Alec Roberts

Pedal-power your own electricity with CLEANaS, learn about sustainable food choices, and meet NourishED—a new local food charity. Plus, enjoy a sausage sizzle and a cuppa with neighbours.
No bookings—just bring your item and join the fun!
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Bright green flyer promoting the “Rathmines Repair Cafe,” a free community event on Saturday 15th November from 10:00am to 2:00pm at Rathmines Theatre. Offers free repairs of clothes, small furniture, toys, and more. Blue and black text on green background.

Get your broken items fixed for free by skilled volunteers and enjoy a relaxed community day celebrating sustainability. While you wait, explore Ausgrid’s battery storage plans for Rathmines, meet a beekeeper, chat with Rathmines Vet, and discover local groups like Uni of the 3rd Age and Probus 2/3

Rathmines Repair Café & Community Event
Saturday 15 November, 10am–2pm
Rathmines Theatre, 25 Stilling St, Rathmines
www.facebook.com/events/18338...
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Flyer for the Sounds of Sustainability Festival , celebrating community-led sustainability efforts. Schedule and Stalls: - Schedule of Activities: - 10:00 AM: Opening Ceremony - 10:30 AM: Sustainability Science & Vegetarian Options - 11:00 AM: Drumming Circle - 11:30 AM: “Brains in Gear” – a community discussion on growing sustainability - Stalls (open 10 AM – 1 PM): - Sustainable Futures – student projects from Valentine Public School - Sustainable Neighbourhoods – waste and recycling information - Surf Life Saving – safety info and interactive fun - Repair Café’s “Mend & Make Do” – demonstrations on fixing household items - The Good Stuff – healthy food options - Themed booths on the “5 Rs”: Refuse single-use plastic, Recycle right, Reuse items, Reimagine living, and ReNew energy - CLEANaS – community energy group with solar camera - Electric bikes and scooters - Solar PV and battery information - Worm farming and composting - Native bees and biodiversity - Catch Your Breath – interactive storytelling and art Workshops: - Invitation to “Be inspired by our local sustainability stars!” with hands-on learning and community showcases. Map and Footer: - Map shows event location near Bennett Park and 82–80 Dilkera Avenue

There’ll be workshops and activities for all ages, including:
Native plant sales, wicking bed demos, and no-spray gardening
Repair café and recycling tips
Art installations, kids’ storytelling, and a bee hotel workshop
Info on clean energy, solar, batteries, EVs, and home electrification 2/2

Colorful illustrated poster for the Sounds of Sustainability Festival, happening Sunday 2 November from 10 am to 1 pm at Bennett Park, Valentine. The design features joyful illustrations of people dancing and playing instruments, surrounded by musical notes and decorations. Activities include sustainability stalls, workshops for all ages, musical performances, a drumming circle, storytelling, and prize giveaways. Additional offerings: native plant stall and giveaway, Valentine Lions Club sausage sizzle (cash only), and opportunities to connect with the local community. Hosted by the Valentine Area Sustainable Neighbourhood Group. Contact: Gayle (Chairperson) at 0428 599 236 or visit valentinesustainableneighbourhood.com. Group logo appears in the bottom right corner

Come along and join us (CLEANaS) at the Sounds of Sustainability Festival at Bennett Pk, Valentine on Sunday (10am - 1pm). Enjoy live music and drumming while discovering practical ways to live more sustainably—think energy efficiency, waste reduction, and community connection.
1/2 #sustainability

Among actions we all can do, without relying on governments, a shift to/towards a plant-based diet is likely a "best buy": meat/dairy farming is the top single cause of man-made methane emissions. in the Global North such a diet is usually cheaper & healthier, & brings many other environmental gains

Smart move Jamaica. Climate catastrophe bond about to pay off.
“They divide Jamaica into boxes. Each box has a different central pressure that needs to be breached, so the storm needs to have a lower pressure than those boxes.” 
www.cbc.ca/news/science...

Abuse, bullying and threats as anti-renewables rhetoric splits communities There are grave concerns that dangerous language and bullying of farmers who are hosting renewable energy projects on their properties could turn into violence.

Great story on ABC about the campaigns of bullying and intimidation experienced by farmers hosting renewable energy.

Michael McCormack's response? "I'm not going to take any responsibility. I'm sorry. I'm just not". Absolutely shameful.

www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...

Peron's Tree Frog sitting in native vegetation in a pond.

Late night visitor. Relocated from the lounge room to the pond. Pretty sure its a Peron's Tree Frog.

A large, diverse group of people gathered outdoors in front of solar panels, celebrating the launch of the Community Energy Incubator. Many individuals are raising their arms enthusiastically. The setting includes a dirt path, straw bales, and a sunny sky, emphasizing the community’s engagement with renewable energy.

#Renewables information on nature and renewables, community benefits, #communityenergy incubator, solar/battery program webinar, and EV and solar for apartment buildings. Lots. 3/3

A person performs a checkup on a mint green bicycle at an outdoor repair station, lifting its front wheel. Nearby, other bikes are parked or mounted, and a table holds a container of tools. The setup is shaded by a canopy tent, with people visible in the background, suggesting a community event focused on sustainable transport and bike maintenance.

There's also Rathmines #RepairCafe and the Great #Bicycle Recycle. Find out about #STEM training, competitions, #CitizenScience activities and podcasts, and Landcare volunteers, conference recordings, registering your land and survey. 2/3

Promotional flyer for FrogID Week, held from 7–16 November 2025. The design features a close-up photo of a green and brown frog perched on a rock in a natural setting with moss and earthy textures. In the top left corner, a yellow frog footprint logo appears above the bold text “FrogID Week” and the event dates.

The latest #STEM and #environmental newsletter for the Hunter region enviroBYTES is out. There are a record 75 events on this November including festivals: Sounds of Sustainability, Sustainable Future Festival, Before the Tide Festival, and Sustainable Living Festival. 1/3
mailchi.mp/4a0ad707fb35...

Australian gas exports don’t cut coal overseas, and here are the charts to prove it The point.com.au

"Gas exports lead to higher overall emissions as they are more likely to displace global investment in renewable energy rather than replace coal" - Australian gas exports don’t cut coal overseas, and here are the charts to prove it - @ketanjoshi.co
thepoint.com.au/opinions/251... #gas

PETITION: Strong environment laws now! The Australian public voted for a climate majority at the last election, and we want strong environment laws that can stop new coal and gas.

I just signed @australiainstitute.org.au's petition: Strong environment laws stop new coal and gas! Will you join me? nb.australiainstitute.org.au/strong_envir...

‘Shock and anger’ as Labor proposes giving states more power over fossil fuel projects Extracts of planned changes to the EPBC Act prompt ‘anger’ from conservation organisations that fear nature protection will be weakened

We cannot see powers devolved to states and territories, we need stronger environmental laws, with more oversight. To the businesses complaining that they want less regulation, tough, a healthy and biodiverse planet is far more important than your profits. www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...

That means there will be no power to refuse projects on GHG pollution / climate grounds, the biggest threat to the environment. #climatechange #environment
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No Climate Trigger, No Koalas Australia’s making another supposed attempt to improve its ineffective environment protection laws. But this week Environment Minister Murray Watt confirmed the government’s re-write won’t include a “...

Australian government's rewrite of the National Enivronment Protection laws (EPBC Act) neglects to include a climate trigger -
No Climate Trigger, No Koalas - Gregory Andrews
www.lyrebirddreaming.com/post/no-clim... #climatechange #environment
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Alec Roberts with the mascot for the Solar Neighbourhoods program in front of the new CLEANaS pavillion at the Living Smart Festival

The lastest CLEANaS newsletter Clean Sweep is out! Volunteers are needed for the Sounds of Sustainability Festival and the Rathmines Repair Cafe & Community Event. Find out about the new Solar Neighbourhoods program with discounted rooftop solar and home battery systems.
mailchi.mp/dee36d06e482...

Promotional poster for the Solar Neighbourhoods: Solar and Battery Program. The background shows a sunny suburban neighborhood with houses, some featuring rooftop solar panels. A stylized sun with radiating rays symbolizes solar energy. Bold white and orange text reads: “Solar Neighbourhoods – Solar and Battery Program. Solar and batteries, backed by your local council.” Logos of participating councils appear at the bottom: City of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie City, and Maitland City Council. The flyer promotes a community initiative supporting solar energy and battery storage, backed by local government.

Find out about the latest joint initiative between Lake Mac, City of Newcastle and Maitland Council: Solar Neighbourhoods - Battery and/or Solar bulk-buy. There's also interesting podcasts, feedback requests, targeted surveys, and award recommendations.
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Colorful illustrated poster for the Sounds of Sustainability Festival, happening Sunday 2 November from 10 am to 1 pm at Bennett Park, Valentine. The design features joyful illustrations of people dancing and playing instruments, surrounded by musical notes and decorations. Activities include sustainability stalls, workshops for all ages, musical performances, a drumming circle, storytelling, and prize giveaways. Additional offerings: native plant stall and giveaway, Valentine Lions Club sausage sizzle (cash only), and opportunities to connect with the local community. Hosted by the Valentine Area Sustainable Neighbourhood Group. Contact: Gayle (Chairperson) at 0428 599 236 or visit valentinesustainableneighbourhood.com. Group logo appears in the bottom right corner.

The festival season continues with Sounds of Sustainability Festival at Valentine, Sustainable Future Festival at The Entrance, and the Sustainable Living Festival at Medowie. Citizen science activities include Aussie Bird Count and Australian Pollinator Count. 2/3

Serene floodplain landscape featuring calm lake water bordered by trees and vegetation. In the foreground, a large twisted tree extends over the water, with reeds and grasses growing along the shoreline. A fallen branch or log floats in the lake. The opposite shore is lined with more trees, and the partly cloudy sky casts a mix of light and shadow across the scene. The image highlights the tranquil beauty and ecological complexity of a natural floodplain environment.

enviroBYTES - the latest #environmental and #STEM news for the Hunter Region is out. With over 100 events listed in October and November pick something that takes your interest.
mailchi.mp/884cfb96554c...
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Load and behold: should you opt for an electric cargo bike over a second car? Cargo ebikes are ideal for the millions of short-distance car trips Australians take every day. Here’s how to make one work for you

Load and behold: should you opt for an electric cargo bike over a second car?
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne... #bike #activetransport

, and large-scale solar added another 15% - meaning Australia’s largest grid was 69% solar powered and overall 75% Renewable Energy. Please note that nearly 17% of Utility Solar was being curtailed at the time (Coal can't turn off easily).
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Graph showing breakdown of energy generation for 18th October for the Australian National Electricity Market, with record amounts of rooftop solar energy being generated.

Rooftop Solar Energy record broken (only 2 days after previous record broken). At 12:30pm today (18 Oct) on the Australian National electricity market the amount of rooftop solar alone made up 54% of power in the grid #solarpower
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Close up of Sugar Bag Bee on Kitchen Window frame.

Cute sugar bag native bee visiting my Spring Onion flower heads (and then flying into the kitchen by mistake)

Cattle Hill Wind farm Tasmania - a snowy scene showing five wind turbines in a natural bushland setting overlooking Lake Echo in central Tasmania

Renewables overtake coal for first time on monthly basis in September in Australia’s main grid #renewableenergy #coal
reneweconomy.com.au/renewables-o...

Renewables and fire risk – what are the facts? Why renewables? Australia and other high-emission nations must take drastic action to stop climate change impacts becoming irreversible. As was noted recently by Professor Mark Howden, Director of …

Paper by Australian Firefighters Climate Alliance: #Renewables and #fire risk – what are the facts? australianfirefightersclimatealliance.org/2025/09/30/r...

Firefighters say renewables pose no increased fire risk Renewable power facilities do not pose a significant threat of increased fire risk, according to the Australian firefighters.

Firefighters say #renewables pose no increased #fire risk esdnews.com.au/firefighters... 1/2

The abject saga of one of Australia’s most controversial gas fired power station projects One of Austraia’s most controversial gas fired power stations is starting operations. Here is a look back at exaggerated claims, political failures and a hydrogen folly.

The abject saga of one of Australia’s most controversial gas fired power station projects
reneweconomy.com.au/the-abject-s...

Why the biggest threat to net zero is right-wing misinformation The social licence of renewables is being attacked by professional and heavily resourced networks with a vested interest in delaying the energy transition.

Why the biggest threat to Australia's net zero target is right-wing misinformation
www.afr.com/policy/energ...