Courage at Saltbush Beach Balnarring

Courage in the Face of Urgent Climate Action

When faced with challenges that feel overwhelming and insurmountable, such as the need for urgent climate action, it may seem like an easier route – in the short term – to do nothing. In fact, there may be many competing interests that can tempt you to not act, including the increased cost, time and effort in making climate-conscious lifestyle changes, or feeling that any one person’s actions will not make a substantial difference. However, in the face of these obstacles, one vital quality emerges: courage. It is courage that empowers us to overcome these challenges and make the choice to do not what is easy, but what is right or necessary for the planet and for the global community. 

As a not-for-profit, Saltbush, Balnarring Beach has limited funds and resources. However, since our inception in 1989, preserving nature and sharing the value of the environment and its protection has been foundational. For many years, the Presentation Sisters have been engaging in the regeneration of farmland adjacent to Saltbush with Indigenous plants, which has supported many native birds and wildlife in the area. Today, ‘nature’ and ‘choice’ are key principles of our service. We choose to act with courage regarding climate action, regardless of the various limitations that we may face. A volunteer Green Team was created in 2020 to lead environmental initiatives, and we published our Saltbush Environmental Charter in 2021. Through our Green initiatives, our actions demonstrate our commitment to climate justice for our guests and in the wider community.

Since the development of the Green Team, Saltbush has engaged in various climate action projects, including installing solar panels on all six houses and the Nanospace, creating a gas-free site by upgrading all appliances like ovens to electric, replacing old hot water systems and dryers with heat pump technology, and changing electricity providers to Australia’s Greenest provider. Many of these projects have been supported by generous donations, from individuals, community groups, and the government, highlighting their own courage in the ways they choose to support those dedicated to protecting the environment. 

Courage is a choice. It is the moral strength of actively choosing perseverance and determination in the face of difficult tasks. Courage is also contagious. By leading with courage, we can inspire others to lean into their own courage with whatever challenges they may face. At Saltbush, Balnarring Beach, we hope that we can inspire our guests, the local community, and the Kildare Ministries community to embrace their courage and join in the fight for urgent climate action.