The Ecology Symposium at Waverley College on 31 October, was a thought-provoking event, gathering like-minded students, teachers, MPs, council staff, Indigenous Elders, and public figures in one place to collaborate and fight for the future of our planet. The St Edward’s participants were students from the Environment, Sport Health and Wellbeing Portfolio.

The day was held in the RJ Wallace Performing Arts Centre, starting with a smoking ceremony as we entered, followed by an Acknowledgement to Country both led by Indigenous Elder, Uncle Dean Kelly.

After a brief introduction and outline of the day, Uncle Dean Kelly returned, providing an extremely inspiring and resonating speech about taking responsibility for our actions, living every day as it comes and being grateful.

Following this, Mr Geoff Lui, a Torres Strait Islander man from North Queensland and the Senior Project Officer for Indigenous Research at James Cook University, explained how Torres Strait Islander peoples lived in harmony with the land and sea, maintaining a deep connection, until relatively recently when the impacts of climate change—such as rising sea levels and unpredictable weather—became so severe that many had to leave their islands and relocate to mainland Queensland. Thus, leading to many detrimental effects including the loss of culture and connection to the land. He explained that although plans are in place to attempt to retain their culture, it will never be the same, and he urged the Australian Government to do much more to protect their islands.

After a short morning tea, St Patrick’s College Strathfield presented on their recent excursion to Fiji and how climate change has caused devastating impacts to the surrounding reefs, buildings and waterlines. Their presentation further reinforced Mr Geoff Lui’s point that the Australian Government needs to take stronger action to address climate change.

Followed by this, the Member for Wentworth, Ms Allegra Spender spoke to us about the challenges and key factors in creating change within parliament, and how to get politicians to listen and drive change within a smaller community and a more macro level.

After this, we were graced with the presence of the famous Gardening Australia television presenter, Mr Costa Georgiadis, speaking about driving change as youth advocates, in an incredibly captivating and inspiring way.

After lunch, we worked with our table groups to develop emails to corporates and governments about doing more due to the effects of climate change.

Dr Marjorie O’Neill, the NSW State Member for Coogee, then spoke about the state government and how the community should use their voice to fuel change.

This was followed by Mr Sam McGuinness, the Executive Manager for Sustainability at Waverly Council speaking about sustainability in our local community, and the initiatives that the Waverly Council is undertaking for the Environment. These initiatives include, assisting Waverly College and other schools in acquiring Solar Panels, the subsidisation of compost bins, the maintaining of clean waterways, the protection of native plant species, the encouragement of carbon neutral public transport, as well as the target of Carbon Neutral by 2030 for the council, and 2035 for the Community. It would be exciting to see the Central Coast Council be as proactive as the Waverly Council with Climate Change and Environmental topics throughout the years to come.

After a closing address and final remarks, the day ended with plenty to think about and take on board. We thank Waverly College for putting on such a fantastic day and we are all looking forward to next year’s Ecology Symposium.