Photography by Basetsana Maluleka
Stories of Change: Merri-bek was a truly heartfelt evening that brought together local community members to share personal stories of action, resilience, and connection.
Our MC, Kulja Coulston, with her warm humour and insightful reflections on storytelling, set a welcoming tone that allowed people to listen with openness and authenticity.
We were honoured to hear from Merri-bek City Mayor, Helen Davidson, who generously shared both the story of her first experience of civic engagement as a youth and her current concerns and priorities for environmental safeguards in Merri-bek.
And, our fearless leader, Victoria McKenzie-McHarg, reminded us all why transformative change led by women and gender-diverse people is deeply needed for people and planet.
But of course, what made the night truly special were the changemakers, activists, and local legends: Ann McGregor, Emma Bacon, and Denise Cauchi. They each brought something personal, powerful, and unique: their story.
Ann McGregor OAM (President, Merri Creek Management Committee) told us about her incredible 50 years of dedication to restoring the Merri Creek and what becomes possible when people come together with collective vision and shared purpose. She shared the hard lessons she learned along the way, jaw-dropping before and after photos of the Merri Creek’s transformation, and reminded us all that the work is unfinished. The creek remains a lifeline for the health and wellbeing of our community, and for the many species who call it home. Our responsibility to protect it continues.
Emma Bacon (Executive Director and Founder, Sweltering Cities) took us on a journey that moved between humour, rage, sadness, and care as she authentically explored the emotional weight of climate work. Many of the people in the room also carry this weight. Daily, we navigate urgency, uncertainty, and grief on small and large scales, often silently. Hearing this spoken aloud is very powerful and takes immense courage. Her story reminded us that humour, anger, and tenderness are not just reactions, but essential tools for sustaining this work.
Denise Cauchi (CEO, Climate Action Network Australia) reflected on her experience of her first arrestible action at the Jabiluka blockade and how that action, despite her fears and anxieties, firmly set her on the path she walks now. In her own words:
“That morning in the bush, I not only crossed a physical and legal line but also a very deep psychological one.”
This was a powerful insight into how, as purpose-driven people, we continually grow, shift, and step into new parts of ourselves. How in order to create change around us, we must first create change within ourselves.
As an event organiser, it can be easy to believe that the months of planning and preparation both happen and then disappear in an instant. That the words spoken on the night float briefly into existence, only to vanish once the venue lights are turned off. But I know this isn’t true. Those stories stay with us, shaping how we think, feel, and talk with each other long after the event ends.
Storytelling is sensemaking. When we share stories, we invite others into our world, not to debate or intellectualise, but to feel, connect, and empathise. Through this generous act, we honour and inspire each other to step up, to keep going.
Stories remind us deeply why we care, and who we care alongside.
