Follow passion to make climate change impact

The Goulburn Valley Environmental Group has thrown its support behind youth who wish to engage in climate activism.

Have a voice: GVEG committee
member Mel Stagg is letting
 young people know they are not
alone when it comes to tackling
climate change.

Group committee member Mel Stagg said they wanted the youth of Greater Shepparton who had a strong passion about the environment’s future to know they were not alone.

‘‘We want young people who care about climate change to know they’re not alone in our community. There’s other young people out there in our community who care, too, and we can help connect you,’’ she said.

Ms Stagg said the group would help to facilitate a way for those interested in taking part in this month’s Student Climate Strikes to do so.

‘‘We want to connect young people from across the Goulburn Valley and support them to represent in Melbourne or band together at a local event for the Global Climate Strike,’’ she said.

Ms Stagg said if a large number of young people were interested, there would be the potential to have a strike event in Shepparton or alternatively, they would arrange transport to Melbourne.

‘‘Anyone under the age of 18 will need permission from their parents,’’ she said.

‘‘And we do have a couple of people with working with children’s checks.’’

She said there was the potential for the group to cover the ticket cost of those who were facing financial hardship.

Ms Stagg highlighted the fact the group could help to connect these young people to leaders and politicians where they could have their voices heard.

‘‘It’s their future and they’re the ones that are going to be living it in,’’ she said.

‘‘It’s so important young people stand up and say we’ve had enough.

‘‘Our politicians aren’t listening.’’

And while the group will facilitate the strike action, fellow environmental community group Transition Tatura has encouraged youth to raise awareness of environmental issues.

Member Ross Musolino said it was crucial youth were involved in this process.

‘‘We’re not going to save ourselves — it’s got to be up to the next generation,’’ he said.

Mr Musolino echoed Ms Stagg’s comments about the government and its lack of action when it came to climate change.

‘‘Obviously, Scott Morrison and his people are not going to fix it,’’ Mr Musolino said.

‘‘As we know, all politicians only care about every two years . . . and what will win them votes.’’ 

• ●Ms Stagg encouraged the youth who wished to participate in the Global Climate Strike on March 15 to get in touch with Goulburn Valley Environmental Group on gvclimateaction@gmail.com To become involved with GVEG on a regular basis, visit its website http://gveg.org.au/ and get in touch.

Story from The Shepparton News by Tara Whitsed - “Follow passion to make climate change impact.”