Strong demand powers Newcastle's first climate champions program

More than 50 community members have graduated from City of Newcastle's inaugural net zero training initiative, highlighting a growing appetite for local climate action.

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Experts from Australia's leading climate change organisations equipped participants with the skills and knowledge to create community-led projects that support the shift to renewable energy, electrification and energy efficiency in Newcastle.

The six-week Empowering Climate Champions training program was inspired by Rewiring Australia, whose co-founder Dr Saul Griffiths was a keynote speaker at one of City of Newcastle’s popular Empowering Newcastle event series, which attracted more than 1500 attendees in 2024.

Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath congratulated participants at a graduation ceremony last night and said they would play an important role in the city's action on climate change.

"Achieving our goal of net zero emissions in Newcastle by 2040 is going to take a collective effort," Mr Bath said.

"The overwhelming response to this first round of Empowering Climate Champions training shows that people in our community not only want to see action taken to address climate change, but they are also willing to step up and lead the charge.

"This program has been designed to empower our community to be part of the solution as they learn from experts in the field, including the Climate Council, Community Power Agency and BehaviourWorks Australia.

"I look forward to seeing the community-led projects our first group of graduates deliver."

City of Newcastle's Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability Marnie Kikken said Empowering Climate Champions is a United Nations CIFAL Newcastle UNITAR certified program that provides graduates with an internationally recognised accreditation.

"Our first community net zero training program is among the initiatives being delivered through City of Newcastle's Environment Strategy, which sets out our 10-year roadmap for achieving a sustainable Newcastle, in e the priority areas of action on climate change, nature-based solutions, and the circular economy," Ms Kikken said.

"It has been inspiring to see such a diverse mix of participants from across Newcastle, all bringing different perspectives but sharing a common goal to be empowered to take action."

Participants Chris Evans, Benjamin Julien and Inger Lanzone were among those that praised the program.

"The program delivered real-world training from passionate, qualified experts and equipped me with practical tools and strategies to drive impactful climate action," Mr Evans said.

"It showed me that taking action doesn't have to be complicated or expensive and I now feel confident in my ability to lead meaningful change for the betterment of our community."

Mr Juilen said the training had broadened his thinking and provided clarity on how to approach the design and delivery of future projects.

"I'm excited to apply the insights I've gained from the program for a project focused on transportable solar solutions for strata communities," Mr Julien said.

Ms Lanzone said that she had previously felt overwhelmed by climate change, but the program had provided her with the knowledge, resources, and a community of people to act with to contribute to a sustainable future.

"Empowering Climate Champions has created a collaborative of empowered citizens capable of educating and inspiring their local communities with practical steps to contribute to a net zero future," Ms Lanzone said.

"I'll be recommending it to everyone I know."

To keep up-to-date with future rounds of the Empowering Climate Champions program and other upcoming events, visit the Empowering Newcastle page on City of Newcastle's website.