You don't have to be a hippy

It's true. You don't need to be a hippy to care for our Earth. 
You don't need to be a hippy to be passionate about climate change.
You certainly don't need to be a hippy to create change in this world of ours.

Yet many people have this preconception that if you want to look after the Earth, you must be a hippy. Chris Van Ingen has shown Geelong otherwise. 

Last night, I attended an amazing display of talent and creativity at the Reel Change Film Festival. The night was designed to showcase films created by the youth of Geelong that shared a message of 'Climate change, be the change'. 

I am truly in awe of the amazing talent, passion and dedication that the youth of Geelong have for climate change. From the young people who organised the film festival to the film makers, I am privileged to be a part of such an inspiring movement to create change. 

Chris Van Ingen, my cousin, was one of these film makers. He wrote, directed and produced a brilliant short film entitled 'Just Good Business'. Chris wanted to highlight the fact that you don't need to be a "hippy" to care about our environment. He simply wants to look after the world for his nephew and by growing your own vegetables, having chickens, solar power and catching public transport...it's just good business because in the long run, living with the earth is a more economical way of living. 

Chris wanted people to understand that anyone can be the change and I totally agree with him.

We can be the real change in our world.

Chris received an award for 'Best Actor' at the Reel Change Film Festival

Good evening and welcome to television

Television: Past, Present and Future

A Trivia Night to Remember

The people of Medimime have been working endlessly for months in preparation for this year's trivia night fundraiser. Costumes being made, sponsorship letters written and questions collated.

With two lovely hosts and a series of questions covering trivia from musicals, medieval time and general knowledge the night was well on its way.

Families, friends and work mates all came together to support this great cause, with all money raised going towards the Palliative Care McKellar Centre. 

Music provided by The Gems got people up and dancing and provided an extra touch to the music questions especially with people swaying at their tables. 

All around the room, you could see people laughing and simply having a great time.

Everyone working together to answer questions or for things to run smoothly behind the scenes. 

I was happy to have two delightful little helpers during the night. 

Although, the final numbers haven't been calculated we can definitely say that our trivia night was a success. 

Thank you to all who showed their support for this year's Medimime trivia night, for providing amazing prizes, for dressing up, for gathering friends and family, and for all who worked behind the scenes. 

All of you have made this a trivia night to remember.

Welcome with open arms

It was last year when I had the privilege of meeting the remarkable Jarrod McKenna. Amongst other Oaktree volunteers, I heard him speak of love and activism. A late night conversation made me confident that there are others out there who practice the same faith as me. I still remember hearing him explain that “love is my religion”.

Now, this amazing guy is truly practicing love. Jarrod McKenna and his lovely family have found their first home. The difference is their first home, they wish to be others’ first home too. They are welcoming with open arms refugees, the new Australians, of their Perth community.

With enough bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens for three families, Jarrod McKenna and his family have found the perfect home. There is one issue though. Although their offer has been accepted on the house, the banks are refusing to view it as a residential property and therefore have rejected their home loan application.

Jarrod proposes that “The banks don’t get it. Maybe you do?”

So friends, family and strangers within the community are rallying together so that their dream for a welcoming home can come true.

Jarrod and his wife, Teresa, need to raise $600,000 by Sunday 12 August so that their First Home Project can become more than a dream.

If you would like to support this dream, donations or loans are both gratefully received by Jarrod and Teresa.

By welcoming refugees not just into the community but into your family as well, I am thankful Jarrod.

Continue to practice love in everything you do.

Leaves of my family tree

“…without you I would never be me, you are the leaves of my family tree…”

‘Sing Together’, Train

There are times when words never seem enough. Things happen that can totally flip your world upside down. Thankfully, love for one another can be expressed in so many more ways.

With a hug. A smile. A look.

This past week has been an emotional week around the Peace Tree. When a loved one passes away it can be easy to simply fall apart. With my family, we have pulled together. A cocoon of support. It will be tough for a while but it draws us together.

Whenever someone passes away, I find it brings so many memories of my loved ones who are no longer here. All the raw emotions from past funerals and goodbyes come swirling back and countless tears are shed and many hugs needed.

However, death is a part of life. I do know this. It does not make it easier though.

There has been so many times where I want to show my grandad something I’ve done or share with him how I am doing at university. To make up fairy tales and talk life philosophy with my dear Roly. To simply hug my great-grandad and hear his stories. To have met the wonderful women that were my Oma and Grandma.

I take comfort in knowing that they are all at peace now, an ultimate peace. I hear stories of what they were like when they were younger and I share my memories of them. People’s stories can continue to live on and without having these beautiful people in my life I wouldn’t be the person I am today. They are, and always will be, the leaves of my family tree.

Climate change, be the change

You don’t need to be a climate scientist to make a difference.

As Anna Rose says “...we don’t need anything other than what we already have to do this. Our minds. Our bodies. Our words. And most importantly our hearts.”

That is definitely what this amazing group of people do every day. The values of sustainability, peace and advocacy for the earth are incorporated throughout their lives.

When I am feeling down about the state of our world, I think of these guys. I know that with people like Zac, Sam, Madison, Edward and all of the AYCC Geelong gang our world is in safe hands.

Each one of them makes a difference in this world. Not one of them is a climate scientist, in fact most are still in high school, and yet their knowledge, enthusiasm and organisational skills just amaze me.

Last night, I went to dinner with these lovely people and had fantastic in depth conversations of climate action, organising federal budgets and many hypothetical questions around foreign aid.

Amidst these conversations, I learnt of their latest endeavour ‘Reel Change’, a film festival allowing young people to have a voice on climate change. The funds raised from the film festival will go directly to assisting local businesses in Geelong transition to a low carbon future.

With creativity and enthusiasm, these young people will continue to create real change in this world of ours.

For more information, you can register here or visit the ‘Reel Change’ Facebook page. The Reel Change Film Festival will be run Friday 31 August. Head here to book your ticket to see this youth led film festival. 

Fairytales, puppets and friends...

Entering into a magical world and instantly transforming into our childhood selves, we explored the land of Camelot and shires.

Venturing past the babbling brook, the quirky creatures of the Furry Menaces joined our entourage.

Imagination ran wild as we pictured pixies living under mushrooms and saw the smiles on children’s faces as they explored the castles.

On our journey to the summit, Zan looked on in wonder at the sleeping possum who had taken refuge in one of the cottages.

Together we climbed and like true princes and princesses, we surveyed our kingdom...what a beautiful world we live in.

The land was at peace until we heard the growling from further in the castle grounds.

Cautiously, we crept past the colourful mushrooms...

...and Lewey couldn’t resist making a wish as we made our way closer.

With the growl now becoming a roar, we could see a dragon had entered our kingdom. 

Armed with a sonic screwdriver and determination, Jamie fought on.

The battle was fierce. The sonic screwdriver almost eaten.

But as in all fairytales, the hero prevailed and we happily skipped away without a scratch.

There was peace once more in the kingdom.

Music and peace in my heart

The last week has been such a beautiful, soulful time spent with family.

Together we have created wonderful music in front of the wood fire in our mountain hideaway and made our debut on the music scene.

We have shared laughter over silly faces, quirky dance moves and perhaps a bit of friendly cheating on the local mini golf course.

Time was spent with my mum crocheting away by the fire while Chris busies himself with poetry or music.

The wonderful people of Halls Gap Zoo allowed us to meet the gorgeous meerkats, stunning snakes and delightful deer. It was such an amazing experience with smiles all around.

With the television off, we were able to truly get in touch with the world around us and take time to just soak in nature.

As we prepare to leave the cosy town of Halls Gap, I can truly feel the music and peace in my heart.

Till next year Halls Gap!