Port's inaugural Sustainable Futures Festival launched, running until September 11

The festival will run until September 11 with a finale to take place at St Philip's Christian College at Salamander Bay.

The dinner, organised by EcoNetwork Port Stephens, also marked the eve of World Environment Day (June 5).

EcoNetwork vice-president Sue Olsson said that organisers were overwhelmed by the support for the fundraising venture, which was expected to raise around $5000.

"The evening also marked the launch of the first activity on the festival program - the aRRRRRt Awards, a special collaboration between EcoNetwork Port Stephens and Artisan Collective," said Ms Olsson.

"These awards encourage artists to put the R into art: rethink, reduce, reuse, repurpose or recycle, with a cash prize pool of $1000 for primary, secondary and open categories. The awards are now open until August 5."

For more information on the awards go to econetworkps.org.

"There's more events to come, including the screening of the film River on July 29 at Nelson Bay Cinema, and the festival will culminate on September 11 at St Philip's where students will showcase environmental innovation, sustainable living and the different ways in which nature enriches our lives," Ms Olsson said.

"In partnership with local communities, environment groups and businesses, EcoNetwork Port Stephens is excited and proud to have this opportunity to host a special event for everyone to come along and experience, enjoy, learn and socialise."

Ms Olsson paid tribute to the many individuals and organisations who supported the gala dinner, including the Saltwater Restaurant Fingal Bay, MC Cr Leah Anderson, Asha Larkin's Refit Fashions, music artists Jude and the Dudes, Ingenia, GoodWill Getaways and Imagine Cruises.

Festival sponsors include Hunter Region Landcare Network (Local Land Service Hunter through funding from the Australian Government's Landcare Program), Salamander Bay Recycling, Boomerang Bags and St Philip's Christian College.

EcoNetwork is calling for businesses with suitable products and services to display at the festival.

For more information go to bit.ly/Sustainable-Futures-Festival or email festival@econetworkps.org.

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