Last year Nannas were thrilled to see koalas in the wild in South West Sydney. Les Shearim, a local man who spends a lot of his life around Smith’s Creek observing the wildlife, takes groups of people on strolls down the creek looking for koalas and other wildlife.
Stroll along Smith’s Creek
Last week Nanna Caroline joined Les and over 50 keen community members for a guided wander along the creek.
The day started with two local WIRES wildlife rescuers giving a talk about their work to protect and rescue koalas who are often injured on Appin Road and other roads. Their work is highly skilled, demanding and sometimes very distressing.
After the talk the group split up to walk down the creek. It took a while but eventually someone spotted Dot the female koala just off the track. Lots of birdlife was seen along the way and a good size red belly black snake was observed for a good five minutes before it slithered off.
Nanna Caroline said “What a treat” and “Les is a sensational guide”.
Keep an eye out for the next stroll and check out the great photos on Les’s facebook page Wild Things on Smith’s Creek
Safe Climate Equal Future Forum – Pacifica people call for reparations and climate action from Australia
Five Sydney Nannas attended the forum at the Wesley Conference Centre on Thursday 31 August as guests of Oxfam. There were three Pacifica speakers – two from Fiji and one from Solomons. They are community level activists, not politicians.
Zedi is a young person age 17-18, from Solomons. He does climate change education with kids. There had not been a lot of detailed awareness re climate change but once kids become aware, they became concerned.
Lavenia from Fiji is the first woman in the role of District Leader responsible for 20 communities. It is very hard for women and children to be heard. Lavenia emphasised how women and children are being impacted by climate change. Fish are smaller and fewer so fish stocks impacted, sandy beaches are now mudflats, underground foods are much smaller in size. Salt water is taking over arable land. They don’t even have a water table there. The young generation of carers from these countries is being recruited to care for our elderly here, resulting in loss of care of the elderly in Pacific.
Even before the worst sea level rises, young people were leaving to try and get work, as there is less work available. This has accelerated the process of losing traditional knowledge. Lavenia organises women to pass on their knowledge and skills to others in the community.
At international climate conferences there is talk of loss and damage funding, but nothing comes from the countries which have caused climate change. Fruit picking jobs offered by Australia are not reparations! They are also experiencing drought, and waking from nightmares of finding no water in local wells. Even getting water tanks to help manage water would be helpful. The stories were heartbreaking.
Usaia, who is from Fiji, spoke about the Australian government’s push to host COP31 with the Pacific Islands. He sees this as an opportunity to exert pressure on Australia to deliver on climate finance for adaptation and mitigation projects.