We spend lots of time climbing and we know it’s a real privilege and opportunity to part-take in this great sport, both indoors and outdoors. We also know the activity of climbing doesn’t exist in a vacuum, but is a part of a complex world with its unique challenges.
A lot of great things have been done for our environment & community in recent years. And yet, there’s lots more to do. There are a bunch of organisations working on some great initiatives out there. Here are the ones that we like a lot…
Bush Heritage is a national not-for-profit conservation organisation that buys land so it will be protected forever, and partners with Aboriginal people to support the management of their country. Founded by Bob Brown in 1991, Bush Heritage now protects over 11 million hectares – that’s half the size of Victoria – through 38 reserves and 25 Aboriginal partnerships. It manages these landscapes in partnership with Traditional Owners to control threats such as feral animals, weeds and bushfires. Bush Heritage’s vision is a healthy country, protected forever.
If you’re interested, you can find out more about Bush Heritage here.
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ClimbingQTs have done great work in their advocacy, education, and events. They have broken down barriers of entry to climbing for the LGBTQI+ community and we’ve learnt a lot working with them. Our wish is that this kind of work continues, so the LGBTQI+ community can access all the great things about climbing, free from intimidation, discrimination, and harassment. Through support and awareness, we want the sport we love to be welcoming to as many people as possible.
If you’re interested, you can find out more about the Climbing QTs here.
The Yarra River (Birrarung) is one of Melbourne's major waterways; beautiful, spiritually significant, and central to Melbourne’s identity. The Yarra Riverkeeper Association is the voice of the Yarra. They are an independent, community-led organisation of advocates who represent and protect this iconic Melbourne waterway. As Melbourne’s population grows, the river is coming under increasing environmental pressure, pollution, and habitat fragmentation. Yarra Riverkeeper’s vision is constant work towards a healthy, protected, and loved Yarra River.
“We advocate for the River: for green spaces, for water quality, for biodiversity, for the birds, animals, insects, and reptiles along the River, for good planning decisions, for the tributaries, for the parklands, for appropriate recreation; and for an understanding of our river and its role in the life of the city of Melbourne. We lobby governments and we educate the community. We tell the story of the River.”
If you’d like to hear more about Yarra River Keeper, you can find more info here.
Women Uprising have done a lot of work providing events, education and advocacy for people who have historically seen low participation, and have introduced many women to the joys of climbing for the first time. They have provided comprehensive pathways for women to develop their skills, giving them access to new experiences. They have created spaces for people to explore their love for climbing and find kinship with other like minded individuals.
We are grateful for all the work Women Uprising have done and everything they’ve achieved. We hope these avenues continue to grow so everyone has the opportunity to enjoy everything this sport has to offer.
Women Uprising welcomes all cis-women, trans-women, non-binary, genderqueer and bi-gender women climbers. If you’re interested, you can find out more about Women Uprising here.
We are keen to help out and supply hardware to people who are undertaking rebolting and anchor renewal projects.
We want to know what cool project is up your sleeve! If you have a project in mind that you think we can help with, please email us on info@climbinganchors.com. Send us an outline of your plans before the work is done including the routes.
On the first Sunday in March, the Climbing Anchors team and friends band together to take part in picking up rubbish and scrubbing our crags clean. Join us!
