Women from across the Loddon Mallee are being invited to come together in Castlemaine later this month to discuss practical, community-led responses to climate change.
The Women’s Climate Congress on Friday, July 24 will explore the challenges rural and regional communities face from increasingly frequent floods, droughts, bushfires, frosts and other extreme weather events, and how local women can help build stronger, more resilient communities.
Led by local Rural and Regional Climate Hub coordinators Heidi Michael and Margaret de Kam in partnership with Women’s Health Loddon Mallee, the congress builds on conversations that began at the 2025 Women’s Climate Congress in Castlemaine and the launch of the Rural and Regional Climate Hub pilot.
The day begins with a free ‘Tea Circle on Climate Conversations’ at Castlemaine Community House, 30 Templeton Street, from 10am to noon. Women of all ages are invited to share experiences, discuss local concerns and explore solutions.
From 1pm, the focus shifts to the Phee Broadway Theatre for a special screening of Australian director Liz Courtney’s internationally acclaimed documentary Antarctica – The Giant Awakens.
The film follows a team of young female climate scientists on an expedition to Antarctica led by Professor Benjamin Horton, one of the world’s leading experts on sea-level rise. Through stunning footage and scientific research, the documentary explores the rapid changes occurring in Antarctica and their implications for communities around the world.
Courtney said the film was designed to inspire people to engage with science, leadership and climate solutions.
“Antarctica may feel far away, but what happens there affects us all,” she said.
“This film is about courage, discovery, science and hope – and the importance of communities coming together to understand and respond to change.”
The screening is open to people of all ages and genders and will be followed by a live Q&A with Courtney. A second screening will run from 5pm to 7.30pm to allow families and those working during the day to attend.
To book tickets for the Tea Circle, visit events.humanitix.com/tea-circle-on-climate-conversations-castlemaineTickets for the film screenings are $10, $5 concession, children free (up to 18 years). Visit events.humanitix.com/rural-and-regional-climate-hub-castlemaine-film