KARRATHA, Western Australia | The Nepalese Association of Agriculture, Forestry and Environment in Australia (NEPAFE) recently hosted a community-focused climate awareness and environmental engagement program in Karratha, bringing together members of the Nepali community, local government representatives, volunteers, and environmental advocates to promote sustainable living and climate action in the Pilbara region.
The event attracted 27 participants, including representatives from the City of Karratha, and provided a platform for learning, discussion, and practical environmental action.
Raising Awareness of Climate Change and Sustainability
The program commenced with a welcome address from local coordinator Pooja Bhandari, followed by an introduction to NEPAFE and its ongoing environmental and community initiatives by Dr Jagadish Timsina.
Dr Timsina delivered an engaging presentation on climate change and sustainable environmental management, highlighting the impacts of changing climatic conditions on agriculture, ecosystems, and local communities. The discussion focused on environmental challenges facing the Pilbara and Karratha region, while exploring practical actions individuals and communities can take to support environmental protection and climate resilience.
Participants actively contributed to discussions, sharing local experiences and ideas on how communities can work together to address environmental challenges.
City of Karratha Showcases Local Sustainability Initiatives
A key feature of the program was a presentation by Laurenda Timmins, Sustainability Lead at the City of Karratha, who outlined a range of sustainability and environmental initiatives currently being implemented across the region.
Her presentation emphasised the value of community participation in environmental stewardship and highlighted the importance of collaboration between local government, community organisations, and residents in building a more sustainable future.
The session also sparked discussions about strengthening partnerships and developing community-led environmental initiatives that can create lasting local impact.
Interactive Climate Awareness Quiz Engages Participants
Adding an interactive component to the day, participants took part in a Climate and Environmental Awareness Quiz, facilitated by a team including Mani Bhusal.
The quiz encouraged learning in a fun and engaging way while testing participants’ knowledge of climate change, sustainability, and environmental issues.
Congratulations to the quiz winners:
- 🥇 Swastika Adhikari – First Place
- 🥈 Ajay Bhatt – Second Place
- 🥉 Nabin Kafle – Third Place
- 🎖️ Ajay Ghimire – Fourth Place and Consolation Award
Winners received certificates and prizes, while all participants were awarded certificates of participation in recognition of their engagement and contribution.
Turning Awareness into Action Through Tree Planting
One of the highlights of the program was a community tree-planting activity, conducted with the support of the City of Karratha Parks and Gardens team.
Led by Nicole from the Parks and Gardens team, participants planted trees and took part in hands-on environmental activities that reinforced the day’s key message: meaningful environmental change begins with practical action.
The activity provided an opportunity for participants to translate knowledge into action and contribute directly to enhancing the local environment.
Recognising Community Contributions
NEPAFE acknowledged the valuable contributions of individuals who played a key role in the successful delivery of the event.
Mani Bhusal, Pooja Bhandari, and Amrit Lawoju were presented with letters of appreciation for their dedication, leadership, and support in organising the program.
The closing session highlighted future opportunities for collaboration in climate awareness, environmental protection, and sustainable development. Discussions included the potential for strengthened partnerships between NEPAFE, R2R, B&D Foundation, the City of Karratha, and other community organisations to deliver future joint initiatives across the region.
Building a Greener Future Together
The Karratha program demonstrated how community-led initiatives can connect global issues such as climate change with meaningful local action.
Through educational presentations, community discussions, interactive learning activities, and hands-on tree planting, the event successfully combined knowledge, participation, and environmental stewardship.
The program was coordinated by NEPAFE Vice President Kul Adhikari, with support from Dr Jagadish Timsina, local coordinators, volunteers, speakers, and participants.
NEPAFE extends its sincere appreciation to the City of Karratha, supporting and funding organisations, volunteers, speakers, and community members whose contributions helped make the program a success.
As NEPAFE continues its mission to promote climate awareness, environmental protection, and sustainable development, events such as this demonstrate the positive impact that can be achieved when communities come together with a shared commitment to a greener future.
“Knowledge creates awareness. Collaboration creates opportunity. Practical action creates change.”
The message from Karratha was clear: a sustainable future starts within our communities, and every action, no matter how small, contributes to lasting environmental change.
