It started, as many good things do, with a few local mums and a shared concern for their kids’ future. Claire, Katy and Kelly from East Sydney decided they didn’t want to just worry about climate change, they wanted to do something about it.
Together, they are relaunching the Parents for Climate East Sydney group and finding empowering ways to speak up and positive, practical ways to engage with their community.
A first step into advocacy
When the chance came to meet their federal MP for Wentworth, Allegra Spender, the three mums decided to go for it. None of them had met with a politician before - but knowing what's at stake they said yes anyway. With a bit of preparation supported by the national team, they went into the meeting not as policy experts, rather as parents who care and confident to speak up for a safe future for their kids.
Their meeting was warm, constructive and hopeful - and it clearly made an impression.
A message that reached Parliament
Just a few weeks later, on 29 October 2025, Allegra Spender stood in Parliament and spoke about Claire, Katy and Kelly - and the many thousands of parents like them.
“Across our communities, parents are increasingly concerned about the future we’re leaving our kids... I recently met three of them - Claire, Katy and Kelly - who are united by a shared responsibility to leave the world a better place. They want clean energy powering our homes and our schools, reliable public transport and safe, walkable neighbourhoods. They want policies that cut pollution, protect nature and create opportunities for their children in a clean energy economy. They are deeply concerned by the recent climate risk assessment and the adequacy of climate targets.
Yet what struck me most in our conversation was their optimism - their focus on what's practical and achievable and on the everyday actions that, taken together, can drive real change."
You can view the full speech here, or read it below, or in Hansard here.
Hearing their story shared in Parliament was a powerful moment. Claire commented, “It's exciting to see how quickly momentum can build!”.
Everyday optimism in action
Following on from their recent family picnic, next on the East Sydney group’s agenda is a community clothes, books and toy swap on November 30th. This fun, family-friendly event is a great way to lead into a more sustainable holiday period and strengthen local connections.
And the team are keen to keep engaging with MPs, including the MP in their neighbouring federal electorate.
Every day, parents across Australia are finding meaningful ways to shape a safer future for our kids. Whether it’s hosting a local event, meeting an MP, or simply sharing their experiences - it all adds up.
Can you see yourself in this story? There are so many ways for you to action in your community with Parents for Climate. Feel free to join us at an event soon or contact Community Resilience Manager, Bianca Sands via [email protected] for more details
Allegra Spender MP's speech
Across our communities, parents are increasingly concerned about the future we're leaving our kids. From record-breaking heatwaves to bushfires in spring, it is clear that climate change is no longer a distant threat; it's here, shaping our kids' lives.
Parents for Climate is Australia's leading advocacy group made up of mums, dads, carers and grandparents calling for strong, practical action. Non-partisan and solutions focused, they have over 25,000 supporters across all the federal electorates, including more than 450 in Wentworth. I recently met three of them—Claire, Katy and Kelly—who are united by a shared responsibility to leave the world a better place. They want clean energy powering our homes and our schools, reliable public transport and safe, walkable neighbourhoods. They want policies that cut pollution, protect nature and create opportunities for their children in a clean energy economy. They are deeply concerned by the recent climate risk assessment and the adequacy of climate targets.
Yet what struck me most in our conversation was their optimism—their focus on what's practical and achievable and on the everyday actions that, taken together, can drive real change. Parents for Climate make it easier for families to take part in the climate movement, recognising that carers don't always have the time or energy for traditional activism. One of their upcoming initiatives, a community clothes and toy swap, is a brilliant way to reduce waste and strengthen local connections. I'm proud to support Parents for Climate's tireless efforts and the many thousands of families they represent.