In the media
Free, all-age concert will see North Sydney unite to call for a positive duty of care for future generations
Media Release, 17 July 2024
Some of Sydney’s best known new musical talents are teaming up with climate activist Anjali Sharma, North Sydney MP Kylea Tink, and North Sydney Council to call for the federal government to recognise its responsibility to future generations and fight for intergenerational inequity.
The free "Our Future, Your Duty" concert and rally to be held at St Leonards Park in North Sydney on Sunday 28 July (2pm-5pm) will feature an exciting line up of local and Australian musical talent. The line-up of artists includes Ruby Jackson, Astrovan and Røsemary, as well as Sweet Baby Darlings, with all artists either having lived, or attended a school in the federal electorate of North Sydney.
The free, all-age, drug and alcohol-free concert is expected to draw hundreds of locals, and aims to build momentum to urge the legislation of a federal Duty of Care Act to protect future generations from the harms of climate change.
Tickets are now available to the free event via Humantix.
Anjali Sharma, from the Duty of Care campaign, said: “It’s a known fact that climate change will disproportionately impact the lives of current and future generations, and our politicians are making decisions right now that will intrinsically shape what our futures will look like. It is only logical that this give rise to a duty that our elected representatives only exercise their powers in a way that will not have detrimental impacts on our health and wellbeing.”
“This is a proposal not just embraced by much of Australia’s health sector, businesses, unions, and advocacy organisations, but by everyday people from all walks of life. The only people dragging their feet are the major parties, while the futures of young people hang in the balance.”
Headline act and local artist Ruby Jackson said: “Live music is such a uniting experience and a valuable resource for bringing together like-minded people in the community to help raise awareness on how best to address climate change. It’s an honour to be participating in such an important community event.”
Shenuka Astbury from Røsemary said: “We believe music plays a powerful role in activism and raising awareness to drive social change. Music is inherently intertwined with our culture and can be used to deliver messages in a compelling and relatable way for all types of audiences.”
Loretto Kirribilli students Romy Elliott, Marcrisse De Vera and Lara Bonato from Sweet Baby Darlings said: “As teenagers, we believe in the impact of young people’s voices in the climate crisis – especially if it’s through fun lyrics and creative melodies.”
North Sydney locals Astrovan said: “Music can inspire and bring people together like nothing else can. The duty of care bill is a step towards protecting our humble little floating rock, so music, art and creativity can continue to prosper. We are honoured to take part in such a thing like this in the name of a united community taking a stand to demonstrate our appreciation and passion for such a beautiful planet.”
Kylea Tink MP, the Independent Federal Member for North Sydney said: “Climate change threatens the future health and wellbeing of all Australians, but especially young people. Unfortunately, our laws fall short in holding our government responsible for the environmental impacts of its decisions and the fossil fuel projects it approves. This needs to change, and the voice of young people can make a difference.
“If a government doesn’t have a positive duty of care to ensure the decisions it makes don’t negatively impact future generations, what is its job? Yet two consecutive federal governments have now rejected the idea. We must demand better. The Our Future, Your Duty concert aims to provide a stage for young people to make their voice heard. Get your tickets now and be a part of the change because your voice matters.”
North Sydney Mayor Zoë Baker said: “North Sydney is proud to support this community initiative. Our community is dedicated to fostering a sustainable future and to listening to and acting on the voices of young people - events like this concert are crucial in amplifying our collective voice for change.
“Local government is the only level of government that is required, by law, to take into account the impacts of decisions on the environment and intergenerational equity. It is vital, in this climate emergency, that other levels of government are held to the same standard.”
The line-up for the Duty of Care concert was curated by the team behind SydneyMusic.net, a not-for-profit organisation that supports Sydney’s grassroots live music community.
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