Parents for Climate has partnered with ivygo, an Australian climate-tech startup to help make the shift to electric transport fair, affordable and community powered. Together we are building a network where families share home or business EV chargers, making it easier for neighbours to drive electric while helping fund vital climate action.

Visit ivygo.com.au/partnerships/parents-for-climate list your charger, find one nearby, or learn more.

Why it matters

Transport is set to become Australia’s biggest source of emissions, yet many families cannot easily make the switch to sustainable transport without the convenience of a home charger. More than one in three households live in apartments or rentals without off street parking, and the number is higher in high density areas. ivygo connects local drivers with nearby hosts, turning underused chargers in driveways and car parks into community hubs. Most hosts have rooftop solar, so many EVs on the platform are powered by the sun.

How you can help

Listing your charger on ivygo takes only a few minutes and is completely free. You set the hourly rate and availability that work for you, and you earn on every booking.

Use code PFCHOST when you create your listing. Each time your charger is used, ivygo donates a portion of its revenue to Parents for Climate, and you can also choose to donate your own proceeds if you wish.

It is a simple, practical way to support Australia’s shift to electric transport while funding the climate education and advocacy that protect our children’s future.

Take action today

Visit ivygo.com.au/partnerships/parents-for-climate list your charger, find one nearby, or learn more.

Questions? Contact Julie Perrissel on [email protected].

Author and podcast reviewer: Laura Billings

If you’re seeking a podcast that tackles the big, messy questions of our times — climate, community, systems, hope — yet does so with warmth, clarity and even a spark of joy, then Sense-Making in a Changing World is absolutely worth your time.

From the very first episode you can feel the difference: this is not just another “doom and gloom” conversation about catastrophe or only alarm. Instead, Morag leads each guest through questions about what now we can do, how we connect, how we design for the world we want – inspired by the ethics of permaculture: Earth Care, People Care and Fair Share.

What I love

• Lightness + depth: Some topics are heavy — leadership in a changing world, economy, systems, ecology — but Morag and her guests bring a freshness. The tone feels alive and human rather than distant or dry.

• Hope and agency: You come away from an episode feeling uplifted, ready to do something rather than paralysed. It’s like being given permission and tools to act.

• Playful AND provocative: The conversations are not afraid to challenge us, to ask “what if?” and “how might we…” but they do so with curiosity, creativity and compassion.

• Roots in permaculture ethics: The show honours the core permaculture values — caring for earth, caring for people, sharing fairly. That gives it a deep, grounded foundation no matter what topic is being explored.

• Warm-hug feeling: You know that feeling when you’ve listened, the world still has problems (of course) but you feel a little lighter, connected, hopeful? This podcast creates that. It’s what makes it a 10/10 in my book.

We live in a time of complexity, overlapping crises, and a pressing need for change — personal, community, systemic. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This podcast offers a route through: by showing that change is possible; that different ways of thinking can open our hearts and minds; that we are not alone.
It doesn’t sugarcoat problems but it refuses to leave you stuck in them. Instead, it acts as both mirror and map: reflecting where we are and pointing to where we could go.

Yes — I give Sense-Making in a Changing World a 10 out of 10. I’m deeply grateful to Morag for her kindness, compassion and clarity; for the guests who bring such imaginative and grounded conversation; and for the ripple effect of feeling lifted and energized after each episode.

If you haven’t tuned in yet — do. Your mind, heart and community will thank you for it.

Listen here: permacultureeducationinstitute.org/podcast

Every child deserves to breathe clean air — to play, learn and grow without pollution harming their lungs or their future.

But right now, air pollution from traffic, gas, and coal is putting our children’s health at risk. From asthma flare-ups to long-term impacts on brain development and heart health, poor air quality is silently damaging the next generation.

Children are more vulnerable. They breathe faster, spend more time outdoors, and their small lungs are still growing. Parents, carers, grandparents and educators across Australia are standing together to say: enough is enough.

We’re calling on all levels of government, federal, state and local, to take urgent action to protect children from air pollution by cleaning up transport, phasing out gas and coal pollution, and taking strong, coordinated steps to make the air around every child cleaner and safer.

Add your name to show your support for clean air for every child, everywhere.

Together, we can create cleaner, healthier communities for our kids - today and for the future.

Podcast Review by Laura Billings: Climate Magic by Sarah Jaquette Ray

I’ve been listening to the Climate Magic podcast, hosted by Sarah Jaquette Ray, author and Environmental Studies professor at Cal Poly Humboldt. The show explores how emotions like climate anxiety, grief, and hope influence our ability to take meaningful action and how even the smallest acts can feel like magic when they help us move forward.

What fascinates me most is the idea that up to 80% of our decisions are guided by emotions rather than facts or logic. When over 80% of people say they’re concerned about climate change, what’s holding us back from acting? This question has pulled me deeper into exploring the psychology of climate. How do our emotional responses shape behaviour, and how understanding this might unlock more empowered, collective action amid the “polycrisis.”

For anyone curious about how emotion and action intertwine in the climate movement, this podcast is both grounding and illuminating. Scoring it a 4.5/5

Check out the podcast: https://podbay.fm/p/climate-magic

I’ve never exactly been blessed with a green thumb. My grandfather grew prize-winning onions. My dad spent countless weekends nurturing a backyard full of home grown produce that could rival the local market. Even my siblings seem to have inherited the gardening gene. Me? I once celebrated keeping an indoor plant alive for 12 months.

But a few years ago, something shifted.

Watching the documentary Kiss the Ground changed how I see the world and my role in it. It was confronting to learn how fragile our food systems are, and how much industrial agriculture contributes to climate change and the degradation of our soils, an incredible natural carbon sink. But it was also hopeful, showing how regenerative farming and soil health can actually heal the planet. That film planted a seed in me (pardon the pun): if we can restore the earth on a global scale, surely I can start small right in my own backyard.

Why Growing Food Matters

My concern about food insecurity was what first motivated me to learn more about climate change. The idea that something as fundamental as food, what we feed our children, could become uncertain or inaccessible really hit home.

So, despite my less-than-stellar gardening record, I decided to create my own little patch of security: a veggie garden that was organic, local, and resilient. It wasn’t just about tomatoes and lettuce; it was about reconnecting to the cycle of care for the earth, for my family, and for our shared future.

One of my veggie patches at home - thyme anyone?? Lots of thyme....

Spring Gardening in Victoria

Here in Victoria, we’re lucky to live in a temperate climate zone, which means spring is a wonderful time to get growing. If you’re not sure what zone you’re in, check out this handy guide: Planting the Best Spring Crops in Australia. It’ll help you choose the right things to plant at the right time for your local conditions.

Some of my go-to spring veggies include:

🥕Carrots and beetroot – hardy, reliable, and kid-friendly.

🍅Tomatoes – the classic crowd-pleaser (even if mine still can’t match Dad’s).

🥬Lettuce and spinach – fast-growing and perfect for lunchbox salads.

🫛Beans and peas – fun for kids to plant and watch grow.

🌱Herbs - we love basil and it’s a great companion your tommy matoes:) I also avoid one of my pet peeves of having to buy food wrapped in plastic, why oh why? But that’s a topic for another blog LOL.

When planning your garden, think practical. What will your family actually eat? There’s no point in growing endless kale if it’ll just wilt in the fridge. Involve your kids in the process from picking seeds to watering and harvesting. Time and time again, I hear that even the fussiest eaters will happily eat what they’ve grown themselves.

The government’s own National Climate Risk Assessment confirms what parents across Australia already know: climate change is putting our kids and communities in danger.

As parents, we don’t take chances with our kids safety - whether it’s buckling a seatbelt, fitting a car seat, or being sun smart, we act on the best advice. We expect our government to do the same. That means shaping climate policy with science, not politics, and committing to net zero by 2035 with strong pollution cuts this decade. Anything less puts our kids' future at risk.

Reviewed by: Laura, mum of 2. Member of https://www.parentsforclimate.org/geelong_bellarine_surfcoast

Watching Common Ground felt like receiving a love letter to our children’s future. After seeing Kiss the Ground, a documentary that truly changed my life, I was awakened to the layered climate and poly-crisis we face - but also shown real, tangible solutions. I was sold, and couldn’t wait for the next instalment. Common Ground didn’t disappoint. As a parent, it hit me deeply: this isn’t just about abstract environmental issues, it’s about the world our kids will inherit, and the choices we make today that will shape their lives.

The film weaves together profoundly human stories: farmers grappling with debt and despair, Indigenous leaders sharing generations of wisdom, and communities finding innovative ways to restore the land. These moments are sometimes heavy, but always grounded in hope—regenerative practices that can heal soil, restore ecosystems, and rebuild resilience. Watching it, I was reminded that we are part of nature, not separate from it, and our care matters.

Voices like Laura Dern, Jason Momoa, Donald Glover, Woody Harrelson, and Rosario Dawson add warmth and gravitas, but it’s the real-life farmers and families whose experiences stay with you. One of the most moving threads is the film’s framing as a love letter to children: a clear, urgent call to act—not out of fear, but out of love, responsibility, and hope.

Why watch it? Because Common Ground gives you both perspective and purpose. Paired with the awakening I experienced from Kiss the Ground, it shows that solutions exist, that every choice matters, and that community and connection are powerful tools for change. As a parent, it’s a reminder that the love we have for our children can—and must—drive action, creating a safer, healthier, and more hopeful future for them.

Where to Watch in Australia

You can stream Common Ground on Amazon Prime Video, available for rent or purchase. Or Apple TV.

Check-out the website for more information https://commongroundfilm.org/

Holidays are about switching off, spending time with loved ones, and making memories. But they can also be heavy on emissions - from flights to accommodation to the food we eat on the road. The good news? With a little planning, you can enjoy a great trip while treading lighter on the planet.

Here are five tips (with ideas for different budgets) to get you started.

1. Rethink Your Travel Mode

Transport is often the biggest part of a holiday’s carbon footprint.

• Budget-friendly: Take the train or coach—both are affordable and low-emissions ways to explore Australia. A rail trip from Sydney to Melbourne or Brisbane is cheaper than flying, and the views are far better than an airport lounge.

• Mid-range: Carpool with friends or family to cut down on both costs and emissions.

• Splurge: Hire an EV for a road trip (or even better borrow a friends or families EV for a longer than usual test drive:) . Australia’s charging network is expanding fast, making it easier than ever to explore electric.

2. Choose Low-Impact Destinations

Where you go can make a big difference.

• Budget-friendly: Camping in national parks or staying in eco-hostels puts you close to nature with minimal footprint.

• Mid-range: Book local B&Bs or family-run stays instead of international chains, they often support local economies and use fewer resources.

• Splurge: Eco-lodges and certified sustainable resorts are becoming more common in Australia, offering comfort without the high carbon cost.

3. Pack Smart & Light

Less luggage means less fuel used in transport and it's less hassle for you.

• Bring reusable water bottles, cutlery, and shopping bags to cut down on single-use plastics.

• Pack clothes you can layer and re-wear instead of over packing.

• If you’re flying, lighter bags mean the plane uses less fuel - every kilo counts.

4. Eat Local & Seasonal

Food miles add up quickly on holiday.

• Budget-friendly: Visit local farmers’ markets or cook simple meals with regional produce.

• Mid-range: Dine at local cafes and restaurants that showcase seasonal ingredients.

• Splurge: Treat yourself to farm-to-table dining experiences or winery tours that prioritise local, low-impact produce.

5. Slow Down & Soak It In

The faster and further you travel, the higher the emissions.

• Budget-friendly: Plan a “staycation” close to home - rediscover local hikes, beaches, and hidden gems.

• Mid-range: Choose one region to explore deeply instead of hopping between multiple destinations.

• Splurge: Extend your trip instead of taking multiple short getaways - one longer, slower holiday can be more relaxing and lower impact.

Final Thought

Whether you’re camping in a national park, road-tripping in an EV, or relaxing at an eco-resort, there are low-emissions options for every budget. With a little intention, your holiday can leave you refreshed—without leaving a heavy footprint.

Have you got any other tips that you would recommend to our readers? We would love to hear them email [email protected]

Right now, we have a powerful opportunity to shape the kind of future our children will grow up in.

The federal government is about to decide Australia’s 2035 climate target. This is one of the most important climate decisions of the decade, and it will shape our children’s lives for years to come.

Parents for Climate is calling for a science-aligned target of Net Zero by 2035. Nothing less is safe or fair for our kids.

This target will lock in how much pollution Australia cuts over the next decade. It will decide whether our children grow up facing escalating fires, floods and heatwaves - or a safer, healthier future.

The science is clear: to keep global heating below 1.5°C and protect children from climate harm, Australia must cut pollution by at least 90% by 2035 on the way to Net Zero.

Our Perth group leader, fresh from meetings in Canberra last week, put it best:

“MPs want to hear a clear ask. They need to know the public expects strong action. And they’re watching how many of us speak up.”

This is the moment for parents, carers and grandparents across the country to raise their voices and call for a fair, fast, and science-aligned 2035 target: Net Zero by 2035.

The good news? There are numerous ways you can make the federal government feel the pressure – and every single one counts.

1. Send a letter, email, or call your ALP MP or Senator

A personal message from you can make a real impact. Let them know you expect a strong target: Net Zero by 2035.

• Use our simple email template or key messages to contact them
  
  
• Or pick up the phone -   it takes just 2 minutes, and we’ve got a step-by-step guide

Every call and email is logged, and MPs notice when numbers start to rise

2. Submit a Letter to the Editor or an Op-Ed

Local newspapers love to publish pieces from community members. Share why this matters to your family – your voice will reach both your neighbours and your MP’s office.

We’ve prepared a guide to help you write and submit your letter quickly and easily.

3. Organise or join a community photo action

Parents are gathering in parks, outside MPs’ offices, and on beaches with signs, prams, and kids to show what’s at stake.

It’s fun, family-friendly, and a powerful visual for local media – plus it shows MPs that their community is watching.

• Join an existing event, or
• Host your own – we’ll help with signs, media releases, and tips
• Here’s a How to Guide & Messaging

Inquiries email: [email protected] to get started

4. Share messages on social media

Social posts get noticed by MPs – especially when they’re tagged by multiple people from their electorate.

• Share your story and use hashtags #FairFastFar, #NetZeroby2035, #ForOurKids
• Or share our social posts - check them out here: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin
• Tag your MP or Senator so they know this matters to local families
  

The government has just announced a weak 2035 climate target - one that is not aligned with what science says is needed to protect our kids from harm. The government’s own National Climate Risk Assessment makes clear the catastrophic impacts if we fail to stay within 1.5°C.

Now is a critical moment to speak up.

As a parent, your voice carries weight. MPs and Senators need to hear that we expect bold, science-aligned action: Net Zero by 2035.

💬 You’ll likely speak to a friendly staffer or leave a voicemail - that’s perfectly okay. Every message counts.

This guide will walk you through it, step by step.

👉 Takes 5 minutes

📞 No experience needed

🌏 Big impact for our kids’ future

Step 1: Find your Labor MP, Senator or duty senator

Use this tool to quickly find a phone number for your Labor MP or nominated ALP Senator (for electorates without a Labor MP) - just search by your electorate.

Find your MP/Senator with this tool 

SPLIT

Step 2: Make Your Call - With Script or Talking Points

You’ve found your MP or Senator’s number - now it’s time to make the call. Use the calling script or talking points below for pointers.

Whether you prefer a full script or just a few key points to guide you, we’ve got you covered.

Your Key Message (say this no matter what)

"I’m calling to express my disappointment that the government’s 2035 climate target fails the child safety test. This target exposes our kids to escalating climate risks, and we cannot ignore the science."

This is the #1 thing to communicate - it frames the decision as failing children’s safety, and clearly conveys urgency and concern to MPs.

TIP: Speak from the heart - your voice matters. If you're nervous, you're not alone - but together, we're powerful.

Call Script or Talking Points for The Prime Ministers Office and Key Ministers

• Prime Minister - (02) 6277 7700 or (02) 9564 3588
• Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen - (02) 6277 7120
• Assistant Minister Climate and Energy Josh Wilson - (02) 6277 2081
• Environment Minister Murray Watt - (07) 5531 1033
• Resource Minister Madelaine King - (02) 6277 7930
• Treasurer Jim Chalmers - (02) 6277 7340
• Education Minister Jason Clare - (02) 6277 7350

Call Script PM & Ministers

Hi [Prime Minister/Minister’s name], I’m [name], a parent/carer/grandparent from [location]. I’m calling because the 2035 climate target announced by the government fails the child safety test.

As a [parent/carer/grandparent], I follow the best available science to keep my children safe. I believe the government has the same duty of care - and a responsibility to show leadership in these challenging times.

I was [emotional reaction] to read the findings of the National Climate Risk Assessment. We cannot ignore the science. It shows the risks of fires, floods, and heatwaves - and makes clear that the cost of inaction, or even inadequate action, is far greater than acting decisively now.

I urge you to show courageous leadership by strengthening Australia’s climate response - reassessing the 2035 target and ending approvals for new coal and gas projects. This is about guiding us safely through uncertain times, and shaping a future Australians can be proud of.

Our kids didn’t choose this crisis, but they will live with its consequences. What will your legacy be - leaving them exposed, or leading us to safety?

Please pass on my message - and thank you for your time.

Quick Talking Points (for PM & Ministers)

• Introduce yourself: “I’m a parent from [suburb], and I care deeply about our kids’ safety.”

• Express concern: “The 2035 target fails the child safety test.”

• Leadership: “In these times, we need leaders who follow science and protect children’s futures.”

• Cost of inaction: “The risks - and costs - of inaction are far greater than acting decisively now.”

• Call to action: “Reassess the target and stop approving new coal and gas.”

• Legacy: “What will your legacy be - leaving kids exposed, or leading us to safety?”

Step 4: Tell us who you called - it helps us track momentum

Your action matters. By letting us know who you called, we can:

• Keep track of which electorates have been contacted
• Show decision-makers how many parents are raising their voices
• Follow up strategically with MPs/Senators
  

Please fill in this quick form:

Reviewed by: Laura Billings

Watching The Hidden Life of Trees was like stepping into a secret world that’s been quietly thriving all around us—one I had barely begun to understand. Based on Peter Wohlleben’s beautiful book, the documentary takes you on an incredible journey beneath the forest floor and into the intricate, surprising, and deeply connected lives of trees.

The cinematography is next level—lush, immersive, and profoundly moving. But it’s the storytelling that really hit me. Trees as communicators. Trees as caretakers. Trees as a community that feels, remembers, even supports one another. It’s mysterious, creative, patient, loving—a bloody miracle, really.

After watching, I genuinely couldn’t look at a tree the same way again. My appreciation for this living ecosystem we’re a part of deepened tenfold. It reminded me how much wisdom is held in the natural world—and how much we stand to lose if we forget our connection to it.

It’s a documentary that inspires awe, reconnects you with nature, and stirs a quiet kind of hope. I can’t recommend it enough. 10/10

You can watch The Hidden Life of Trees in Australia through a few streaming platforms:

• Apple TV: Available for rent or purchase. 

Amazon Prime Video: Available for rent or purchase.

When we think about climate action, we often think of solar panels, reducing waste, or joining a local campaign. But there’s one powerful action you can take right now—without even leaving your house—that can have an enormous impact on your child’s future:

👉  Move your money out of banks and super funds that finance environmental destruction.

Many of Australia’s biggest financial institutions are still investing in industries that threaten a safe future for our kids—from fossil fuel expansion, to large-scale deforestation, land clearing, and other environmentally harmful projects.

It’s not just about emissions. It’s about protecting the forests, water, and natural systems that all life depends on—and that our children are set to inherit.

As parents, carers, and grandparents, we want to give our kids a future full of possibility—not one undermined by the very institutions meant to protect our savings. The good news? Moving your money is one of the most powerful and effective climate actions you can take.

🏦  So, what’s my bank or super fund actually doing?

Even though they may offer feel-good sustainability statements, many of Australia’s biggest financial institutions are still pouring billions into environmentally destructive industries—funding not just fossil fuel expansion, but also deforestation, unsustainable agriculture, and other projects that undermine a safe future for our kids.

Thankfully, our friends at Market Forces have done the heavy lifting for you.

Use their tools to compare your current bank or super fund:

• Compare banks: marketforces.org.au/compare-bank-table
  
  
• Compare super funds: marketforces.org.au/superfunds
  
  

You’ll find clear, independent information on which institutions are financing harmful industries—and which are helping fund a safer, more sustainable future.

🔄  It’s easier to switch than you think

Once you know what your bank or super fund is supporting, you can:

• Ask them to change their investment practices
• Move your money to a more ethical institution
• Encourage other parents, schools, and community groups to do the same

Many parents in our community have made the switch—and it feels good to know that your hard-earned savings are building a better world, not funding its destruction.

🌱  Why this matters for parents

As Market Forces puts it: "Finance is the key lever to hold companies accountable for the environmental harm they cause."

This isn’t just a technical change—it’s a values-driven decision. When we move our money, we’re sending a clear message: we won’t let our children’s future be bankrolled away.

And when we do it together? That message is impossible to ignore.

📣  Ready to take action?

Head to Market Forces and check out how your bank and super stack up. Then take the next step that feels right for you—switching, speaking out, or sharing with others.

Because change doesn’t just come from the top down—it comes from the power of everyday parents, moving together. 💚

There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t feel deeply grateful to live by the ocean. It’s my happy place. It’s where I go to play with my kids, walk off a tough day, or find a moment of peace. It’s where I feel most grounded — and most alive. Whether I’m swimming, floating, or simply watching the waves roll in, the ocean always brings me back to myself.

Living in an oceanside town, I’m constantly reminded of how generous the ocean is. It gives us food, regulates our climate, supports entire ecosystems — and it’s literally the lungs of the planet. Did you know that the ocean produces over 50% of the oxygen we breathe? It absorbs about 30% of the carbon dioxide we emit, buffering us from the worst impacts of climate change. And it’s home to the greatest biodiversity on Earth — though we’ve only discovered a fraction of the species it holds.

For many Australians, the ocean is part of our identity. It shapes our summers, our childhood memories, and for many First Nations communities, it is sacred — a source of cultural knowledge, story, and stewardship going back tens of thousands of years.

But even something as vast as the ocean is not immune to harm.

Rising temperatures are bleaching our coral reefs. Plastic pollution is choking marine life. Fertiliser runoff and oil spills damage fragile ecosystems. Our clothes shed microplastics that flow straight from washing machines to the sea. Warming, acidification, biodiversity loss — the signs of a declining ocean health rating are everywhere, and they’re deeply connected to human activity.

So what can we do?

There’s a lot we can do — starting right at home:

🌊 Don’t litter — ever. Most street rubbish ends up in stormwater drains, which lead straight to the ocean.
🌊 Use reef-safe sunscreen. Some common ingredients are toxic to coral and marine life.
🌊 Be mindful of your washing. Wash clothes less often, use a microfibre-catching laundry bag, and choose natural fabrics to reduce microplastic pollution.
🌊 Reduce single-use plastics. Reuse, refill, and refuse where you can.
🌊 Respect coastal ecosystems. Stay on paths, avoid disturbing wildlife, and take only photos.
🌊 Join a local group. From Coastcare to other local coastal community groups, there are brilliant community efforts restoring coastlines and protecting marine habitats.
🌊 Support climate action. Fossil fuels aren’t just warming the atmosphere — they pollute our oceans too. Join organisations like Parents for Climate who are pushing for a fast, fair transition to clean energy.
🌊 Speak up. Our oceans need policies that match the scale of the crisis. Add your voice to campaigns, vote for climate, and help shift the tide.

The ocean is resilient. If we act now — with urgency and love — it can heal. We can protect it for our kids and for every living thing that depends on its life-giving magic.

This World Ocean Day (and every day), let’s celebrate the wonder of our oceans — and honour them with our care.

Because the ocean gives us so much.
And now, it’s our turn to give back.

Written by Laura Billings - living, working and playing on majestic Wadawurrung Country.

This is a Toolkit for Communicators, Campaigners & Legal Advocates, based on the Federal Court case settlement: Parents for Climate v. EnergyAustralia.

Plus gain access to the recording of a special 1-hour online briefing that brought together legal, media, and campaign experts to unpack the impact and implications of the Parents for Climate v. EnergyAustralia greenwashing settlement.

Fill out the download form to get your copy in your 💌 inbox now

The toolkit supports clear, responsible, and legally sound communication about climate claims based on offsetting. 

It sets out:

1. a summary of the settlement
2. issues with marketing based on offsetting and ‘carbon neutral’ language; and
3. what companies should and shouldn’t say to avoid greenwashing.

It helps you avoid greenwashing and build public trust.

Thinking about switching your home to all-electric but not sure where to begin? You’re not alone — more and more families across Australia are considering making the move away from gas and towards cleaner, healthier, and more cost-effective electric homes.

Electrifying your home doesn’t have to happen all at once. In fact, it’s often easier (and cheaper) to take it step by step. Here's a simple guide to help families get started:

🔌 1. Start with the "Big Five" Appliances

When we talk about electrification, we’re usually referring to replacing five major things in the home:

• Gas cooktop → Induction stove

• Gas water heater → Heat pump hot water system

• Gas heater → Reverse cycle air conditioner

• Petrol car → Electric vehicle (EV)

• Rooftop solar + battery (to power it all)

Don’t worry if you can’t do them all right away — just consider electrifying when it’s time to replace an old or broken appliance. Each step makes a difference.

💰 2. Look Into Rebates and Incentives

There’s good news: Governments are starting to roll out more support to help households make the switch.

For example, the newly announced federal Labor government battery rebate means you could save 30% on the upfront cost of installing a home battery from July 1, 2025 — potentially cutting your bills by up to $2,300 per year!

State governments also have programs and rebates for solar panels, heat pumps, and energy-efficient appliances. Check what’s available in your area before you buy.

🛠️ 3. Make a Home Energy Plan

Before jumping into upgrades, it’s helpful to:

• Get a home energy assessment (some councils offer this for free!)

• Understand your current energy use

• Prioritise upgrades based on what will make the biggest impact for your family’s comfort and bills

A local, trusted electrician or energy advisor can help you map out a plan that fits your budget and lifestyle.

🌱 4. Talk to Your Kids About It

Electrifying your home is a great way to show your kids how everyday choices can help the planet. It can spark conversations about climate solutions, energy, and how we can create a safer future together.

Bonus: Kids love induction cooktops. They’re like magic!

🤝 5. Connect With Others on the Same Path

You don’t have to do this alone. There are Facebook groups, community forums, and local events where people share tips, recommendations, and stories about their electrification journeys.

If you're part of a Parents for Climate local group, reach out — many families are making the switch and happy to help each other out.

Our kids deserve clean air, safe homes, and a better tomorrow. But new coal and gas projects threaten their future.

Right now, fossil fuel expansion is putting Australian families at risk - polluting the air our children breathe, driving up energy costs, and making extreme weather events worse.

We can choose a different future. One where families have healthy, affordable energy and a safe climate to grow up in.

It starts with raising our voices and showing up for what matters. Every voice strengthens the call for real action.

✅ Sign the petition to demand NO NEW COAL AND GAS and protect what we love.

👉 Stand up for clean air and a healthy future. Order a free yard sign here – every sign on a lawn is a signal of hope and a reminder that parents and carers everywhere are ready to protect what we love.

We’re calling on state and federal governments to fund solar panels and batteries for every school and early childhood centre in Australia that doesn’t yet have solar - or needs more.

It's a no brainer: creating clean local jobs Australia-wide, slashing school and centre electricity costs, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions to protect our climate. We're asking state and federal governments to make this a reality.

Solar and batteries significantly cut power bills for schools and early childhood centres by using and storing free energy from the sun. 

• Save $114,000 in annual energy bills per large school*
• Save $12,700 in small schools*
• Saving $12,400 - $14,600 per annum for the average early childhood centre**

To achieve these savings, schools and centres need grant funding for their solar and battery system, and to become part of a "virtual power plant" where they can sell their excess solar power to the community.

Help make this a reality: take action now!

1. Help grow public support

SIGN THE SOLAR OUR LEARNING OPEN LETTER GET A PRINTABLE OPEN LETTER JOIN THE SOLAR OUR LEARNING SIGNUP CHALLENGE PUT UP A POSTER AT A SCHOOL OR CHILDCARE

2. Help demonstrate organisational support

ENDORSE THE SOLAR OUR LEARNING CAMPAIGN AS AN ORGANISATION

3. Share these resources

Colouring in pages, posters, reports and briefing documents Download the Solar Our Learning report

4. Start them young by teaching preschoolers about energy and renewables

Unlock Australia’s first preschool energy and renewables guide—download your copy now!

Sources:

* Beyond Zero Emissions ‘Million Jobs Plan’ 2020 - This plan, developed in conjunction with Tesla, provides for large schools to utilise 250kW of solar plus a medium battery and small schools to use 25kW of solar panels plus a small battery.  

** Based on a analysis of a random selection of 500 childcare provider energy consumptions figures, conducted for Parents for Climate by Utilizer Energy Consultants

As a parent, I don’t need to be a climate scientist to know that the world my kids are growing up in is changing. I see it in the rising cost of groceries, in the summers that stretch longer and hotter, and in the fear of what’s ahead if we don’t act now. The good news? We don’t have to be experts to make a difference. We just have to care - and when it comes to our kids’ future, families have that in bucket loads.

With the election just around the corner, things are about to get noisy. Political ads, campaign promises, and distractions will flood our feeds. But amongst all that noise, parents, carers, and grandparents have a voice that cuts through - one that speaks to the future we want for our children. The question is: will we use it?

The truth is, climate action and the cost of living aren’t separate issues. More extreme weather means rising insurance premiums, higher food prices, and energy costs that hit family budgets hard. Yet, while vested interests fight to keep things the way they are, families are the ones paying the price. This election, we need to be louder. We need to make it clear that securing a safe climate future is not just a wish - it’s an expectation.

The best part? Taking action is simple. Here are some easy ways to use your voice:

✅ Ask your local candidates where they stand on strong climate policies and share their responses.
✅ Sign the Parents for Climate election pledge to show decision-makers we care about climate action.
✅ Put up a sign or sticker to show your support in your community. Share a picture with us [email protected]
✅ Join a local event or host a conversation with other parents about why this matters.
✅ Write a letter to your MP or local paper—a personal story carries real weight.
✅ Use social media to talk about why climate action is a top priority for your family.