• Jamie Van Egmond and Cathy Hall say Freo’s ripe for transition. Photo by Matthew Dwyer

THE global scourge known as “baby boomers” is in the sights of activists who are keen on Fremantle becoming a “transition town”.

South Fremantle volunteer Cathy Hall says her post-war born generation is the first to “brush off” environmental concerns, with attitudes of “been there, done that”.

“They dislike change more than any other generation, ironic because they have seen the most,” she says.

Transition focuses on changing fearful attitudes by “inner-transitioning”.

“It involves support for people with that denialist response,” she says.

“We want to inform people about what’s going on, and let them come up with their own conclusions and understand that it’s not too late, there’s still things we can do.”

Designed by UK activist and permaculture teacher Rob Hopkins in 2006, the transition town initiative—there are more than 40 across Australia—rallies communities by also teaching a 12-step program on lowering energy consumption.

“But that’s kind of a guideline,” says Ms Hall. “You get the guts of it and adapt, depending on what’s the most important in your own community.

“Food resilience and transport is a big part of the Fremantle transition town process.” Ms Hall is currently completing her Masters in sustainability and climate policy at Curtin University and says it’s time Freo took part.

“Taking on transitioning is recognising that things are already in place and linking existing initiatives,” she says.

Jamie Van Egmond, director of community guide The Green Scene, agrees.

“The transition idea is an overarching way to link communities and start conversations.

“My organisation informs local businesses of their responsibility to the environment.
“We need to create a stronger, closer community unit starting from the top.”

Ms Hall will run an information session at the over 55s One Stop Shop.

by ASHLEIGH SCAIFE