Changemakers Festival brings community climate action to life
The 2026 Changemakers Macedon Ranges Festival was a success, with more than 850 people taking part across the 15‑day program, with over half attending a Changemakers event for the very first time. This growing participation reflects a clear and encouraging trend: our community’s increasing interest in practical, local climate action.
MRSG was very pleased to partner with Macedon Ranges Shire Council and Goldfields Library Corporation to plan and deliver this year’s festival. A key highlight for us was the opportunity to showcase the work of our action groups and contribute a diverse range of workshops and activities that engaged community members in positive, practical approaches to sustainable living and climate action, alongside many other local groups and organisations.
Across the festival, more than 60 events were delivered, spanning workshops, talks, tours and hands‑on activities. MRSG action groups alone delivered 18 events, covering topics such as sustainable food, sustainable homes, gardening, electrification, bee-keeping, and sustainable transport. These were complemented by sessions hosted by Council, libraries, neighbourhood houses, and a wide range of community organisations, demonstrating the strength of collaboration across the region.
The festival wasn’t just well attended; it made a meaningful impact. Participants rated events an average of 4.6 out of 5, with strong feedback about the quality of facilitation and the value of learning from local experts. Encouragingly, the festival showed strong potential for behaviour change:
86% of participants reported increased confidence following sessions
26% felt fully ready to take action
Almost half identified a specific action they planned to take within seven days
Hands‑on workshops proved especially popular, with many sessions booking out. Participants consistently highlighted the value of “locals teaching locals,” as well as opportunities to connect with others and learn practical, achievable steps they could take at home and in their communities.
Changemakers also strengthened community connections and visibility. A total of 22 community groups and organisations hosted events, helping to raise awareness of local initiatives and create pathways for ongoing involvement. The festival attracted strong interest from across the shire, with particularly high attendance at events such as the Riddells Creek Enviro‑Energy Expo and the Open Edible Gardens.
From MRSG’s perspective, the festival highlighted the power of collective action. By bringing together community groups, local government, and regional partners under a shared banner, Changemakers creates a platform that amplifies impact, expanding reach, strengthening networks, and supporting more people to take meaningful climate action.
Thank you to everyone who contributed—our action groups, volunteers, facilitators, partner organisations, and of course the community members who showed up, got involved, and took steps toward a more sustainable future.
We’re already looking forward to what Changemakers 2027 will bring.