Surfers for Climate is hosting a series of movie nights and stimulating conversations about the future of our oceans in New South Wales next week (March 14 onwards) .
The family-friendly events include the screening of Great Ocean Love, an all-female surf film celebrating the wonders of surfing along the stunning Otway Coastline in Victoria.
In Forster on Wednesday March 15, the event will be hosted by Surfers for Climate with Holly Rankin (AKA Aria nominated musician Jack River) moderating a panel discussion following the film screening.
Panelists include: Kate Akkerman (Clean Tide Forster), Tishiko King (proud Kulkalaig woman from the Island of Masig, First Nations Board Director at Coral Sea Foundation) and Josh Kirkman, CEO Surfers for Climate.
The Great Ocean Love film follows Belinda Baggs, Linley Hurrell and Lilly Pollard on a journey of discovery that features local women who love the coastline like they do, as well as a whale dreaming story that can teach all of us a few lessons on why we need to protect the places we love.
Belinda Baggs, founder of Surfers for Climate, said: "Impacts of a changing climate are literally pushing our breaks and coastlines to a breaking point. So many of us rely on a healthy environment for wellbeing and livelihoods. Never before has it been so important to safeguard the future of regional areas and communities.
"The solutions are abundant and what better way to start change than a conversation about the importance of protecting the waters and investing in lasting jobs in the new energy economy, so we can all continue riding waves in thriving oceans. The events are going to be a blast and a friendly space to celebrate surfing and the spectacular areas we live in."
Surfer Tully White said she was also concerned about the impact of gas drilling in her region. "I'm from down Sydney-way and at the moment we have the threat of (offshore gas project) PEP-11 The thought of having drilling off our doorstep is unfathomable really, it's such a special piece of coastline," she said.
The panel discussion will follow the film, exploring the boundless oceanic opportunities for addressing the climate crisis and what the impact of more offshore oil and gas drilling would be on the livelihoods of thousands of people who rely on a healthy coastline each and every day.
Movie and convo sessions:
Byron Bay Tue 14th Mar 2023, Beach Hotel Byron
Forster Wed 15th Mar 2023, Wharf St Distillery
Bondi Fri 17th Mar 2023 Beach Road Hotel Bondi
Cronulla Monday 20th Mar 2023 Northies - TBC
Freshwater Wed 22nd Mar 2023, Harbord Hotel
Avalon Thu 23rd Mar 2023, venue TBC
Redfern Fri 24th Mar 2023, Redfern Surf Club
For more info go to: https://surfersforclimate.org.au/great-ocean-love
