The devastating 2019–20 bushfires in Victoria scorched over 1.5 million hectares, killed an estimated 3 billion animals, and destroyed more than 400 homes.

In the aftermath, a group of friends and I came together over dinner, sharing our fears about the future. From that conversation, our grassroots community group was born - driven by a desire to protect the places we love and preserve resources for generations to come.

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There were few ways for young people in our area to get involved or have a voice. Bayside was a traditionally conservative municipality, with spaces that felt geared towards older, established community members.

We had a lot of energy, but navigating the space for the first time we also didn't have aclear direction forward.

We built a team of 20 volunteers and got to work engaging the local community. We met regularly to share knowledge, understand the local landscape, and identify where we could have the most impact.

We completed community organising training to strengthen our skills, then set out to build relationships - with local councillors, community groups, and residents. By connecting with others and finding ways to support existing efforts, we developed a grassroots strategy to grow community support and influence decision-making at the local level.

• Bayside City Council declared a climate emergency in 2019
• We contributed to strengthening the council’s first-ever Climate Emergency Action Plan
• Developed constructive relationships with local councillors and the federal MP
• Organised a 500 person outdoor screening of 2040 with a live Q&A with the film’s director, raising $5,000 to sustain the group's actions.
• Fostered strong partnerships with local groups and worked to inform the community on the local impacts of climate change and how to take collective action.

• Collaboration is key to getting sh*t done.
• Engage widely to avoid duplicating efforts.