2009 Media Releases

Turn Off the Lights to Help Halt Climate Change

27 February 2009

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Family sharing earth hour - photograph © Jamie Williams Photography

Celebrate Earth Hour under the stars at Willoughby City Council’s Earth Hour festivities, 5pm to 9:30pm, Saturday 28 March, Naremburn Park, corner of Park Road and Station Street, Naremburn.

The festival will feature interactive workshops for young and old, a range of sustainable living and food stalls, live entertainment and will culminate in a spectacular, interactive drumming finale during Earth Hour with dramatic drumming performers, fire twirlers, a candle lighting ceremony and the involvement of the audience using drums made from recycled materials to create a communal beat.

The event is supported by local community groups such as the Naremburn Progress Association, Artarmon Progress Association and the North Shore Climate Action Group.

In 2007, 2.2 million people took part in the world's first Earth Hour in Sydney, Australia. Just two years later, Earth Hour 2009 aims to reach more than one billion people in 1000 cities around the world.

“I urge all residents and local businesses to turn off their lights for one hour on Saturday 28 March and join us for an evening of fun and entertainment at Naremburn Park,” said Willoughby Mayor, Pat Reilly.

“Earth Hour provides a great opportunity for us to see how simple it is to save energy and to spend some time with our family and friends under the stars. This is a reminder of the actions we can take everyday to combat climate change,” he said.

Earth Hour coincides with the launch of Willoughby’s Climate Action Campaign. The campaign will deliver a range of programs to assist residents, businesses and schools take action on climate change.

Residents can also sign up for council’s free Gasbusters Home Assessment Service to learn more about their household’s carbon footprint and consider ways they can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Local businesses are urged to make a commitment to Earth Hour by switching all non-essential lighting off from 8:30 to 9:30pm or longer where viable.

To register your household’s participation in Earth Hour visit www.earthhour.org. Local businesses wishing to pledge their support can phone Willoughby City Council on 9777 1000.

Earth Hour, a global WWF climate change initiative begins at 8:30pm, Saturday 28 March. Join us in turning off your lights for one hour to show your support for action on climate change. For more ways to take action visit www.earthhour.org .

The Earth Hour festival is a Waste Wise event with a range of recycling facilities available. Residents are encouraged to walk, cycle or catch public transport to the park.

Media Contact
Media and Marketing Group Manager
Phone: 9777 7703
Mobile: 0421 492 757
Email: rebecca.hill@willoughby.nsw.gov.au