Local climate advocate Claire O'Rourke is launching her first book, Together We Can, in partnership with the South Coast Writers Centre.

Claire will be in conversation with actor and founder of Hi Neighbour Yael Stone, writer and presenter Craig Reucassel, and Wollongong City Councillor Mithra Cox, and local community organisations that are working in the Illawarra for people and planet.

Pre-order Together We Can here, or buy a copy from Collins Booksellers Thirroul who will be selling the book at the launch.

TOGETHER WE CAN

Millions of Australians are quietly freaking out about the state of the world, and Claire O'Rourke is one of them. We know the science is bad - we're signing petitions, recycling our garbage and switching our light bulbs - and we know so much more needs to be done. Australia is on the front lines. It's going to take a massive, all-hands-on-deck effort to turn this around, and it can be overwhelming thinking about where to start.

Together We Can is an invitation to anyone worried about what climate change means for our future and a challenge to reconnect with our communities. You can start small and simple and, before you know it, climate action is transformative, empowering and hopeful.

Claire tells the stories of everyday people all around Australia who are already making a difference, and they come from every walk of life: food producers, sportspeople, financiers, psychologists, First Nations people, entrepreneurs, public servants, scientists, teachers, actors, farmers, students and retirees. Our fragmented modern lives have pulled us away from the relationships that nurture and inspire. These stories show how contributing to healing our world enriches our connections with each other, which is what we need to face uncertain times.

AUTHOR

Claire O'Rourke is a campaigner, communicator, behaviour change expert, partner and parent. Totally climate freaked-out, Claire helps others take action on climate change, currently as Energy Transformation Program Director at The Sunrise Project. Previously Claire was National Director of Solar Citizens, a community-led renewable energy advocacy organisation. A former journalist, Claire has extensive experience campaigning for social impact with organisations on social issues, including driving communications for the Every Australian Counts campaign for the National Disability Insurance Scheme and as a senior leader at Amnesty International Australia.

GUEST SPEAKERS

Craig Reucassel is an Australian writer and presenter, co-founder of The Chaser and the powerhouse behind the impact films The War on Waste, Big Weather (and How to Survive it) and Big Deal.

Yael Stone is an actor and founding director of Hi Neighbour, an emerging Illawarra community organisation that uses community-funded solar projects to finance training scholarships for locals in low-carbon jobs.

Mithra Cox is a musician, environmental educator, strategic communications associate and Greens councillor on Wollongong City Council, where she's helping transform our local area into a hub of sustainability.