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Perth Sun Fair - Acting Locally Thinking Globally
The Perth Sun Fair is a lively annual event which upholds grass roots community participation. Coordinated by Jonathon Thwaites, finalist of the 2007 WA Environment Awards for Community Achievement, the Perth Sun Fair makes sustainable technology and ideas accessible to the general community.
With levels of community concern about climate change at an all time high, attendance at this year’s event is anticipated to exceed the 10,000 that visited the Perth Sun Fair in 2007. The event’s success is largely attributed to the drive of coordinator Jonathon Thwaites and Project Officer Leonie Wight who are committed to empowering the individual by offering opportunities through which they can participate in finding local solutions to the impending global crisis.
Held in the tranquil grounds of the University of Western Australia which offers a place for deep reflection and rumination, the Fair features a program of over 30 community information seminars where robust debate gives full reign to the spectrum of ideas for the future. Complementing the ‘ideas fest’ are the more tangible ‘hands on‘, experiential displays by more than 80 businesses, individuals and government agencies committed to developing sustainable lifestyle practices.
The event showcases an extraordinary range of technological possibilities that reduce environmental impact, are sustainable and use renewable energy sources. Whilst the issues are serious and the Fair is a major community forum for exploring a sustainable future, it is a fun filled celebration of quirky inventiveness and human ingenuity. Mr Thwaites stresses;
‘The Fair shows a way for people to participate and have fun doing it. This is particularly important for engaging with young people who will be tomorrow’s leaders’.
The inclusive philosophy which underpins the Perth Sun Fair allows a broad range and diversity of people and community groups to present their ideas, devices and practices irrespective of economic resources or political orientation. Mr Thwaites stresses the value of this;
‘It is imperative that non profit groups and individuals have as equal an opportunity to participate as those with money and resources. If a commercial imperative were to drive the event then these groups would effectively be silenced by participation fees‘.
Whilst the event is supported by the Alternative Technology Association and the University of Western Australia, it has relied on volunteer support to ensure it can be delivered free to the community. In soliciting support for the event Mr Thwaites has had to be tenacious and acknowledges; ‘I asked everyone I could think of. Tried not to be too pushy but also determined not to be disappointed if someone said no - most said no by the way’.
Mr Thwaites himself has invested his own time, energy and even financial resources into the event and has been successful in obtaining some Government grants including $20,000 from Lotterywest. The Lotterywest grant has enabled the event to be advertised and for equipment to be hired. Other funding has allowed for a part-time position to assist Mr Thwaites with the coordination of the Fair. Mr Thwaites acknowledges that a small team of two with an army of volunteers is an incredibly effective way of cutting through red tape and getting things done. He does however admit that as the event grows it will ultimately require a management team with assistance from participating organisations. For now he says his involvement ’comes from the heart, and those people I meet through my work with the Fair, can see that I am committed to this for what it is’.
The Perth Sun Fair will be held on 6 April on the Oak Lawn at the University of Western Australia. See the Fair web site at http://www.perthsunfair.com.au