The Central Coast Greens is one of the many groups who have been mastering how to conduct meetings and move public events online in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last month they held the first of a series of panel discussions on a Green New Deal for the Central Coast – what it might look like, and how to make it happen.
The next discussion panel for a Green New Deal on the Central Coast will be held on Saturday, July 25 11 am through to 12.30 pm. The event will feature civil and environmental engineer and life-long activist for social and environmental justice NSW Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Climate Emergency Coordinator for the NSW Teachers Federation Kelly Marks and Ex-President Australian Teachers’ Union, writer and local activist Dr Van Davy. This session will have a special focus on education.
The first forum took place on Zoom on June 20, and feedback from the audience members was extremely positive. “Well worth a listen. Great session with three knowledgeable and interesting speakers,” said one, while another commented, “Inspiring and informative -thanks so much!”
Chantelle Baistow, one of the organisers, said “We aim to create a forum to discuss what is progress is already being made, and where the practical opportunities lie in the economy after COVID-19. This is a crucial time for regeneration and renewable industries, while also making sure a just and diverse transition is made with sustainable job opportunities and support.
She said, “The team had planned to hold these as a one-day forum, but with COVID-19 we’ve switched to this format, and it’s working out really well.
“People can join in from the comfort of their homes – or even in their cars – and ask questions or make comments in the chat. It’s been particularly good for people who might normally have trouble travelling or sitting through a full day.”
If you are interested, it is free to register here and then the link will be emailed to you.
Meanwhile, you can still catch the replay of the first-panel session here. Dr Micheal Askew looked at circular economies, David engaged with connections between communication, culture, commerce, and Abigail Boyd, a locally based Greens MLC spoke about grassroots approach to a Green New Deal.