Green Music Australia this month hosted a climate activation where the Naarm music community united at Melbourne's iconic Corner Hotel.
Sometimes it can feel extremely overwhelming and disheartening hearing about the state of the world. Yet there are also moments of extreme inspiration and hope.
A month ago a creative and passionate man had an idea. He shared this idea on Instagram, created a visual mockup and asked people to join with him.
The idea: to gather renowned Australian artists along with 100s of musicians and supporters to sign a giant billboard with the slogan NO MUSIC ON A DEAD PLANET on the wall of the iconic Corner Hotel. A call for decisive climate action ahead of the upcoming election.
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Radio host and musician, Tim Shiel, who now dedicates his time to activating the music community to have an impact on climate, was the man behind the vision.
On Tuesday 15 April his idea became reality and Green Music Australia hosted a climate activation in which the Naarm music community united at Melbourne’s iconic Corner Hotel.
Missy Higgins, Sam Teskey, Angie McMahon, Mark Seymour, Vika and Linda Bull, Louis Macklin, Kevin Mitchell, Mahalia Barnes, Paul Dempsey and Stella Donnelly were among the hundred artists in attendance, signing a public billboard in an inspiring gesture of solidarity around climate action.
“Climate is the most important thing right now. It’s urgent that we send a message to our politicians that this is something that’s really important to us.” – Missy Higgins
GMA CEO Berish Bilander addressed the crowd and you could feel the power of combined energy in the room. Bilander has been instrumental in leading the music industry for over a decade towards making impactful change and bold activism. He was the one who championed for GMA to promote the NO MUSIC ON A DEAD PLANET campaign.
“Climate is the most important issue at this election. Human beings are incredible problem solvers, and this is the biggest problem we’ve ever had to solve. And it’s really well past time we got started.” – Paul Dempsey
Stacie Piper spoke and gave an acknowledgment and welcome to country. Stacie is a proud Wurundjeri, Dja Dja Wurrung, Ngurai Illum-Wurrung woman, and an artist herself. She was able to capture the significance of having us gathered together and reminded us all of our place and our part as caretakers of this incredible place we call home.
I’m here to put my name on the wall because I care about this planet. I care about the birds. I don’t feel like our government has done enough to protect this place and us.” – Stella Donnelly
There were children in the room wearing their No Brat on a Dead Planet tee’s and joining to sign the billboard. It was such a celebration and so powerful.
Everyone who attended couldn’t wipe the smiles off their faces and there was this unmistakable energy that was somehow utterly euphoric.
The poster will stay up for the rest of the election campaign, head to The Corner Hotel in Richmond any time to sign it – take a Sharpie with you.
