"We need to take action before it's too late." 

That was the message that cut through loud and clear from the students who attended a screening of Future Council, hosted by NQCC and Parents for Climate at St Joseph's Catholic School in Mundingburra.

The film by Damon Gameau follows a group of young people who meet face-to-face with the CEOs of large corporations and put forward their concerns, ideas and calls to action. It's powerful storytelling that highlights the burden of environmental harm felt by today's youth, and uplifts the role that younger generations will play in healing a broken world.

In the lead-up to the Townsville screening, we held a series of workshops to hear about the issues that were top of mind for local youth.

We heard that kids were really worried about a diverse range of environmental issues, including:

• climate change
• plastic pollution
• AI
• fast fashion
• food waste, and
• deforestation

Linked below are some of the kids' messages - they're a great read!

• Messages from St Joseph's Mundingburra workshop
• Messages from Magnetic Island State School workshop
• Messages from the screening event

These concerns were drawn together in a letter to decision-makers, with a simple request: 

"Could you please tell us how you are using your power to protect our environment and future from these problems?"

On the night of the screening, the letter was read out by two very articulate St Joseph's students, and 21 young people then signed onto the letter using their hand prints to show their support.

The event was also an opportunity for kids and adults alike to connect and discuss the big issues facing our environment, and to learn more about some local organisations working to address these.

Whether you were in attendance or not, we'd love your help lifting up the voices of our local youth!

Take Action!

👉 Sign onto the letter! We invite more young people in Townsville, aged 9-16 to sign onto the letter before it is sent to decision-makers in September. Send a photo of your handprint with your name and age to [email protected] to sign on!

👉 Send the letter to your local MP or Councillor (or tag them on socials), and help us to spread the message and hear from as many decision-makers as possible!

👉 Join the Future Council movement and demonstrate support from here in North Queensland!

Acknowledgements

Thank you to Chloe from Parents for Climate, Taya from St Joseph's Mundingburra and Jo from CANOE Projects and Julie for supporting our youth workshops and screening - and to all of the teachers, parents and guardians who connected us with amazing young people!

We also had a great crew of volunteers lending a hand on the night, serving popcorn and hot chocolate and ensuring everyone had a great time. Thanks, legends!

"From the tiniest insect to the biggest blue whale - everyone deserves a home!" - India, Yunbenun/Magnetic Island