Singing isn’t the obvious response to tackling climate change.
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However, at a time of climate policy uncertainty, we’ve found a tried and true way to foster hope.
It’s not in the form of political action or public demonstration - but a community climate choir.
We’ve chosen to sing for change.
Bungendore is a small town in NSW of about 3500 people, a few hours out from Canberra.
People from all sides of the political debate can see that our town has been rocked by climate change.
People from all sides of the political debate can see that our town has been rocked by climate change.
We are in an area of high bushfire risk, and we have seen properties and people devastated by the impact of fire in this region over the past few years.
Our town has also seen dramatic cycles of drought and flood.
Weereewa (also known as Lake George) is an iconic reminder of the changeability of weather in our region.
Three years ago, the lake was completely dry.
Last year a season of unusually heavy rain brought the lake back to life.
Swans, ducks, heron and even fish returned to the lake.
The place became abundant and beautiful.
Now, after only a year and much less rainfall, the lake is quickly receding again.
It won’t be long before it is totally dry once more.
But we have a voice in the struggle to protect our environment. Indeed, we have a collection of voices -our choir.
We will hit the right note to raise awareness of our environmental plight.
We’re only a small group, but we’re big in purpose and our voices will be heard.
Tracy Bourne is a member of the Bungendore Community Choir, part of the Climate Choir Project — www.seam.org.au/climatechoir