Friday 7th May 2021 , Welcome to our monthly Yellow Box newsletter! As the temperature drops, conversations around home comfort and energy efficiency are heating up, particularly for renters and landlords. Better Renting has launched their Healthy Homes For Renters website and a campaign calling on all Australian governments to introduce basic standards to cut energy waste and ensure healthy homes for people who rent. In the ACT, the campaign for minimum standards in rental properties is at last seeing some progress and the ACT Government is seeking feedback via an online survey. There is also support available to renters via a free home energy assessments and home energy assessment webtool. Not far from here, the fight to protect the NSW south coast forests from logging is intensifying. Make sure you read on to find out more about the situation, and what you can do to protect these precious ecosystems. While we brace ourselves to be disappointed by consideration for the environment in Tuesday’s federal budget, it’s more important than ever to focus on the good we can do by having our voices heard. You can make a difference by signing the petition to save Lawson north grasslands. We know that Defence Housing Australia is continuing its drive to develop on these critically endangered ecosystems, and we are expecting to see their new proposals soon. You can also support our advocacy and community engagement work by volunteering on a campaign. We are excited about our growing volunteer team who bring a vast array of skills and expertise to the organisation! World Environment Day Dinner is shaping up to be heaps of fun as we finalise our preparations. Today we are pleased to unveil four delightful auction packages that will go under the hammer on the night - check out what's on the menu and whether you might like to treat yourself to some local produce and experiences. Don’t forget to buy your tickets! I hope to see you there. Warm regards, Helen Oakey Executive Director |