I feel proud but also a bit nostalgic now that my #eBike4Australia trip has come to an end. On Saturday 14 September, five weeks and a day after I cycled off from Cottesloe, I rode in to Bondi Beach with Sydney cyclists who had joined me for the last leg. What started as a solo ride across Australia became an inspiring journey and movement for climate action and renewable energy. Almost 4,750 km of cycling across our continent not only brought me deep personal satisfaction and a unique connection to country, but also allowed me to engage with a huge cross-section of people, communities, and projects.
Reaching People, Sparking Conversations
During my journey, I engaged in hundreds of face-to-face conversations with everyday Australians and reached close to 1 million people on social media about climate change and renewable energy. These discussions were at the heart of my mission: creating space for genuine, grassroots dialogue about the future of our kids and country.
From truck stops to cafes, I met farmers, truckies, local workers, young people, retirees, and families. Many shared their hopes and fears about climate change, while others expressed frustration with the lack of government action and the use of climate change as a political football by politicians. These conversations reaffirmed to me the importance of community-based solutions and direct engagement to address the climate crisis.
Media Coverage and Political Engagement
In addition to my grassroots engagement, my #eBike4Australia journey caught the attention of local and regional media. I participated in ABC radio interviews. And stories about the ride appeared in regional newspapers. I also had the privilege of meeting independent politicians in their electorates and in Canberra. Like many Australians, they are pushing for stronger climate policies and cleaner energy solutions. They’re one of our best hopes at a political level given the deadlock and denial that comes from the major parties in our parliament.
Visiting Renewable Energy Sites
I had the chance to visit renewable energy projects and sites along the way - like the Esperance Renewable Energy Hub, the Collie Big Battery and the wind farms around Port Augusta and South Australia’s mid-north. These first-hand visits fuelled my optimism for Australia’s renewable future. They were a reminder that we already have the technology and potential to decarbonise. What’s needed is the political will and community support.
Raising Funds for Wildlife Conservation and Community Projects
Another tangible outcome of my journey was over $8,000 raised for two critical projects. The funds will benefit the Lions Woodland Village in Dryandra that hosts and supports the Numbat Taskforce to care for and protect one of Australia’s rarest marsupials. And the Collie Men’s Shed - which also operates as a women’s shed for two days out of five - will receive support to complement it’s solar panels with a much-needed battery.
A Heartfelt Thank You
To everyone who supported my #eBike4Australia initiative - whether through sharing renewable energy to charge my bike, donations to my fund-raising campaign, conversations, or sharing my journey on social media - thank you from the bottom of my heart. Collectively, our efforts can have lasting and stronger impacts. We’re all in this together.
Australia seems much smaller to me now that I’ve ridden across it. And that’s made my commitment to climate action is stronger than ever. Together, we can continue to push for a safe future for our kids and our country. Let’s keep the pressure on to ensure Australia leads the way in combating climate change.
Congratulations Gregory. Fantastic trip for the most important cause!