Powershift Day One Highlights

Day one of the three day Powershift event opened with a traditional Aboriginal chant being sung by Uncle Greg Simms to give thanks to the creators of the land and bless the land the event was standing on. In a moving performance, Uncle Simms held the audiences full attention and encouraged their participation through repeating his native words.

No New Coal. Renewable Energy Now!

This was the message young “Powershifters” hoped they sent out to the world after a massive flash dance performance.

In order to gain attention from Government’s internationally in the lead up to a UN climate change conference, Powershift participants brainstormed, rehearsed, rehearsed and rehearsed some more during the July 2009 conference. They then got their dancing shoes out to culminate a massive flash dance display at the Sydney Opera House on the final day.

Powershift 2009 – A summary

(To be posted on the University of Western Sydney Communication Arts homepage)

 

July 2009 paved the way for Powershift, Australia’s first national youth climate summit. The three day event which commenced on the 11th of July saw thousands of young Australians flock from all over Australia and New Zealand to the University of Western Sydney’s Parramatta campus to experience, and most of all be a part of this revolutionary event. “Its the moment where our fast growing youth movement for a safe climate future comes together”.     

 

Dr Tim Flannery – Scientist, Author, Environmentalist

Dr Tim Flannery, or just plain old Tim Flannery as he is more commonly referred to is arguably Australia’s best known scientist, environmentalist and best selling author all in one.  

He appeared at the first ever PowerShift conference at the University of Western Sydney, Parramatta campus in July 2009 where he expressed his provocative views towards climate change and global warming to the worlds next generation of leaders.

Christine Milne – Australian Greens Senator for Tasmania

Christine Milne initiated her political career in 1989 when she was elected into State government to represent the Tasmanian House of Assembly for Lyons. Her significance to Australian politics was realised in 1993 when she became the first woman to lead a political party in Tasmania. Leading the Tasmanian Greens for five years through a period of significant reform in the areas of gun control, same-sex relationships and economic reform. Christine Milne who is now a Senator in Federal politics is one who has definitely made her mark in Australian political history.