The Latrobe Valley community coming together to share a meal and a conversation on climate action.

‘The belly rules the mind’ is a Spanish proverb I have always been particularly fond of.

Sharing food has literally shaped our species and the way we live. Through it we support each other, form new bonds and build stronger existing ones.

Indeed, the oldest evidence of a shared dinner are 300,000-year-old crumbs from loaf baked with scoring marks – bread specifically made to be shared.

Fast forward to last Sunday and the power of sharing a meal is just as moving.

Climate for Change’s Communities Leading Change (CLC) program based in the Latrobe Valley hosted a potluck evening all about making connections, hearing more about local activities, sharing thoughts and ideas, and generally being inspired to be involved in climate or sustainability actions.

It was a rare chance for community members to meet various local environmental, social and climate action groups in one spot, and for the groups to find additional ways to support each other and to discuss their local responses.

The food was amazing and the conversations even better!

CLC participants during the Climate Action Shared Meal we hosted in the Latrobe Valley.

“Collective action on the climate emergency is urgent, and in the Latrobe Valley we face climate threats of drought, heat waves and bushfire. But everyone will agree that we are in transition from coal fired power to renewables. Our economic future is uncertain as many jobs have historically been aligned to the coal industry. The Climate Action Shared Meal was a great starting point to talk about specific approaches to changing community attitudes and expectations.” 

Lorraine

“Another inspiring occasion at the great VRI. Lovely community provided dinner with potluck and encouraging conversation on what we're doing about our future. I look forward to the next one!”

Robin