Youth Get Involved In Bowraville River Water Testing Project
By Andrea Ferrari - Nambucca Valley News of The Area
Motivated to make change, 24 young local people from Bowraville participated in an action-oriented leadership workshop run by OzGREEN’S Youth Leading the World team.
They were inspired after being involved in water testing of the Nambucca River with OzGREEN and
Nambucca Riverwatch, where a group of 60 conducted water testing and assessed river health around
Bowraville.
“Volunteers from Nambucca Riverwatch, which is supported by a start-up grant from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, have been consistently finding faecal coliform present at unsafe levels over recent months,”OzGREEN Co-founder Sue Lennox told News Of The Area.
“Faecal coliform being present indicates there is poo in the water.
“It could be from sewage, warm bloodedanimals or birds.
“Consequently, there’s a real risk of waterborne
diseases,” she said.
“We felt it important to do some follow up testing around Bowraville and invited local schools Bowraville Central School, St Mary’s Primary School and Tallowood Steiner School to get involved.” A cohort of 24 came from across the three local schools and gathered at the end of July at Bowraville Theatre for a two-day workshop hosted by OzGREEN with the objective of reviewing findings and creating an action plan for change.
The project is supported by a NSW Government Regional Youth Grant.
Emerging tired but delighted after the two-day leadership workshop, Sue said the experience had been incredibly heartening. “It’s so rewarding to see them face up to what’s going on and get their heads around it, work out what
they want to do to bring about change, and then go on to do something about it,” she said.
“What I love about this process is that we have absolute trust in their capacity to be change leaders and trust in their local know-how.
“They are the best ones to work out what to do,” she said.
At the end of the leadership workshop, a list of six main concerns was decided on by students. Students voted to continue the collaboration of the three schools.
“Their first project is to organise a river health day which will take place at the end of this school term.
“They want to do some weeding, tree planting and more water testing,” said Sue.
In addition, students voiced their intention to educate their classmates on these issues. The group aims to introduce a waste minimisation program at school and to plant vegetable gardens.
“It was wonderful to work collaboratively with teachers from local schools,” said Sue.
“The teachers really valued the students’ getting involved in real world STEM activities,” said Sue.
Linda Burke from Tallowood Steiner School said, “It was a big experience for the children in so many
ways and they returned to school inspired and ready for action.”
Alice Magner from St Mary’s Primary School said, “Such a great experience for our kids.
“I look forward to continuing this journey in the coming months.”
By Andrea FERRARI
rip - roaring results for riverwatch
By Andrea Ferrari - Nambucca Valley News of The Area
All three programs in OzGREEN’s Bellingen Riverwatch project are kicking goals in 2024.
The different programs are tailored to help protect local rivers in actionable and practical ways.
There's the macroinvertebrate (waterbug) monitoring citizen science program, a water quality monitoring citizen science program, and a community riverbank restoration program.
The macroinvertebrate monitoring citizen science program is the largest of its kind in the country.
Its recent and sixth event took place in June, bringing together community members to collect and accurately identify the waterbugs at six sites throughout the Bellingen and Kalang river catchments.
“This program also just released a range of free macroinvertebrate resources to connect community members, students and tourists with these incredible creatures that live in these unique and very healthy rivers,” Program Manager Amy Denshire told News Of The Area.
See www.ozgreen.org.au/macroresources to check them out.
“It takes a long time to support their growth until they’re established, and [young people] are already there on the ground every day. They are there playing basketball, skating, so if people come wanting to hurt the planting, they could be the ones who call them out.”
Bellingen Riverwatch's innovative resources have been used and adapted by any other sister citizen science groups, including the Manning River Turtle Group, Woopi/Woolgoolga River Working Group, and Positive Change for Marine Life.
The program's Steering Committee recently launched a comprehensive data portal that illustrates the monthly water quality data volunteers have collected, alongside other datasets they have collated periodically, including pesticides data, platypus eDNA data and macroinvertebrate data.
"Bellingen Riverwatch volunteers are currently collecting heavy metals data and these results will be added to the portal in the coming months also,” said Amy.
A paper about the program has been published in Frontiers in Environmental Science, an international journal, which compares the citizen science data to scientists' data for the water quality program.
Nakia Belema, a River Health Scientist from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, said, “It is a pleasure to be able to showcase the Riverwatch group's dedicated efforts through the publication of their data.
“As a scientist, to be a part of such a wonderful citizen science group, along with fostering their scientific curiosity, is deeply rewarding.
“This case study has provided an insight into what can be achieved with a highly motivated community group working collaboratively with professional scientists.
“The program has filled data gaps within the broader waterway monitoring programs, creating social and educational benefits for the whole community,” said Nakia.
Lastly, Riverwatch’s newest program, the community riverbank restoration project Bellingen Riverwatch has brought into fruition.
This program is very excited to announce a third event at this site – river youthfest - which will coincide with the youth climate and waterway event on Saturday 17 August during National Science Week and is currently putting out the call for young music artists who might be interested in performing.
Anyone interested can get in touch with lily@ozgreen.org.au.
By Andrea Ferrari.
thank you anton and anna !
After five years in their respective roles as CEO and Partnerships Manager, husband and wife team, Anna and Anton, have decided now is the time to step back and enable two talented long term employees to step up and lead the organisation into an exciting new chapter.
This month we took a few moments to reflect on their time with OzGREEN….
How did you both start working for OzGREEN?
Anton - A friend asked me to join the board of OzGREEN in 2017 and then in late 2018 I was asked to take on the role of CEO. I loved the work that OzGREEN was doing and was ready for a new challenge. It wasn’t a hard decision to say yes!
Anna - I’d dreamed of working for a not for profit organisation for many years. When OzGREEN’s Co-founder, Sue Lennnox, asked me to join OzGREEN I didn’t hesitate. The trust and belief that Sue bestowed in Anton and I was really quite extraordinary. What an amazing gift she gave us by letting us share her life’s work!
What was it like in the beginning?
Anton - It was full of possibilities! The first twelve months involved learning about OzGREEN’s existing programs and also exploring new areas for program development. In early 2019, Sue and I combined our skills to design a program focused on preparing the community for future climate related disasters. The program was very timely because by the end of 2019 we were experiencing the black summer bushfires, followed by a pandemic and then the floods. After a successful pilot program in Bellingen Shire, Resilient Communities went on to be delivered in over thirty locations across the North and Mid North Coast.
Anna - The early days involved a lot of grant writing and a lot of project delivery. OzGREEN’s social and environmental work resonated deeply with me and I was super keen to continue and expand upon it. It was a busy and exciting time!
What did you enjoy during your time at OzGREEN?
Anton - Working with an amazing group of smart, motivated and talented people who were committed to protecting the environment.
Anna - I agree one hundred percent!! There wasn’t a single day, over the last five years, where I didnt want to go to work. That’s largely because of all the wonderful people we worked with and also the type of work we were doing. As a group, we created something beautiful and special that will continue to have a ripple effect for many years to come.
Anton, how has OzGREEN evolved under your leadership?
Many years ago a boss once said to me; “Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you are…..and then get out of their way” So, that’s exactly what I did and that’s how OzGREEN has evolved!
Anna, what are some of the most impactful partnerships you’ve established?
A good partnership involves shared values, trust, respect, fairness, equity, accountability, regular communication and recognition of each partner organisations unique strengths. When the mix is right, positive impact unfolds very naturally! I’ve been so lucky to have been involved in many partnerships over the last five years. Every single one of them has helped to create a positive impact in one way or another. It would be really hard to single out one or two.
How have your roles at OzGREEN impacted you personally and professionally?
Anton - Working for OzGREEN has shown me how effective small organisations can be. OzGREEN has achieved so much over the last five years with very limited resources. My time at OzGREEN has also strengthened my commitment to sustainability and the environment.
Anna - The last five years have taught me that human beings are hardwired to care and to collaborate. As Partnerships Manager for OzGREEN, I’ve experienced so much love, kindness and generosity over the years, and for that I am extremely grateful. Most people really do want to make the world a better place. This innate human quality is precious and beautiful and it’s what continues to inspire and motivate me professionally and personally every single day.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind for the organisation?
Anton - I really wanted to create a workplace where employees were given opportunities to explore and grow, both personally and professionally. I hope all of OzGREEN’s employees continue to feel like they can make a positive difference in the world.
Anna - I hope OzGREEN continues to be a place where people feel heard, valued, supported and empowered. A place that works to address social and environmental challenges, while also prioritising people's happiness and well-being when making decisions and solving problems.
What’s next for both of you professionally?
Anton - I’ve just started work on a local road project that will deliver some really good outcomes for rural people who live in remote areas.
Anna - I’m still writing grants for Bellingen Shire, just for a different organisation.
What will you miss most about OzGREEN?
Anton - I’ll miss working with a group of dedicated, intelligent and motivated employees who consistently go above and beyond to make a difference. It has been a privilege to work with such an exceptional group of people.
Anna - I’ll miss everything! The work ethic, the professionalism, the fun, the laughter, and the excitement of delivering a diverse range of sustainability focussed programs and events. Together, as an organisation, we have delivered so many projects that have achieved positive social, environmental and economic outcomes. I have hundreds of wonderful memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
riveryouthfest gets Loud!
By Adam Norris, The Bellinger Valley Herald Newspaper
The theme of Youth Week 2024 is Express, Empower, Get Loud!, and OzGREEN intends to combine all three at the inaugural riveryouthfest.
Held at the Bellingen Skatepark on Saturday April 13, riveryouthfest is designed for young people aged 11 to 24 years and features musical acts, food, workshops, games and significantly, tree planting.
Co-organiser Amy Denshire believes that by combining these activities, attendees might be encouraged to play an active role in repairing and caring for their local environment.
“Because it’s adjacent to the skate park, we thought it would be really great to do an event that fosters ownership for young people over that planting, so they can help protect it in the years ahead,” Amy said.
“We’re going to try and do 18 events over the next three years and hope to plant over 2000 trees. So, we wanted the first few events to be youth focused, to really get pride over the space happening.”
The inspiration for riveryouthfest came in part from the YOUth Speak 2023 survey commissioned by the Neighbourhood Centres of Bellingen Shire, which saw young people identify the need for more local activities, music and workshops.
By holding it at the skatepark, it is hoped that those who most frequently use the area might also act as protectors of the project.
“It takes a long time to support their growth until they’re established, and [young people] are already there on the ground every day. They are there playing basketball, skating, so if people come wanting to hurt the planting, they could be the ones who call them out.”
Organisers are calling for 25 First Nations people (all ages) to help plant the first 100 trees, and 50 young people to plant the next 200 trees to acknowledge and respect our connection to the land.
The Budaabang Bari Dance Troupe will also be performing, as will local hip hop headliner, Jayess.
“Music has been influencing, helping and inspiring me my whole life,” he said.
“Seeing how artists can channel their energy into a song and create something that everyone can enjoy listening to and even learn from it is what really pushed me to make my own music.”
While the bulk of riveryouthfest is suitable for ages 11 and up, from 3.30pm organisers note that ages 15 and up is more appropriate due to a mature themes in the music.
“We’re looking to next year already,” Amy said.
“What I’d really like is event more young people designing the [next] festival, and bringing what they’d like to see. I’m really hoping that’s something that comes out of this event.”
Spotlight : Kathleen Hannah
This month, we are shining the spotlight on one of our Program Managers, Kathleen Hannah. Kathleen is dedicated, passionate and motivated. I am constantly inspired by her high quality work and her positive impact on the community.
Kathleen has been with OzGREEN for 3 years and wears many hats! She is the Program Manager for Resilient Communities, MyHive, CampMe and Rethink Waste - four of our newer programs that all work towards our mission of creating sustainable communities.
Kathleen is an inspiring woman to say the least! She is very passionate about reducing waste on this planet. We loved getting to know more about the woman behind the work - we hope you do too.
What is your role at OzGREEN?
I am one of the Program Managers at OzGREEN working across a range of projects focussing on youth opportunity, wellbeing and building sustainable communities. Working in this incredibly flexible role, for a very supportive organisation and being super passionate about waste has seen me design one of OzGREEN’s newest Programs : Rethink Waste. With ACTION at the heart, this program is delivered at events, supporting event managers to rethink their waste management systems, to role model effective waste streams and to educate event patrons about recycling, composting and items destined for landfill.
Rethink Waste has successfully diverted hundreds of litres of waste from landfill, instead recycling and composting these items keeping them in the loop. Thousands of simple, yet highly effective interactions with patrons at event bins stations have clarified and cleared up confusion around waste items. And let’s face it - there is a lot of conflicting information out there… who doesn’t need help when it comes to which bin to use!
Empowered with this knowledge, the people attending these events are then able to implement waste changes within their homes and workplaces creating a ripple effect of change, ultimately leading to less landfill generated and a greater awareness of finite resources. What’s not to love about that!
What do you love most about your role?
ACTION - supporting people to make change - the big and the small. I love that this is my job!
The Rethink Waste community is growing but we can do more - reach more people, divert more from landfill, inspire more change… but we can only do it with the help of our incredible volunteers. Working with Rethink is an amazing opportunity to reach an audience that often doesn’t engage in environmental education - everyone needs to go to the bin, right? It is a great way to develop confidence and communication skills and is suited to all ages. If you or someone you know is passionate about waste, wants to join a growing movement, or be part of positive change, I encourage you to get in touch. We are supporting the Made with Love Markets Coffs Harbour this Sunday, 3rd March, will be at the Dream on Festival Yarrawarra on Sunday, 21st April and at the Bellingen Show on the 4th and 5th May and are looking for volunteers to support these events. Register on our rethink page or on our events page.
What are you working on in terms of your personal sustainability at the moment, or what’s something you are proud of from your sustainability journey?
The past couple of years I have been developing a garden with a friend. It's a huge plot, with so much potential. We grow loads of delicious, fresh produce which inspires all sorts of tasty meals. But with all the growth comes the weeds…. sometimes the plot can feel overwhelming, especially in summer. Experiencing feelings of overwhelm while doing an activity that I love has been challenging for me. I have had to learn to step back, focus on small achievable steps, while working towards a much bigger goal.
The garden also represents a different type of sustainability - personal sustainability. The connection to nature, the joy of watching seedlings grow, the quiet, the mountain views and the time to dream. The relationship and connection I experience, working and chatting alongside a dear friend, sustains me and helps balance the more intense times of the week. By taking time to pursue activities that are important to me both mentally and environmentally I am able to be more present, productive and effective in other activities I do at home and at OzGREEN.
Spotlight : Amy Denshire
This month, we are shining the spotlight on one of our Program Managers, Amy Denshire. Amy has been with OzGREEN in a project capacity since 2011, part-time since 2018, and first volunteered in our programs in 2009. She is the Manager for Communications, Bellingen Riverwatch and Nature Connection.
What does a typical day at OzGREEN look like for you?
My role at OzGREEN is very diverse and that’s the way I like it! I work on web and graphic design, event coordination, help with project concepts and designing programs. I support all staff with comms and I love that this means I get to connect with all of our wonderful team. I spend time training and mentoring junior staff which I really enjoy aswell. Every so often, I come out of my bat cave, and join in OzGREEN events. I love connecting with the community and this very much fuels me in the work that I do. Comms for me, is much more than messaging. Done well, it guides strategy, and I’m proud of the work I am doing within this realm at OzGREEN at the moment.
How did you come about to do this work in the world?
Ever since I can remember, I’ve wanted to make a positive difference in the world. I loved art, social studies and maths at school, and studied Industial Design, Education and Regional Community Development at Uni. Industrial Designers solve problems and this is definitely what I was put on this Earth to do! My brain absolutely LOVES solving problems.
I started working with Bellingen Riverwatch in 2018 and felt so welcomed instantly by the BR volunteer family. I had worked on science events before, but never citizen science, and I am totally hooked! With citizen science, and with communication - there’s so many dimensions to it - the problem is never solved, there’s always more refinement that can be done. My brain loves that complexity.
What are some things you love about your role?
The people I work with. Hands down. (Including the amazing OzGREEN volunteers!!!)
Also, the meaning for me behind the work.
At OzGREEN, we work within the four pillars of sustainability : Human, Social, Economic and Environmental. Previously, my community development work was solely driven by the impact it would create on the environment. In recent years, what drives me in this work has shifted more towards the social benefits. The drive for environmental benefits is still there - but at the forefront, for me, is the impact this work has on communities socially.
Mental health is an issue I am passionate about. I have seen enough evidence now to know, through-and-through, that the work I do at OzGREEN - in Bellingen Riverwatch, in Nature Connection events, and in comms - has a positive effect on people’s wellbeing (and helps the planet too!). This is what drives me everyday to do my best work in the world. I urge you to come to one of our Macro Musters to see what I mean! It’s strange how looking deeply at tiny bugs with a group of strangers for a few hours can make you feel so good - but there is science behind why it does - and believe me, it just does!
What are you working on in terms of your personal sustainability at the moment, or what’s something you are proud of from your sustainability journey?
I’ve lived with a composting toilet for seven years now and am proud of the impact that this is making. I‘m also eating more vegetarian these days. Both my young daughters are vego and whilst I am not, them being vegetarian inspires me to eat more vegetarian meals than I otherwise would. Yet another example of the younger generation leading the older generation!
What are some highlights from your work with OzGREEN?
The Macro Musters are definitely a regular highlight of my year. The Thrive Festival was so wonderful as well, plus I loved the Orama School Tree Planting workshop. Representing Bellingen Riverwatch to receive two national awards was also a highlight for me.
What are some things you’re working on at the moment with OzGREEN / what have you got coming up?
Lots coming up! The next big thing is Macro Muster 5. We’re going to be at the Growers Market this Saturday to promote it so come down, say g’day and meet some waterbugs! We’ve changed the format this round to dramatically increase the impact of the event, which I find exciting. We’re also planning bird walks, walks with Elders and tree planting workshops with High Schools at the moment, plus an Inter-school River Fun Day for local primary school students that’s happening early next year.
What’s one of your most memorable moments in nature?
I was witness to this incredible whale breach, standing at the edge of the baths in Newcastle East that I’ll never forget. Also, scuba diving, both on the Great Barrier Reef and in the Solitary Islands Marine Park.
What’s something that’s on your bucket list to do with nature?
I would love to snorkel with whale sharks on the Ningloo reef and see the night sky in the Australian desert.