Peter Combe to feature at Picnic Party for Our Planet
Local parents have invited all local federal election candidates to get involved and listen to the community at the “Picnic Party for Our Planet” on Saturday 7 May.
“Parents are looking to candidates and elected representatives to provide leadership on climate action,” said local organise, mother-of-two Andrea van Eyk.
The picnic will be held at Glenelg Foreshore Playground, and will feature live music from our very special guest Peter Combe OAM, as well as face painting, stalls from local climate groups, kids’ activities and more.
Combe, a popular Australian children’s entertainer and Aria Award-winning musician, has written a climate action song for children “Sun comes up, sun goes down” which he will be performing with some children at the picnic.
“Being the father of four children and having seven grandchildren, I am acutely aware of the dangers of climate change which we are experiencing right now. Like so many people I’m frustrated at the lack of urgency shown by our two major political parties,” he said.
“The recent IPCC report reinforcing the seriousness of the situation could not be clearer. The planet is on the precipice and urgent action is required. I want my grandchildren and ALL children to live in a healthy environment.”
“It will be a positive, family friendly event and a great opportunity for candidates to connect with their local constituents. They can hear first hand what climate action means to us, and why as parents this is a huge moral and economic issue. Candidates’ presence will be a positive step in demonstrating their willingness and desire to work with our community to effectively address this issue,” Ms van Eyk said.
Local parents have been pushing for pledges from election candidates to support solar and batteries to schools and early childhood centres, in their electorate and nationally, if elected.
Solar and batteries on schools will save schools money in power bills to put towards more teachers and educational resources. Figures from Beyond Zero Emissions’ Million Jobs Plan shows large schools can save $114,000 in annual energy bills and $12,700 in small schools per year. These savings will only increase as energy prices continue to rise, as the Australian Energy Market Operator is indicating.
So far five candidates in Boothby have already pledged, including Labor’s Louise Miller-Frost, independent Jo Dyer, Jeremy Carter from The Greens, and Frankie Bray from the Animal Justice Party
Between 2-8 May, parents around Australia are organising community climate events, from a walk with friends, a playgroup, a family picnic, a play-in out the front of your local candidates office or a Climate Coffee.
There are 25 events registered around the country.
