Next year is going to be significant for the Don Dunstan Foundation, with some of the most challenging and complex policy issues on our agenda. When he formed the Foundation, Don didn’t want an organisation to simply perpetuate his memory – he wanted it to make a difference, to make the world a better, fairer place.
Twenty-five years after the Foundation began, we are grappling with the consequence of global issues at a local level. Primary among them is climate change. No matter what the culture warriors tell you, the reality of global warming is hitting home – literally – today. Extreme heat – which has caused more deaths in Australia than any other natural hazard – is increasing.
The CSIRO explains its data this way:
The very high monthly maximum temperatures that were recorded under 2% of the time in 1960−1989, are occurring 11% of the time in 2009−2023. That is about 6 times as often. Similarly, the very high night time temperatures, which are also a major contributor to heat stress, and occurred 2% of the time in 1960−1989, now occur about 10% of the time – 5 times as often.
Vulnerable people are being affected most by these here-and-now impacts of climate change. Action is needed now to help people whose homes are inadequately built and cooled. Immediate action is also needed to prepare for what is to come.
We’re planning a series of policy forums including government, the private sector, community groups and people with lived experience to build consensus about what more we can do to address these issues – together. Likewise, we’ll be tackling the housing crisis – which is heavily connected to climate justice – as well as Aboriginal empowerment. The Lowitja O’Donoghue Oration – one of our most anticipated events – will once again be a highlight of Reconciliation Week.
In October next year, we’ll be joining with many in the community to celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of the Dunstan Government’s most significant legislative reforms – the decriminalisation of homosexuality. As well as a celebration, it will be a time to take stock of how far we have come, and what is left to do.
All of this won’t be possible without the community’s support. You can donate to our work below, or talk to us about becoming a volunteer at one of our events.
Thanks for reading and supporting the Foundation this year. We’ll be back in the new year with more news about our work.
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