Rising Tide x EMC: Film, Potluck Dinner & Drinks

Join us on Friday, 19 September at 5:30 PM for a free film screening and social night hosted by the Environmental Management Club.

We’ll kick off the evening with a screening of Turning the Ship—Rising Tide's new film— followed by a panel discussion, then a potluck-style dinner and drinks. 🌱 To help us keep the event low-waste, please remember to bring your own cup, plate, and utensils.

This event is a great chance to reconnect and unwind with new people and friends. Mark your calendar and come along—we’d love to see you there.

Check out our Linktree for more information!

✨ Panel Discussion

We’re excited to be joined by Erika Aligno as MC and moderator, along with an inspiring panel of speakers — Liem, Emma, Elena, and Neelesh.

MC & panel moderator

Erika Aligno is a community organiser and activist with Rising Tide, Filipinos for Climate, and Deep Ecology. She began her career in community legal centres, advocating for social justice, before expanding her work into environmental justice. Erika works in the NSW environment sector and is completing postgrad studies in Environmental Management at UNSW. Her activism is grounded in connecting local struggles with global climate movements and in defending the right to protest. She brings a perspective shaped by experience in both frontline community advocacy and government.

Panellists 

• Liem Grimes is a volunteer and activist with Rising Tide. He completed his undergraduate degree in Canberra before moving to Sydney to study medicine. He has a keen interest in the intersection of health, climate and disability. His politics are founded on a strong belief in equity, reparative justice and solidarity with marginalised groups. 

• Emma Terry is the elected Environment Officer for the UNSW Student Representative Council. She has helped to organise climate protests in Sydney since 2021. This year, she ran the 'Fossil Free' campaign on campus, which demanded the university end its research programs with companies like Rio Tinto and Woodside. She is a consistent and active fighter for LGBTI rights and has been leading the Palestine solidarity movement at UNSW. Her activism is grounded in anti-capitalism and fighting for a world free from oppression and inequality. 

• Elena Vallina Aparicio is a recent graduate from the Master of Environmental Management at UNSW. She attended the People’s Blockade in 2024 as a student and has recently become involved with Rising Tide as a volunteer. Her politics are rooted in post-humanist perspectives, collective action, and solidarity with communities resisting exploitation and oppression.

• Neelesh Paravastu is a volunteer and activist with Rising Tide. He is currently completing his Master of Research in Psychology at Macquarie University and works in digital mental health research. Outside of activism and work, Neelesh is also active in the Hindu community and enjoys reading and getting on the beers.