest Alliance

You might have noticed some leaflets and signage in Northcote for the Victorian Forest Alliance - but they still need some help with this, especially around Richmond, Prahran, and Albert Park. 

Click here for more information about their upcoming events and to help out.

Oakhill Food Justice Farm Gardening Day: Sunday 23 October 10am–1.30pm in Preston

Oakhill Farm is a community urban farm and food forest in the heart of Preston, on the corner of Plenty Road and Tyler Street.

100% of the produce grown onsite is distributed amongst Oakhill farmers and through food relief initiatives such as DIVRS. By offering training in urban agriculture and peer-to-peer networking opportunities, Oakhill Food Justice Farm not only builds food systems literacy but empowers community members with new skills and stronger social connections.

The ACF Community is planning an exciting morning on Sunday 23 October where there will be seed sowing, planting, maintenance, and learning new skills, followed by a BBQ. This is a great opportunity to learn about how to pursue a backyard food farm through learning new skills, listening, and observing what is involved. 

RSVP here but hurry as places are limited!

Active Hope Workshop: Saturday 22 October, 9am - 6:30pm at Gembrook

Gembrook Retreat is hosting a workshop called 'Active Hope in Times of Change and Crisis' that may interest some of our members. For more information and to sign up, click here.