Anu: Rise to the challenge

By AMANDA BEADMAN

FOLLOWING the recent launch of the Sustainable Illawarra campaign by the well-known indigenous singer and new Illawarra resident Christine Anu, the hunt has now begun to find 200 regional households who will become ‘‘Super Challengers’’.

The lucky ones will be those who commit themselves to making positive changes in their household that will benefit the environment.

The challengers will be supported by project staff, and will receive a tailored $200 starter kit and the opportunity to win a $6000 solar hot water system.

Dee Topic, the project manager for Sustainable Illawarra, said the campaign was about encouraging Illawarra residents to become more green and save money while they’re doing it.

“We’re looking for people from all walks of life,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a family of four or a family of one, if you live in an apartment or live on a farm.”

People interested in participating in the ‘’Super Challenge’’ have until Friday, August 1 to fill in an expression of interest form available on the sustainableillawarra.com.au website or by calling the Sustainable Illawarra hotline on 4227 7453.

“Residents can also complete an online challenge and explore creative, practical ways to commit to a sustainable lifestyle,” she added.

A number of council staff have already signed up for the ‘’Super Challenge’’, including the general manager of Wollongong City Council, David Farmer, whose first step in his journey towards sustainability will be setting up a backyard worm farm to compost household scraps.

In launching the Sustainable Illawarra campaign at Glennifer Brae, Christine Anu had set the tone with the inspiring words of a traditional Torres Strait islands song of blessing.

Thus, the project, according to Dee Topic, aims to teach residents how to make positive changes to their lives that benefit the environment.

“We will be holding a series of workshops on topics including energy and water efficiency, sustainable living, growing your own food and composting,” Ms Topic said, adding that residents would have access to fact sheets and special produce offers on water and energy-efficient appliances as part of the program.

“We will also have op shop tours, festivals, Christmas gift making and more.”

A new website designed for the Sustainable Illawarra program and aimed at helping people reduce their ecological footprint has also been launched.

Ms Topic said residents who visit the website will be able to learn more about product offers and register for an e-newsletter.

The Sustainable Illawarra initiative is a joint venture involving Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama councils. It is supported by the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change’s Environmental Trust.