Take a Trip to the Country this Weekend

If you caught the SBS programme on the Slow Food Movement (SFM) last year, and repeated earlier this month, you'll be eager to get involved in the Slow Food experience. Not sure what the SFM is all about? Well, it's about protecting

"the heritage of food, tradition and culture.....(it is) founded on the concept of eco-gastronomy (which is) a recognition of the strong connection between plate and planet, " with an emphasis on seasonality. The SFM says that food should not only taste good but should also be "produced in a way that doesn't harm the environment, animal welfare or our health" and that food producers should receive a fair price for their produce.

Now you have the chance to experience the SFM at Orange this weekend (February 8-10) as Slow Food Orange presents its second mini-festival. Lots of events, lots of workshops, including one on bread and pizza making in their very swish wood-fired oven, and lots of opportunities to try some yummy food.

You'll need to book for events.

Christmas Spirit at North Narrabeen

Browsing the local paper the other day I saw a notice inviting people to a free lunch on Christmas Day at our local cafe. Later in the day on my way to the Lake, sure enough, in the window was an invitation to all to come along to a free lunch. Later talking to the owners they told me that once they made the announcement, they were overwhelmed by locals wanting to volunteer to help and donate food items for the lunch.

As you can see from the photos lunch was a big success. That's Steve the owner chatting with guests in the second photo. BKs can be found at Lakepark Road, North Narrabeen, Sydney, NSW.

Dolphins at North Narrabeen

My partner Kev had a once in a life time experience in the surf at our local beach, North Narrabeen, last Wednesday. It was about 6am (daylight saving time), when paddling out, he was surprised by a dolphin catching a wave into the beach. As it came out of the face of the oncoming wave it leapt out of the water, becoming airborne and heading directly towards him. This took place right in front of him. Gave him a bit of a start as he thought the playful mammal might land on top of him! But it skilfully entered the water a few feet in front of him and swam under his board. Whatta ripper!

Gear up Girl Challenge

Girls, how would you like to join in the fun of cycling and start doing do something good for the planet at the same time?

I heard about this today from Bicycle NSW http://www.bicyclensw.com.au/

Entries are now open! Gear up and take part in NSW’s first all women’s cycling event. Saturday 8 March 2008 is International Women’s Day and what better way to celebrate than to join with women of all ages and abilities and take part in a unique all women’s cycle ride. Choose either the 15km route around Sydney Olympic Park or the 55km route from Cronulla to the finish line at Sydney Olympic Park. To register and for more information go to http://www.gearupgirl.com.au/ Get in early to receive a free Gear Up Girl helmet from Netti. Why not invite a friend to join you on the day? The fun filled Gear Up Girl Workshop is back on 9th February 2008 and will be just the thing for you. Come and join the ladies for a delicious breakfast and motivational speaker, and then get out on the bike and learn some practical cycling skills that will leave you with confidence to get back on two wheels. Other workshops include Nutrition and Training, Mechanics of a bike, and Insider Advice by experienced cyclist Di Fielding! For more information contact Jodie on 9218 5451 or email gearup@bicyclensw.org.au . Register Now online at http://www.gearupgirl.com.au/

Australia's New Ministers

Penny Wong has been named as the new federal Minister for Climate Change, with Peter Garrett as Minister for Environment.

Climate Change Minister Penny Wong is preparing for talks in Bali.

New federal Climate Change Minister Penny Wong says next month's Bali talks are critical for setting a path to a new global emissions reduction target. These very important talks will be her first task in her new position.

She's not expecting a post-Kyoto agreement for a few years. On ABC Radio this morning she said that the Bali Summit
"...will set the roadmap for the post Kyoto arrangements and I think Australia's ratification of the Kyoto protocol and the changing of the government's position in Australia will give new impetus to this very important international negotiations."
Climate change has been split from the Environment portfolio held by Peter Garrett.
"I think the way in which the portfolios have been allocated really demonstrates the additional resources, additional effort we want to put into climate change," she said.
"We all know and we've been saying for some time climate change is not only an environment issue, it's a economic issue, it's a health issue and a social issue."

New Beginnings

Finally the blog is here. Hooray! I'm writing this blog as a forum for discussion of various issues relating to the state of the planet today. The election is over: so what does the new government have instore for us regarding climate change? We'll let the dust settle and wait to see who the new ministers will be.