Heat on global warming

By Dion Teasdale
ANTAR Firak, owner of the Bodhi Tree Café and Gallery in Healesville, is taking a stand against global warming.
Mr Firak’s cafe and gallery will host an art exhibition and information evening this week which deals with the issue of climate change.
“It was 20 years ago I was first exposed to this issue at university and I feel like I’ve largely been asleep on the issue since,” Mr Firak said.
“Therefore, I’ve decided to take action and, along with my partner Fiona McDonald, am setting up a new business to focus on climate change solutions.”
The climate change business will be launched alongside an exhibition of new art work, titled Temperature Rising.
The exhibition will feature artwork by local artists and a series of discussions on the issue of climate change.
Visual artist Brendan Murray will unveil his new painting commissioned specifically for the exhibition, and mosaic artist Marion Aveling will also present her latest work.
“My strong sense is that the issue of climate change requires a strong indigenous voice to come forward as we develop action and solutions to address it,” Mr Firak said.
“I am excited about Brendan’s new painting and I have a quiet little thought that it might open up a new clarity on climate change issues and the potential for indigenous and other Australians to come together in partnership on this issue and others.”
Mr Firak said the exhibition would also feature sculpture, paintings and photography by other regional artists and a series of presentations and discussions over the coming month.
“Adrian Whitehead, former Greens candidate and Environment Victoria climate change campaigner, who is now heading his own organisation, will present on Thursday, 30 November,” he said.
Mr Firak said he hoped the exhibition and series of community focused discussion would be toured to other towns.
“We would like to take the exhibition to other communities as a way of raising the issue and facilitating action on climate change and perhaps other issues,” he said.
Temperature Rising will be launched on Thursday, 23 November at 8pm at the Bodhi Tree Café, 317 Maroondah Highway, Healesville. Phone 5962 4407 or visit www.bodhitreecafe.com.au/gallery.