Vox Bandicoot Graduates

Today saw the official close of the Vox Bandicoot Sustainability Leadership Training program. Similarly to the training, the concluding celebrations were not a demure event. We were all robed in silky gowns and the renowned black square hats as we received our graduation certificates. Everyone was photographed with our acting vice chancellor Carlie and each student made a short speech. The event was momentous. We heard many emotional and stirring orations from our fellow graduates. The words inspiring, awesome, privileged, awakening and fabulous were just a few of the many to arise in different speeches.

We all learnt a lot during the training and were privileged with the opportunity to be addressed by Larissa Brown, the founder and executive director of the Centre for Sustainability Leadership. Larissa told us the tale of just some of her experiences as she has striven to bring about the wider use of sustainable practices around the world. I think we were all stimulated and motivated by her words. Perhaps one of the most important things we learned from Larissa, was that just as the futter of a butterfly’s wings may create a tornado in another part of the word, so too can we create and influence change on local, national and international levels. All we need to do is believe in ourselves and the messages we are communicating.

Another fantastic incident that occurred during the Vox Bandicoot training was the bonding between team members. All differences were set aside as we brainstormed ideas for sustainable solutions to the problems our world is facing. We then set about creating a protocol, the final copy of which will be revealed in Darwin. Many new friendships were formed and others deepened as we set about accomplishing our work. We have all become a closer group!

During our training we visited several interesting locations. The first was the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens. I adored these picturesque gardens that were complete with beautiful plants, trees, flowers and lawns. They were also inhabited by a community of bats. These were a novelty for many people, myself included and many of us were fixed beneath the trees for several moments taking photos of these amazing creatures.

On Tuesday we visited the Powerhouse Museum which gave us the opportunity to learn of some remarkable sustainable feats people have achieved. We inspected a range of different designs in the EcoLogic exhibit that allow people and even cities to minimise their consumption of energy and various products. I was particularly interested in apparatuses such as the radio that runs from either solar electricity or a winding mechanism instead of batteries and the garbage bag made of natural materials that decompose within about three weeks of use.

Well, this is all for now,
Bron.