Margaret River Future Council for young environmentalists meets this weekend

A group of aspiring young environmentalists has met for the first time and they are looking to bolster their numbers further this weekend.

The first gathering of the Margaret River Future Council took place earlier this month, bringing together young residents keen on doing more for the region they love and live in.

While it was not a direct offshoot of Nature Conservation Margaret River Region, which runs its own youth ambassador program, coordinator Leanne Cordero said it had the same principles of citizens taking ownership and helping to protect the local environment.

“The reason that we have started the future council is because we watched the movie (Future Council) at the Heart a couple of weeks ago and it inspired us to create our own future council in our community,” she said.

“When we got home, the night we watched the movie, we came up with a basic plan of how we could set up this group.

“We hoped this program/group would help our community to all step up and help the environment.”

The future council was for youngsters aged eight to 18 with an interest in helping create specific and tangible opportunities to improve conditions.

The first meeting confirmed plans for a beach clean-up on October 12 to coincide with the Tangaroa Blue Foundation’s WA Beach Clean-up weekend.

The clean-up will take place at Ellensbrook beach at 1pm.

The council will meet again this weekend at Margaret River’s Rotary Park on Saturday, September 28, at 1pm.

New recruit Sunny Godling, 9, said the prospect of working with other young people was interesting.

“In the future council, I want to do beach cleanups, workshops to teach kids about the environment, and rallies to protect local ecosystems,” she said.

“I think it’s important that kids help the environment and stop the destruction of trees, caves and wildlife.”

Member Emma Heyink said she joined because it was great to see young people getting involved in protecting their future.

“So often the leaders of countries and companies do not have the best interests of young people in mind, and the future council gives young people an opportunity to take back power and stand up for our futures, the climate and the environment,” she said.

“It’s so incredible to see a younger generation of kids who care about the climate stepping up to lead this in Margaret River, and I would really encourage people to get involved.

“Taking action for a better future is so empowering.”

To find out more or get involved, contact leannecordero1@icloud.com or 0402 076 311.