On a recent Saturday night, the music was humming, the kids were laughing, and the share plates were piling high with colourful, low-emission delights. For hosts David and Felicity, this twice-yearly scene has become something of a tradition — their “Climate Friends” dinners, where good food meets even better company. I've watched these events from afar over the years (often with a sense of FOMO) and David has kindly shared his inspiration and tips for bringing people together. 

“Climate action can be a lonely, grinding path,” says David. “But people who care deeply about preserving the planet are the best friends to have. Because if they’re looking up about that, they’re caring about other things too.”

That belief is what inspired the couple to start opening their home to friends, colleagues, and even complete strangers united by a shared commitment to a safe climate. What began as a small gathering has grown into a much-anticipated twice yearly event.

The format is simple, and joyful. Guests are invited to bring a “low-emissions” share plate and a plus-one from their own climate networks. The evenings are strictly zero waste, thanks to Felicity’s collection of op-shop crockery, glassware and napkins. Music drifts through the rooms - a mix of protest anthems and feel-good tunes - while name tags spark conversations between people working across energy, health, policy, and community sectors. Kids have activities to keep them busy, and the adults make connections that often lead to real-world collaborations.

“The secret sauce?” David laughs. “A lot of work behind the scenes - invites, reminders, playlists, and creating a bit of FOMO with some star guests! But the main thing is remembering that you’re doing it for the benefit of your guests, not you.”

For David and Felicity, who both grew up in families that loved to host, these dinners are their way of giving back. “It’s our thank you to the people working tirelessly - and often thanklessly - on climate solutions,” David explains. “It helps everyone remember they’re not alone. You never know who you’ll bump into or what idea will be born over a bowl of hummus.”



Beyond the good food and laughter, these gatherings build resilience — the kind the National Adaptation Plan calls “critical to community strength.” After each dinner, guests leave with renewed energy, fresh ideas, and new friends to share the journey with.

In response to Jack Johnsons well known lyrics, “Where’d all the good people go?", David has an easy answer - "Last night, a bunch of them were at our place!”

Try it yourself:
You don’t need a big house or fancy setup to start. Invite a few friends, share some home-cooked food, add music and name tags, and see what conversations unfold. Because climate action is always better - and more fun - when we do it with friends.

Here are David’s top tips:

• invite interesting and influential people - not just activists but people delivering real solutions;
• work, work, work on the invites and reminders; 
• create a bit of FOMO (securing some “star” guests helps); 
• expect to write off a weekend with set up and pack up; 
• encourage guests to bring a “low-emissions” share plate
• avoid rainy days (if possible); 
• have a good playlist; and 
• always keep the experience of your guests in mind
  

We'd love to hear about your events too! Feel free to share your gatherings and community connection events with us in our national Facebook community or send us an email via [email protected] 

About David & Felicity

David McEwen & Felicity Stevens are the proud parents of two teenage sons. They both work tirelessly volunteering for local and national organisations like Parents for Climate, Zero Emissions Solutions and being active participants in democracy. David has been the longstanding lead in the Parents for Climate volunteer policy and submissions team. In his “day job”, David works at the intersection of emissions reduction, climate risk and resilience. Felicity is a sustainability advisor and speaker passionate about helping businesses navigate their way to lower emissions through responsible choices, especially in the travel, leisure and tourism sectors. 

Written by: Bianca Sands, living, working and caring for my family on beautiful Butchulla Country.