Get Ready! It’s time to walk through the Transforming Youth #EcoAnxiety2Action Handbook together.

In this final episode of the series, we’ll unpack the highlights and outline key recommendations, which we’ve already shared with Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, our Climate Minister Chris Bowen and our Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek.

Two Bays host Matt Sykes is joined by Vasil Samarjiev, the Chief Youth Representation Officer at UN Youth Australia.

In a (gum)nut shell …

Issue: The #EcoAnxiety2Action Handbook is out now, but getting it on the decision-making agenda is going to be difficult and take time.

Opportunity: So, we need to build a Community of Support, and you’re already part of it.

Insights: Together, we’re shifting the needle and starting impactful conversations, and Gen Z is building momentum as a force for positive change.

The ‘Transforming Youth #EcoAnxiety2Action’ campaign is a collaboration between Regeneration Projects, UN Youth Australia and RMIT University. Join us on this journey!

Just like Kung Fu Panda movies, there comes a time when a Master passes the baton to an Apprentice. A similar intergenerational process is happening in Australia. Let’s find out how it’s going!

Jess Vize is the State Coordinator for Roots & Shoots Victoria, an initiative of the Jane Goodall Institute. She’s currently studying a Bachelor of Environmental Science at Deakin University.

Emily Alexander is the Education Manager for Culture College Arnhem Land Aboriginal Corporation, working alongside Yolngu Elders such as Djapirri Mununggirritj. She has university qualifications in Environmental and Indigenous Education.

Sophia Bagatsing is Founder of Friends of the Forest and also makes a special guest appearance.

In a (gum)nut shell …

Issue: Intergenerational leadership change can be tricky at the best of times.

Opportunity: Pioneering Elders & Mentors are setting inspiring examples for others to follow.

Insights: When we proactively embrace Gen Z’s ecological superpowers, everyone benefits.

The ‘Transforming Youth #EcoAnxiety2Action’ campaign is a collaboration between Regeneration Projects, UN Youth Australia and RMIT University. Join us on this journey!

Let’s talk about investing in Australia’s future leaders. When government funding and philanthropy meet aspiring young leaders and bold ideas, new opportunities are unlocked.

Aru Narayan is a super passionate and proactive young tourism professional. She was a 2022 graduate of the Launchpad program offered by Youth Tourism Network and Regeneration Projects, and is now a Team Lead at Reeho Study Tours.

Yee Zhao and Cooper Tealen are a dynamic duo with high hopes for Melbourne’s urban landscapes. They’re recipients of the City of Melbourne’s Youth Climate Action Grant, based around a very cool idea for soilless vertical gardens through their enterprise – Gnositukoi.

In a (gum)nut shell …

Issue: Finding value-aligned leadership programs & entrepreneurial seed funding is tricky.

Opportunity: Fortunately, advocacy and policy change is creating more supportive conditions.

Insights: Now, pilot programs have proven their impact for young people, we’re ready to scale.

The ‘Transforming Youth #EcoAnxiety2Action’ campaign is a collaboration between Regeneration Projects, UN Youth Australia and RMIT University. Join us on this journey!

Getting the narrative right is critical to addressing youth eco-anxiety … We’re about to deep dive into inspiring organisational change and ways of closing intergenerational relationship gaps.

Janet Connor is the Nursing Laboratory Manager in the Diploma and Bachelor of Nursing at Holmesglen Tafe.

Craig Hyde-Smith is a Provisional Psychologist at Blokes Psychology having completed his Master of Professional Psychology at the University of Melbourne in 2023.

Giorgia McLaughlin is currently studying a Master of Communication with RMIT University, and Co-Leading the #EcoAnxiety2Action campaign with Regeneration Projects.

In a (gum)nut shell …

Issue: Younger and Older Aussies are having trouble communicating about eco-anxiety.

Opportunity: Confronting stigmas and overcoming fear around change will bring us closer.

Insights: Learning from successful case studies shines a light on the pathway forward.

The ‘Transforming Youth #EcoAnxiety2Action’ campaign is a collaboration between Regeneration Projects, UN Youth Australia and RMIT University. Join us on this journey!

We’re still navigating the legacy of COVID-19. Schools, Universities, Tafe’s and other Education institutions have found themselves at the frontline of youth mental health. Let’s go behind the scenes!

- Mark Ashmore is the Principal at Salesian College Chadstone, and his school has become an early adopter of Regeneration Projects’ ecological literacy, leadership and entrepreneurship programs.

- Dr Jana Menssink is a Project Coordinator at the University of Melbourne’s Centre for Youth Mental Health, working closely with Orygen on research and practice to develop innovative programs and resources.

In a (gum)nut shell …

Issue: Youth mental health issues, including climate anxiety, are showing up throughout Australian education.

Opportunity: Industry experts and researchers are gradually building capacity across the sector.

Insights: A combination of strong leadership and values are showing signs of transformation.

When you’re facing a mammoth challenge, like climate change, you want your strongest allies by your side. For young Australians, there’s so much to learn & share with our friends across the Tasman.

1. Pok Wei-Heng also lives in the Land of the Long White Cloud - Aotearoa New Zealand. He’s the Curator of the WEF Global Shapers Community Auckland Hub and a Sustainability Consultant at Edge Impact.
2. Shruthi Vijayakumar also calls Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland home. As a Coach, Facilitator & Educator, she supports leaders committed to systemic change.
3. Vasil Samarjiev lives in Tarntanya / Adelaide, and is the Chief Youth Representation Officer at UN Youth Australia and Australia’s UN Youth Delegate for 2024.

In a (gum)nut shell …

Issue: Social and Environmental issues like climate change don’t stick to geographic borders.

Opportunity: So, when young leaders share knowledge and experiences, we are stronger.

Insights: There’s a range of international programs that bring young climate actors together!

Heads Up! When you hear the statistics, this is going to hit home. But don’t worry … there’s good people doing good things to transform #EcoAnxiety2Action. You’re in safe hands in Episode 2!

This week’s sensational line up includes:

Maureen Pillon is the Co-Chair of the Young Tourism Network and works as a City Economy Coordinator at the City of Melbourne.

Dora Marinova is a Professor at Curtin University of Technology, and like our next guest was originally from Bulgaria.

Vasil Samarjiev now calls Tarntanya / Adelaide home, he’s the Chief Youth Representation Officer at UN Youth Australia.

In a (gum)nut shell …

Issue: The Academic and Industry research on youth climate anxiety is alarming.

Opportunity: But elevating research to decision-makers is critical to moving forward.

Insights: Innovations in policy, investment and capacity building are waiting to be scaled.

The ‘Transforming Youth #EcoAnxiety2Action’ campaign is a collaboration between Regeneration Projects, UN Youth Australia and RMIT University. Join us on this journey!

In this first episode of the new Two Bays Podcast series ‘Transforming Youth #EcoAnxiety2Action’, we’re setting the scene on the connection between youth mental health and climate change.

Our incredible special guests include:

1. Vasil Samarjiev was born in Bulgaria and now calls tarntanya / Adelaide home, he’s the Chief Youth Representation Officer at UN Youth Australia.
2. Charlotte Gallace lives on Wurundjeri land, is a student at Prahran High School in Narrm / Melbourne and an Organiser with Schools Strike 4 Climate.
3. When he’s not at home on Millowl / Phillip Island, Joey Thompson’s voice can be heard stopping traffic in Melbourne’s CBD. He’s also an Organiser with Schools Strike 4 Climate.

In a (gum)nut shell …

Issue: The youth mental health crisis is serious, and climate change is a big trigger.

Opportunity: But surrounding yourself with good people is a starting point for positive action.

Insight: Youth leaders and organisations have a message that decision-makers need to hear.

The ‘Transforming Youth #EcoAnxiety2Action’ campaign is a collaboration between Regeneration Projects, UN Youth Australia and RMIT University. Join us on this journey!