Nick Towle

This powerful quote from Gandhi has inspired so many to take action to care for our environment and its inhabitants. For Nick Towle and his partner, Michelle, this philosophy has become a way of life.

In the past few years Nick has been active in a range of environment and social justice projects. He and several others in Northwest Tasmania founded the North-West Environment Centre. He was also a founding member for the highly successful Burnie Farmers Market. In 2005 he undertook another ambitious project, Cycle for Sustainability, in which he and four others rode from Brisbane to Hobart. The journey took 5 months to complete and involved presentations and performances to thousands of school students and community members. Their aim was to raise awareness and inspire others to take action for creating a sustainable future.

Inspired by the success of the 2005 journey he again took on the role of principle coordinator for Cycle for Sustainability 2006 and with another dedicated team he rode from Sydney to Hobart. Over this two year period he covered approximately 8200 kilometres by bike, taking his inspiring messages to over 6000 school students and community members.

For Nick the Cycle for Sustainability campaigns have provided a great opportunity to empower others, showing how our simple everyday actions have the power to change the world.

“Everyday we make choices around the amount of water we use, the clothes we wear, the food we eat and the way we get ourselves to school or work. For each of these we can take positive actions that will improve the lives of thousands of others and help to maintain our environment so that it will continue to support the quality of life that we currently enjoy.”

“There are so many unique opportunities that I’ve gained through being part of this journey. It’s a privilege to meet and learn from others who are choosing to lead simpler, more sustainable and fulfilling lives. In sharing these stories of inspiration I hope that we will demonstrate that positive change is not only desirable but is really possible.”

Having completed these epic journeys Nick has returned to his home in northwest Tasmania and is seeking further opportunities to explore his passion for sustainability education. The Cycle for Sustainability campaign is ongoing and the current project team hope to expand the opportunities for others to get involved, with regional tours and the development of more fun and creative education projects.

Nick is now State program developer for OzGreen (Global Rivers Environment Education Network)and a presenter for the Climate Change Project.

For more information contact Nick, phone 0428 834 748.
Or check his campaign website www.sustainia.org.au