Margaret River parents shaping a new future

Does your bookshelf need a makeover? Do you want to have climate conversations in a safe space?

A new group established by two local parents will host a winter warmer book swap next week, aimed at sharing beloved books and making connections with those keen to discuss climate advocacy action.

Katie Degnian and Ellie Ward are co-leaders of Parents for Climate Margaret River and say this will be the group’s first big social event since they began in February.

“We want an opportunity to bring together our current members, encourage new members and build up more momentum for our group,” Ellie said.

Parents for Climate is a national advocacy group representing families from diverse backgrounds, with over 20,0000 members.

When Katie and Ellie individually joined Parents for Climate, the nearest group was in Perth.

They were thrilled to connect with each other, and despite Katie’s challenges with new motherhood and Ellie’s treatment for breast cancer, they decided to take the plunge and start a local chapter.

The busy parents said they chose to volunteer their precious spare time because they care about the climate, and a safe future for their children, and future generations.

“I have a background in ecological conservation so climate change has long been a concern for me,” Katie explained.

“However, since becoming a parent, I have become more deeply aware that our action or inaction, and society’s decision-making regarding climate today will be most consequential for our children and future generations.”

Mother of three and high school English teacher Ellie said her cancer diagnosis last year made her reassess her priorities and purpose in life.

“I’ve always cared about the environment but I realised individual actions aren’t enough when faced with the most pressing issue of our time,” she said.

The duo set up a stall at this year’s Bunuru Festival, and found many local families shared the same concerns, with 36 people joining the group in a single day, while enthusiastic children decorated nearly 70 animal and climate-themed flags.

In the lead up to the election, Ellie and Katie also asked federal candidates to sign a pledge to support Australian families to make clean energy upgrades.

They were successful with two candidates, and are now working on developing positive relationships with current State and Federal members.

“Margaret River Parents for Climate brings together parents, grandparents, carers and all those who care about our future generations to share friendship, ideas and support while calling for climate action.

“We now have 55 members and are growing in strength and power.”

The pair have been hosting local, family-friendly events including nature art and craft sessions, letter-writing workshops and coffee catch-ups and play dates, while campaigning for climate action.

They are aiming to gain support for clean energy upgrades for houses, commitment to net zero emissions targets, the introduction of a climate trigger in environmental legislation and no new coal and gas projects.

“I think many parents are frustrated with what they see as a lack of care and concern from our politicians when it comes to caring for the environment and climate,” Ellie said.

“And it’s not just parents – it’s anyone who wants to see a future where our kids thrive. We want to create a space where we can share ideas and commit to actions that bring hope for a better future.”

They said Parents for Climate’s mission is to empower Australian parents to champion climate action within their communities. The organisation provides the national support and direction while allowing local groups to shape their own actions and events.

“Imagine if in time to come, our children were inspired by the way local and global communities came together to address climate change,” Katie said. “There’s a danger that we can feel too hopeless and helpless when it comes to climate change,” Ellie added.

“And at the same time, there’s a whole heap of misinformation and denial that makes it hard to find spaces where you can discuss climate safely.

“The good thing about Parents for Climate is people can be involved as little or as much as they want.

“The key word is capacity! We are all busy parents and we understand the demands on people’s time and their mental load.”

Parents for Climate MR will host a book swap on Sunday 27 July from 2pm to 4:30pm in the Youth Hall (behind the skate park). This is a free event for all ages, and all are welcome.

Bring along a maximum of 10 pre-loved books for any age in any genre, or a gold coin donation. Warming soup, meaningful conversations and activities for kids will be on offer.

To find out more or get in touch, visit parentsforclimate.org/margaret_river or call Katie on 0423 201 331.