by Glen Powell, July 2025, from Bulletin 5/2025

More than 50 residents from across Haymarket, Ultimo, Pyrmont, Glebe and surrounding areas gathered for an evening of community-led climate action, the result of research conducted by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion. Attendees included representatives from MP Kobi Shetty’s office and Duncan Leys, President of the Glebe Society.

The event, held on June 5, emerged from the Community-Led Sustainable Cities research project and focused on practical, local responses to the climate crisis. With 55 attendees, the evening highlighted how community knowledge and collaboration can drive tangible solutions for all interested residents, including those in public and social housing.

Jasper Webster

Solar power takes root in Glebe

One of the night’s standout moments came from Jasper Webster, Renewable Energy Engineer and project manager for Pingala’s solar initiative. Pingala has brought solar panels to 10 public housing homes in Glebe, in addition to projects in Bondi and Erskineville, as part of a pilot project working out how to allow the benefits of solar power for unit dwellers and public housing tenants. Local resident Tina, who lives in one of the solar-powered homes, spoke about the project’s impact. A dedicated community volunteer, she emphasised how renewable energy can transform lives at the grassroots level and reduced her most recent power bill to zero.

Clarence Slockee

Indigenous knowledge and nature-led design

Bundjalung man Clarence Slockee, Director of the Aboriginal-owned design firm Jiwah, captivated the audience with his talk on Country-centred design. Drawing on his deep ties to land and culture, and his experience with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Slockee advocated for green spaces that honour Indigenous wisdom and ecology. Clarence also showed a video of cultural burning in process and helped the audience understand the short- and long-term benefits of these ancient practices.

Charlie Rodrick

Advocating renewable access for all

Charlie Rodrick, NSW Campaigner for Solar Citizens, provided practical advice for renters and apartment dwellers – groups often left behind in the energy transition. From electrifying high-rise buildings to accessing battery rebates, Rodrick pushed for inclusive policies to ensure ‘solar for all’. Solar Citizens Chair Genevieve Kelly also addressed the crowd, sharing the group’s efforts to inform and advocate on behalf of communities.

Sarah Niklas

Toolkit for the energy transition

Sarah Niklas from the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures presented the Energy Ready Toolkit, a practical guide designed to help households and communities transition to renewable energy. Drawing on her background in environmental science and energy policy, Niklas highlighted the urgent need for accessible, locally-informed solutions.

Organising for impact

The evening was documented by Glebe-based photographer Tom Psomotragos and made possible through the hard work of an active organising committee. Glebe local Megan Fletcher who chairs the FLAG [Forest Lodge and Glebe] interagency and is an active community volunteer, brought seedlings from IndigiGrow to share with participants, symbolising the event’s theme of regeneration. Libby and Ross Hindmarsh, long-time Glebe medical doctors now based in Pyrmont, brought decades of community service to the event, alongside Glen Powell of Wesley Mission, who MC’d the evening.

Thanks must go to Nick Grinpukel and the UTS Social Justice and Inclusion team who provided the logistical backbone of the event, and who organised the organisers. The City of Sydney supported the event through a community grant, enabling research to blossom into real-world action. And finally, the Uniting Church made the beautiful St Johns Road hall available for the event.

As cities grapple with the challenges of climate change, this event offered a hopeful model; one where community, research, and cultural knowledge come together to lead the way forward.

For more on community climate initiatives or to get involved in follow-up events, contact me, Glen Powell, at glebegreening@gmail.com. Glen is a member of the Glebe Society Management Committee.

Below: the beautiful old Sydney City Mission Hall on St Johns Rd is once again being used to host community events.