We protect what we love

FRIDAY . 29 . 04. 22 .

Good morning.

We've had a pretty busy week at FWP [virtual] headquarters. Hilary has been off camping in Victorian National Parks, Paige is training up and prepping to race in the Brisbane Trail Ultra and Bruce and Julie have ventured north seeking warmer weather and less rain (lucky them - it's currently pouring outside as i'm typing this. I forget what it's like to run with dry shoes!).

We're a sports activist not for profit, dedicated to advocating for the protection of the wonderful wild places that we like to play and recreate in. Whilst we aren't a politically-focused NFP, we're aware that a federal election is approaching - a very important one.

Hilary capturing her most recent camping adventures. Pictured: Portland, Victoria - looking towards Cape Nelson (we love the renewable energy)

Vote Compass data shows that climate change, the cost of living and the state of the economy are the three most important issues to Australian's this election. We love that climate change has significantly increased as an 'important issue of concern', jumping from 5% in 2016 to 29% in 2022.

We're aware that the values of our audience (that's you) are likely aligned to our own. We don't think that we need to advocate for the environment to you. But, no doubt, we all have a friend, relative, work colleague or know someone, in some way, who's values don't align. It's conversations with these people that matter - we want to provide you with additional resources to be able to approach these conversations with empathy and knowledge.

In addition, politics in Australia is complicated. It's based on a preferential voting system, which means that it's not just your first vote that matters - subsequent votes can also influence the outcome.

Over the next few weeks, we will be dedicating a portion of our weekly newsletter to providing you with resources to ensure that you know how to (a) vote for the environment and (b) approach conversations with people who may not have the environment as their top priority. This week, we're linking you to some resources from GetUp to help you vote for climate, host conversations and get involved on election day.

On the non-political side of things, we're excited because the Banff Mountain Film Festival is coming to Australia, and we're linking you to screenings. Read on to find a location near you...

Julie, soaking up the sunshine that Boulder Beach has to offer. Lucky she has a Fractel hat to keep her sun safe 🧢

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE FILS TO GET YOU INSPIRED

BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL

The Banff Mountain Film Festival showcases short films and documentaries about mountain culture, sports, and the environment, and it's coming to Australia. The 9-day Canadian-based event is condensed into a 2.5 hour curated selection, and tours Australia from April to June. The program contains thought-provoking films, with subject matter ranging from remote landscapes and cultures to adrenaline-packed action sports.

We love the concept of a film screening. Here at FWP, we recognise that mountain peaks of Nepal or the ice cliffs of the Arctic region aren't accessible to all (yes for some, nah for most) - a film screening can transport you to these remote landscapes and take you on grand adventures from the comfort of your local town.

We are very confident that you'll be inspired by personal tales from a life of exploration, that will leave you craving an outdoor adventure. Check out this link to find a location near you.

WINTER STARTS NOW

A Warren Miller Film

A screenshot from the trailer.

Winter Starts Now celebrates the special winter season - a season that so many outdoor enthusiasts and athletes live for. This film chases winter around the highest peaks of northern America, from Utah and Colorado, to California and up to Alaska, where the only 'fresh tracks' encountered belong to bears!

Whilst viewing this film, you'll visit some epic mountain resorts, ski and snowboard down some well groomed trails and carve out some new tracks of your own. The film also features the first-ever disabled descent of Denali.

Click here to get your tickets to a screening near you, and you can watch the trailer here.

⛷️ ❄️ 🏂🏽

GET INVOLVED WITH 'GET UP'

GetUp is campaigning alongside First Nations communities fighting for action on climate change, federal protections for cultural heritage, increased enrolment and voter participation, and addressing inequality as the centrepiece of its federal election campaign. Here are some

Signing a pledge to vote for climate

If you would like to would like to receive How-to-Vote (HTV) for climate cards, you can do so by signing a pledge to vote for climate and closer to the date they will be sent this info. 

Join an election calling party

Across the country we are helping to elect representatives with stronger policies on issues like climate, cultural heritage and healthcare in strategic, marginal seats. These are seats where often just a few thousand votes will determine the outcome, and where the difference between candidates’ stances on important issues is stark. So this election, we’re hitting the phones at calling parties in person and online to have conversations with swing voters about key issues, and ask them to vote to win better representatives.

A second pic from Hilary's camping adventure - Cobboboonee national Park.

Host a conversation

Another way to take action is to host a kitchen table conversation about important issues affecting our communities, helping our friends and neighbours use their vote to deliver real change. By bringing our friends and neighbours together, we can shine a spotlight on key issues and help people vote for parties who actually represent leadership on climate, cultural heritage and health justice.

Volunteer on election day

Volunteering on election day is one of the most fun and impactful ways to push for change on the issues we care about this election. By having conversations at the polling booth and handing out independent how-to-vote cards and scorecards with GetUp on Election Day, you’ll be ensuring your fellow voters have all the information they need to make their vote count on the issues they care about.

VOTE COMPASS 2022

For the next few weeks, we'll be keeping this link to ABC's Vote Compass in our newsletter. This is an online tool developed by political scientists which enables you to learn how your political views compare to those of the election candidates in your local area.

Vote Compass

🧭 🧭 🧭

That's it from us this week. Have a great weekend, find inner peace amongst the trails, stay safe and we'll catch you next week (how is it almost May?).

And, as always, thank you for taking the time to support wild places!

Elanor & the For Wild Places team.

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We acknowledge the the First Nations people who have been custodians of land, waters and culture for tens of thousands of years. We pay respects to First Nations Elders past, present and emerging.

This email was written on Gadigal lands of the Eora nation. To these people, we pay our respects.

Always was, always will be.