After having to postpone our event, we were thrilled to welcome over 40 people to the screening and panel discussion co-hosted by Social Workers for Climate Action and NQCC. The evening began with an introduction from Juanita and Sandra from Social Workers for Climate Action, inviting attendees to reflect, be curious, and remember that we are all part of a food system that can-and must-be improved: better for the soil, for farmers, and for consumers.

The screening showcased Vandana Shiva’s incredible journey, highlighting her ecofeminism and fight for food sovereignty. The film explored how many countries missed out on the promises of the Green Revolution, which, rather than increasing food security, often caused harm through large-scale industrial farming and injustice toward small farmers. Vandana Shiva emphasized the importance of considering whole systems-environmental, social, and scientific-when seeking solutions. She warned against the monopolization of seeds by mega-corporations, which disempowers communities and threatens biodiversity-a key factor in adapting to climate change.

Following the film, our panel featured:

• Acadia Lyons and Rob Zamperoni from Permaculture Townsville
• Diana Condylas from Food for Thought
• Emma Small from Social Workers for Climate Action

Panel discussions highlighted the challenges and opportunities within local food systems:

• Emma noted that local food aid often falls short of providing fresh, nutritious food, especially for marginalized groups who may struggle with transport or access.
• Permaculture Townsville stressed the importance of biodiversity, community collaboration, and learning through trial and error to reclaim food sovereignty-even in urban areas.
• Diana from Food for Thought emphasized sharing knowledge and resources, recognizing that many people simply lack access to food-growing skills.

Audience questions sparked rich dialogue on how Australians can make a difference. Emma reminded us that that is technically enough food to go around - reducing waste and challenging corporate monopolies are critical, along with supporting laws that protect farmers. She also highlighted the privilege involved in buying local.

At the close of the night, attendees contributed ideas for action around food access and the cost of living, including:

• Shopping less frequently at supermarkets; choosing markets and local organic stores
• Collaborative gardening—“pimp my yard” or tag-team yards as a community
• Watching educational documentaries, e.g., Percy vs Goliath on GMO seeds
• Eating seasonal, reducing meat, buying in bulk, cooking leftovers
• Growing even small herbs to stay connected to food
• Integrating food growing and preparation into all school levels
• Hosting community cooking events or workshops for food preservation
• Establishing seed libraries and community pantries
• Sharing seeds adapted to climate change
• Ensuring plants are safe for pets and wildlife
• Fundraising for food banks and redistributing farmers’ market leftovers

At the end of the night we also gave away some food themed lucky door prizes to inspire further action (all home-grown produce). Our panellists received a big, green 'thank you plant' as well as a certificate of appreciation. 

Keep in mind: As Vandana Shiva reminds us: “People think the system needs to change before I can change-but you are a living force already. And you are not alone, but interconnected, which changes the potential.” Or as Acadia from Permaculture Townsville put in a simple but powerful analogy: “I can grow tomatoes, Rob can grow cucumbers, and together we can make a salad.”

This inspiring evening reminded us that every small action counts, and together, even small steps-like growing a tomato or sharing a seed-can create real change.

You are very welcome to connect with Permaculture Townsville, Food for Thought, or Social Workers for Climate Action if this evening sparked any ideas or activism in you!

Thank you for a inspiring night!