Coastal Changemakers
Our coast. Our future.
Are you passionate about unique wildlife or curious about conservation?
Join us for Coastal Changemakers: an inspiring evening dedicated to protecting our beautiful local environment and discovering how you can get involved!
Our Mission
To empower the Barwon Heads (and surrounding) communities to take control over their environmental impact, aiming to reduce feelings of eco-anxiety and powerlessness!
General Information
During the evening, you’ll hear from inspiring local eco-experts, get hands-on with marine specimens at our touch table, and test your wildlife knowledge with animal trivia for a chance to win prizes. You’ll also learn about local conservation groups and how you can get involved with tree planting, wildlife protection, or beach cleanups.
Meet our speakers!
Kade Mills
Kade Mills is a nerd who is either head down bum up on the rock platform looking for sea slugs or running across the rock platform to go for a surf. He is also the ReefWatch Coordinator at the Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA), where he has spent a decade connecting people with Victoria’s extraordinary marine and coastal environments. With a background in marine ecology and more than 25 years of experience in marine conservation, Kade works with scientists, community groups and volunteers to monitor and protect Victoria’s reefs and coastal habitats.
Brooke McGovern
I’m the Engagement Coordinator at Bellarine Catchment Network, where I work to protect and enhance the unique natural environments of the Bellarine Peninsula through community engagement and environmental education.
Before joining Bellarine Catchment Network, I worked as a snorkel instructor in Port Phillip Bay, sharing my passion for the incredible Great Southern Reef and helping people connect with our marine environment.
I’m currently developing the Bellarine Marine Care Project, supported by the Victorian Government through DEECA. The project aims to encourage community participation in citizen science, build a better understanding of our local marine ecosystems, and inspire people to work together to protect and care for the Bellarine’s coastal and marine environments.
Jon Duthie
Jon is a volunteer and founding member of Friends of the Bluff. Since 1994, Jon has helped FoB remove truckloads of weeds; publish 3 field guides and develop the “Living on the Edge” website. He has organised seminars, forums, working bees, citizen science projects and festivals; conducted 100’s of walks/talks; turned over a lot of rocks; collected tonnes of litter; campaigned for greater habitat protections; written dozens of submissions and articles and attended far too many meetings. Despite his ongoing passion for our coast his partner, Amanda still talks to him.
Why our mission matters
Since COVID, volunteer numbers at environmental NGOs have declined drastically, leaving essential conservation projects without the support they need to protect our ecosystems. At the same time, UNICEF studies show that over 60% of young people feel “very or extremely worried about environmental problems.” By creating a space where youth can connect with others and learn how to take direct action, we can help reduce this sense of powerlessness while providing local organisations with the vital support they need to thrive!
FAQs
All tickets are free!
Free snacks, soft drinks and hot drinks are available throughout the evening at the refreshments table
When you arrive, head to the main entrance behind the memorial. As you enter the hall, present your confirmation email or ticket in your phones ‘wallet’ to our friendly volunteers!
While this event is aimed at ages 12 to 25, it is open to absolutely everyone!