News Archive

Residents and staff at University Hall gathered together in the Lower Quad to celebrate Earth Hour.

Saturday, March 19th, from 8:30pm to 9:30pm marked Earth Hour all over the world. Originating in Sydney, Australia, Earth Hour is held annually to bring awareness to climate change. In celebration, participants turn off non-essential lights and power for one full hour.

“Personally, through participation in Earth Hour, I would hope for students to become aware of climate change as an issue that will affect them so they think about doing something small or large to make a difference,” said Liam Whyte, Residential Life Coordinator at University Hall (UniHall).

In recent years, UniHall began celebrating Earth Hour by having a laid-back gathering with live acoustic performances by residents. This year performers included Nixon Hamlet and Quentin Narkle on didgeridoo and classical guitarist Daniel Ogburn. Over 140 UniHallers attended the event on Saturday - the most there has ever been.

Earlier in the week, UniHall’s Residential Advisor, Michelle Kang, held a workshop for students to make their own terrarium. This was a great success with over 40 students building unique terrariums as a beautiful addition to the Earth Hour event.

Holding a residential community event for Earth Hour helps to raise awareness in those who may be affected by climate change in the future.

Mr Whyte explained, “the UniHall Earth hour event created an opportunity for a symbolic gesture to those that have the power to take action to address climate change conditions.”

This story was written by UniHaller Renee Campbell-Sobers

Media references

Kelly Sheppard, Marketing and Communications Officer University Hall, 9273 3488, [email protected]