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Honouring Grandparents: the Wise Elders of the Climate Movement

Grandparents are an enduring, deeply powerful force in our community. Their care, commitment, wisdom, and wealth of experience—both as parents and activists—are invaluable as we navigate the challenges of our time. Often unrecognized, they are the backbone of many movements, driven by a deep love for their grandchildren and an unshakeable hope for the future.

Grandfather, beloved author and Parents for Climate supporter, Steve Biddulph, speaks to this shared emotion:
"Those of us who are grandparents take such joy from this time of life. But we also carry, deep in our hearts, a weight—a fear that after we are gone, our children and grandchildren may face a world of terrible fear and grief. The unfolding climate emergency is now so evident, yet its true impact has hardly begun."

This heartfelt sentiment is shared by countless grandparents within the Parents for Climate community and beyond. As National Grandparents Day approaches on October 27th, I’d like to acknowledge the grandparents who support our mission with their time, resources, and wisdom. Their dedication fuels our hope and strengthens our resolve to build a better world for our kids and future generations.

Among these inspiring elders are Chris and Gerda Hawke, two extraordinary grandparents I’ve had the privilege to meet over the past year. Parents to three children and grandparents to six, they are also active volunteers with the Parents for Climate Fraser Coast group. With decades of activism in the environmental and anti-nuclear movements, their commitment to a better future is unwavering.


R-L Chris, Gerda with fellow Fraser Coast Parents for Climate volunteer Glenda


Chris and Gerda have witnessed the devastating effects of climate change firsthand. The catastrophic floods of 2022 left their former hometown of Lismore in northern NSW in ruins. In the aftermath, they dedicated themselves to the long and painful process of rebuilding—offering emotional and practical support to their community, which continues to recover more than two years later.

Despite their deep involvement in activism, they remain dedicated grandparents, supporting their adult children and spending cherished time with their grandchildren. Their ability to balance these roles while staying committed to climate action is inspiring.

 

Wisdom to Enrich Our Advocacy

What I’ve learned from Chris and Gerda has enriched my approach to climate advocacy. They have shown me the power of listening with open hearts, of finding common ground in shared values, and the importance of centering future generations in every decision we make. Their dedication to a better world, not just for their family but for all children, is a guiding light in our work.

Chris was the first person to join our Guardian membership program when it launched in July, sharing:
"I’m a parent of three, grandparent of six, who is deeply committed to co-creating their future on the Fraser Coast and across our world."

When I asked them what drives their activism and the vision they hold for the world their grandchildren will inherit, they shared a story filled with optimism, action, and deep love for their family and our planet.

We’re continually inspired by the many young people who are so passionate about the environment,” says Gerda. “As grandparents, our role is to empower our grandchildren by leading through example, showing them that change is possible—even small changes are enough to make a difference.

For Gerda and Chris, this empowerment comes through simple, tangible actions that connect their grandchildren with nature. One of their family’s treasured activities is sponsoring whales and participating in tree planting days.

We sponsor two whales, Migaloo and Otto, through the Pacific Whale Foundation, by collecting cash containers from neighbors and friends here in Hervey Bay,” Gerda explains. “This not only helps protect our local Whale Heritage Site, but also connects us to the turtles, dugongs, and coral that thrive here.

She adds with a smile, “Our grandchildren love pointing out how tall the trees they planted have grown at the local council’s community tree planting days. It’s a small way to foster their appreciation for nature—and it works.



Gerda planting trees on the Fraser Coast

Gerda’s vision for the future extends beyond her family to the whole planet. “Out of this climate crisis, I believe that we, as people of this Earth, will transcend artificial borders and divisions. We will work together to keep our world alive. I have a firm belief that the Earth has the capacity to heal itself—with just a little bit of support from us, a lot is possible.


Creating a Future for Our Grandchildren

Chris shares the same deep sense of responsibility and hope for the future. “Seeing both the joys and the challenges that our children face growing up today inspires me to do everything I can to give them the best start possible. Every smile, every moment of achievement makes it all worthwhile.

Reflecting on the global challenges of the past, Chris draws inspiration from the way people came together to avert a nuclear war crisis in the 1980s. “Despite widespread despair, we inspired millions of people to support our leaders and prevent an all-out nuclear war between the Soviet Union and the United States. We saw treaties with huge cuts in nuclear weapons—something we once thought impossible. We did it then, and we can do it again with the climate crisis.

For Chris, the climate crisis is not just a challenge but an opportunity—a moment for humanity to co-create a future where our grandchildren can thrive. He envisions a world where community connections are at the heart of climate solutions.

One of my ideas is to nurture trusted, kitchen-table relationships with family and friends—spaces where we can discuss, collect, and share information on how to create a safer and healthier planet,” Chris explains. “These conversations, held locally and globally through phone calls, emails, and personal visits, could form the basis of an international network of trusted relationships that prioritize our children’s future above all else.”


Building a Movement for Generations

Chris’s vision doesn’t stop at conversations. He imagines a future where every school in Australia has what he calls a “Future Council,” inspired by Damon Gameau’s recently released film Future Council.

“Future Councils in schools would give young people a platform to lead, collaborate, and take action for the planet,” he says. “It’s about equipping the next generation with the tools they need to create the future they want.”

To cap off his vision, Chris dreams of a global public holiday—a day when the entire world celebrates the moment we turned the tide on the climate crisis. “Imagine it: a global holiday to mark the turning point when we transformed this crisis into an opportunity. Over time, we would celebrate it as the day we began building a safer, sustainable world that our grandchildren—and their grandchildren—could inherit.”

 

Chris and his "joyful" creation for the Fraser Coast group Flags for Our Future project


Hope in Action

Chris and Gerda’s activism is a powerful reminder that hope is not passive—it’s something we create through our actions, large and small. Their vision for the future is rooted in the belief that we can all be part of the solution, no matter our age or where we live.

As Gerda says, “With a little bit of support, a lot is possible.”

Their message is clear: as grandparents, parents, or carers, we each have a role to play in shaping the world our children and grandchildren will inherit. And it’s never too late—or too early—to start.

By sharing their story, Chris and Gerda hope to inspire others in the Parents for Climate community to take action, build connections, and continue working toward a safer, healthier planet for future generations.

 

Celebrating the Grandparents Who Make Our Community Stronger

Do you know an inspiring grandparent in our community? We’d love to celebrate their contributions as we approach National Grandparents Day. Please contact Bianca at [email protected] to recognise someone who inspires you.

 

 

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