Congratulations to all who were involved in the Human Sign today (Monday 20th August 2008).
You are making difference!
There were considerable difficulties presented by wind, rain and clouds. Well done all the students at Apollo Bay and Elliminyt Primary in Colac who faced long waiting times while the plane found a way across the Ranges. Particularly well done the two Peters, Peter Bourne and Peter Geekie who did the organising. And big clap for Jeffrey Richardson who took the photos and for Tony McElvaney on the video camera. See Video of the sign.
Special thanks to Victor Bongiorno of Apollo Bay Aviation for braving the weather and supplying the plane. The central Victorian Climate Action Groups cancelled their signs as did the Surf Coast Shire Seems that nothing can stop people in the Otway Ranges.
John McConchie, Principal, Apollo Bay P-12 College says, ‘Each generation of students seems to face a defining issue. For my generation in the 60’s and 70’s it was the Vietnam War. Today young people are bombarded with frightening news about global warming and climate change. The Apollo Bay community is very environmentally sensitive and the never ending stream of negative information has a greater impact on young people than we realise. Giving students the opportunity to take positive action and creatively express their concerns is a very healthy process.’
Here are some of Jeffrey’s photos (reduced in resolution for the web):
Image#1. ‘Act Now!’ from the air formed by the students of Apollo Bay School
Image#2. ‘Act Now!’ from the air but wider – formed by the students of Apollo Bay School
Image#3. ‘Act Now!’ from the air but wider again – formed by the students of Apollo Bay School
Image#4. ‘CO2!’ from the air – formed by the students of Elliminyt Primary at Colac
CO2!’ from the air but wider – formed by the students of Elliminyt Primary at Colac
Email Simon Pockley or phone 0418575525 for high resolution copies of these images. Or, you can contact Jeffery Richardson: 0409 331 596
What’s next?
ORCA intends to hold a public forum on Friday evening 17th of October 2008 in order to identify practical local actions that the Otway community can take that will address the risks of damaging climate change. Professor John Sherwood of Deakin University will speak on the impact of climate change on the Otways.