The past few days we have been immersed in conversation and connection, coming together to deepen our understanding of climate change and the work The Climate Council do to help protect our fragile planet.
We gathered deep in the bosom of Queensland’s Lamington National Park at Nightfall Camp, a place very special to our hearts. From the first step onto the land, you are met by an overwhelming sense of peace and stillness. We are so grateful that the owners of this special place, Steve and Jaide, opened their home and hearts to us to give us the opportunity to host this intimate knowledge sharing retreat in such a beautiful place.
Our guests came from all walks of life ~ some well versed in the topic of climate change and others that didn’t have as much knowledge on this topic before joining us. Our intention was to increase awareness of The Climate Council (one of our 1% for the Planet partners) and introduce them to a new network of communities through the guests and their spheres of influence.
Our nights were spent gathered around the fire, listening with eager ears as Professor Hilary informed us about the current state of the environment and how this has an impact on Australia, the global community and our health. Sometimes the facts can be hard to hear but as the conversations continued into the night we were all left with a feeling of hopefulness. There is so much damage happening – but we also have so many amazing tools to be able to overcome this change (we recommend watching the film 2040 for a positive look at our future!).
The following morning we were so honoured to have the opportunity to learn Piccabeen basket weaving with local indigenous artist, Kim Brolga Williams as she shared stories of her past and connection to country. We then ventured up creek on a rock hop led by Jaide and tasted some native plants along the way. The water that flows year round through the creek has been rated the 2nd cleanest in QLD and is rich with minerals like Silica. It is filtered through UV lights at Nightfall so is able to be drunk and bathed in, and tastes amazing! Just one of the many reasons that makes Nightfall such an incredible place.
After our walk we made bath salts using Australian essential oils and had a moment to integrate some of our learnings and reflect whilst soaking in our tubs. 
That evening, over a beautiful plant based dinner we had conversation cards and talked about so many different topics, like “what are we rebelling against?” or “what change are you going to make hereafter?”. It was a beautiful way to continue our conversations and dive a little deeper into our individual values and why’s.
Later we returned to our circle around the fire (don’t you think there is something so primal ignited by sharing stories in a circle with women under a starry night sky?) and listened as our beautiful friend Zoe Gameau led a conversation with Isabel Lucas. Both women are leaders and well versed in this field and it was empowering to hear them talk of their experiences. The conversation turned into a circle of sharing what we had learnt and the changes we each wanted to commit to, to help make a difference in our own communities (both on and offline). Afterwards, beautiful Jaide led us through the dark down to the creek, and we sat in silence to observe the night. The stars glistened over head and the creek flowed on by ~ it was a profound and humbling moment to be in complete silence with one another and listen to the earth.
It has been so inspiring to share in such vulnerable and honest conversations with these women, and to notice that when we remove judgement and fear around being criticised we can all start having the ever increasingly important conversations about climate change. One of the biggest takeaways we all agreed on is to remember that our small actions really do make a difference, and whether we influence 1 or 1 million people – the ripple effect is what our planet needs.
If you want to learn more about the issues our climate is currently facing, and how you can get involved visit http://bit.ly/ClimateCouncil
A heartfelt thank you to Steve and Jaide for hosting us at @nightfallcamp. This retreat would not have been possible without their generosity.
Drinks by Dead East Bar Co
Captured by She Cried Wolf
Our guests were also gifted a curation of a few of our fave eco products to take home:
Reusable essentials @seedandsproutco
Tim Flannery book @theclimatecouncil
Natural skin care @maaemo_organic
Recycled canvas pouch @pony_rider
Personalised bamboo paddle brush @avedaaustralia
Nourishing snack @the_dailybar
In an effort to minimise our impact, all carbon generated through travel to this retreat has been offset.
We have calculated 1.166 tonnes of CO2 emissions have been emitted through travel to and from this event. 100% of these emissions have been offset through the Australian Biodiverse Reforestation with the current project being the Yarra Yarra Biodiversity Corridor. The Senior Forester of this organisation has estimated 10-15 trees will be planted to absorb these emissions.
The Yarra Yarra Biodiversity Corridor plantings, using native Australian trees and shrubs, are helping to join small patches of remnant vegetation.
Trees are planted in 1 of only 35 globally recognised biodiversity ‘hotspots’. ‘Hotspots’ cover just 2.3% of the land mass of the planet but support more than half the world’s most irreplaceable and threatened biodiversity.
Besides the all-important role of sequestering carbon from the atmosphere, the trees and shrubs help to reduce salinity, water and soil erosion, and provide habitat for the endangered Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo, Malleefowl and other threatened flora and fauna.