Day 9 Writing Homework
Prompt : Complete all four formats (letter, speech, email, article) for your chosen environmental scenario. For each format:
Identify the specific audience you’re targeting
List the persuasive techniques you’ve incorporated
Explain how you’ve adapted your approach for the specific format
500-600 WORDS
Late submissions will not be marked.
Please upload your homework as a comment below:
- Due Date : April 26, 2025
- Feedback will be shared in 3-5 days
13 thoughts on “Day 9 Writing Homework”
Email:Subject: Riverside Creek: A Call for Urgent Remediation and Civic Stewardship
Dear Councillor Barrel,
I trust this message finds you in good health and high spirits.
I am writing to bring to your attention an issue that has been a cause for growing concern among residents in our community—the deteriorating and evidently neglected condition of Riverside Creek. What was once a picturesque and ecologically vibrant waterway, offering both aesthetic pleasure and essential environmental functions, has sadly become a shadow of its former self. The decline is not merely visible; it is palpable. With every passing day, we witness the slow but undeniable degradation of a vital natural asset that should be preserved, celebrated, and protected.
Can we, in good conscience, allow one of our town’s most treasured natural features to fall into such disrepair without decisive intervention? Is it not our moral and civic duty to safeguard the environments that have sustained and inspired generations before us?
The current state of the creek is deeply troubling. Overgrown with invasive plant species, choked with litter and refuse, and flanked by eroding banks, the creek now poses not only an environmental threat but also a potential public safety hazard. The walking paths that once invited leisurely strolls and served as an informal gathering place for families, joggers, and birdwatchers alike have become increasingly impassable. The wildlife that once called this ecosystem home appears to be in retreat, displaced by a landscape that no longer offers sanctuary.
Beyond the aesthetic and recreational losses, there are broader implications at stake. Riverside Creek plays a pivotal role in stormwater management and flood mitigation. It functions as a natural filtration system, purifying runoff and supporting biodiversity in a rapidly urbanizing landscape. Its neglect, therefore, is not merely a matter of visual blight but a lapse in responsible environmental stewardship that could have long-term repercussions on the health and safety of our community.
Are we truly prepared to explain to future generations why we stood idle while this ecological gem was left to decay? Could this not instead be a moment to demonstrate leadership, commitment, and foresight?
I urge you to initiate a comprehensive assessment of the current state of Riverside Creek and to champion a restoration initiative that involves ecological rehabilitation, community engagement, and a long-term sustainability plan. A public forum or community consultation might serve as a powerful first step in galvanizing support and gathering input from those most affected.
There is still time to reverse the tide of neglect—but action must be timely, coordinated, and sincere. In doing so, we not only restore the creek’s vitality but also reaffirm our shared values as custodians of this town’s natural heritage.
Thank you for your time, attention, and continued service to our community. I remain hopeful that, under your leadership, we can restore Riverside Creek to the jewel it once was.
Your sincerely, Jay Sapkota
25 Jimlet road
Jay.sapkota@restoreriversidecreek.com
Letter:
25 Timland road
April 24,2025
jay.sapkota@scholarlylearning.com
0437478363
Request for Immediate Attention to the Neglected State of Riverside Creek
I hope this letter finds you well and in good health.
I am writing to bring forward a matter of growing concern among local residents: the ongoing neglect and deterioration of Riverside Creek. Once a beloved feature of our town, known for its peaceful atmosphere and natural charm, the creek now faces significant environmental and community decline. The signs of this neglect are visible to anyone who passes by—overgrown banks, polluted waters, damaged walking paths, and a noticeable absence of the wildlife that once called it home.
Is it acceptable that such an important natural space, one that has offered so much to so many, is being left to fall apart? Should we not be doing more to protect the places that bring life, beauty, and balance to our neighborhoods?
Riverside Creek has long served as more than just a waterway—it is part of the identity of our community. It has been a space where families gathered for picnics, where children learned to appreciate nature, and where residents of all ages enjoyed peace and fresh air. Its decline has not only affected the visual appeal of the area, but has also reduced access to these simple yet vital experiences that enrich our everyday lives.
The creek also plays a practical role in our local environment. It helps manage stormwater, reduces the risk of flooding, and supports biodiversity. Its deterioration could have long-term environmental consequences that may cost even more to fix if not addressed now. Allowing it to remain in this condition would not only be a missed opportunity—it could become a serious problem.
Doesn’t our community deserve better? Isn’t now the time to act before the damage becomes irreversible?
I strongly urge the council to carry out a full environmental assessment of Riverside Creek and to prioritize the development of a detailed restoration plan. This plan should include cleanup efforts, habitat restoration, public access improvements, and regular maintenance. I also encourage the inclusion of local residents in the process—whether through community clean-up days, educational workshops, or public meetings that allow for open discussion and feedback.
There is still time to bring this natural space back to life. With the right attention, resources, and collaboration, Riverside Creek can once again be a point of pride for our town and a place where people feel connected to nature and to each other.
Thank you for your time, your service, and your consideration of this matter. I am confident that with your support, we can move toward a brighter, greener future for Riverside Creek and for everyone who calls this community home.
Yours sincerely, Jay Sapkota
Speech:
Good evening, everyone.
Thank you all for being here today. I want to take a moment to talk about something that’s often overlooked in our community. Something that’s right in front of us—but so easy to ignore. I’m talking about Riverside Creek.
How many of us walk past it every day without a second thought? How many of us have seen it, but never really seen it? A neglected patch of land, hidden behind fences and weeds, with water that barely flows anymore. How many of us have asked ourselves: “What happened to that place?”
Well, let me tell you. Riverside Creek wasn’t always like this.
Do you remember a time when it was alive with movement? When children played along its banks, when birds flew above, and fish swam freely beneath the surface? What happened to that vibrant place, to that piece of our town’s heart?
Today, we see something very different. Erosion, pollution, trash—it’s a far cry from what it used to be. What’s left is a sad reflection of years of neglect. Why has this happened? Why has this forgotten creek, once a symbol of life and community, been left to fade into the background? Why haven’t we done more to protect it?
But here’s the question that really matters: Can we make a difference? Can we bring Riverside Creek back to life?
I believe we can. But it won’t happen on its own.
What if we decided to reclaim this creek, to restore it to what it once was? What if we transformed it into a clean, thriving space that we could all be proud of? Wouldn’t that be something worth fighting for? Wouldn’t it be worth the effort to preserve something so precious for future generations?
Imagine walking along a newly revitalized trail, surrounded by the sound of flowing water and birdsong. Imagine children learning about the environment, not from a classroom, but by actually experiencing it—by playing near clean, fresh water and seeing wildlife up close. Isn’t that something we want for our kids? Isn’t that something that we deserve?
We have the power to make this happen. We can organize clean-ups, push for funding, and work together as a community to restore the creek. But here’s another important question: Will we?
Are we willing to take responsibility for the places we share? Are we willing to ask for the help and resources that our community deserves? Will we speak up, raise our voices, and make sure that Riverside Creek gets the attention it so desperately needs?
Riverside Creek may look like it’s beyond saving, but I ask you: Is anything truly beyond saving if we choose to act? Can we really afford to just stand by while this vital part of our ecosystem and community slips further away?
What’s at stake here is more than just the future of a creek—it’s the future of our town. It’s our chance to show that we care. To prove that we are the kind of community that looks after what we love. To show that when we come together, we can turn even the most neglected places into sources of pride and hope.
So I ask you today: What kind of community do we want to be? Do we want to be the kind of town that lets a beautiful creek fade away, or do we want to be the kind of town that restores it and lets it thrive again? The choice is ours.
Together, we can make Riverside Creek a place we’re all proud of again.
Thank you.
Article:Riverside Creek, once a vital and scenic waterway in our town, has become a shadow of its former self. For many, it’s a forgotten feature of the landscape—a creek that’s hidden behind fences, tangled weeds, and a buildup of pollution. Yet, this once-thriving natural space played an important role in both the local ecosystem and the community’s life.
Not long ago, Riverside Creek was a vibrant and active part of the town. People would visit the creek to enjoy its tranquil waters, observe wildlife, or simply walk along its banks. It was a place where local children could learn about nature and adults could escape into the peaceful sounds of flowing water. This was more than just a creek—it was a key component of the local environment and a beloved spot for residents.
Today, however, Riverside Creek has fallen into disrepair. Over the years, urban development and the growing demands of the town have led to the neglect of the waterway. Much of the creek’s once-pristine water is now polluted, and the creek’s surroundings have been overtaken by invasive plants and eroded banks.
A primary reason for the creek’s degradation is pollution. Like many other urban waterways, Riverside Creek has been impacted by stormwater runoff.Professor John James from the water assessing expert team said ” The water at the riverside side creek is the worst type of water I have recorded in my 25 year career.” As rainwater flows over streets, parking lots, and buildings, it picks up contaminants like oil, chemicals, and trash, which eventually end up in the creek. This kind of runoff significantly affects the water quality, making it unsafe for wildlife and human activities. The surrounding land is also subject to erosion, causing the creek’s banks to deteriorate, further destabilizing the area.
The pollution of the creek has led to a decrease in biodiversity. The once-thriving fish populations have diminished, and many species that used to frequent the creek have either left or died off. Birds, insects, and other animals that relied on the habitat provided by the creek’s vegetation have found fewer places to live. Invasive plant species now dominate the area, choking out native plants that once helped maintain a healthy ecosystem.
Despite its current state, Riverside Creek is more than just an environmental issue—it is a key part of the town’s history and its potential future. Creeks and rivers serve essential roles in local ecosystems, providing habitats for wildlife, filtering water, and helping to regulate the surrounding environment. When well-maintained, these water sources can also contribute to flood control and water quality, preventing the spread of pollution into other parts of the region.
Beyond its ecological importance, Riverside Creek also has the potential to enhance the community’s quality of life. Access to natural areas has been shown to increase residents’ overall well-being. The calming effects of nature, the opportunity for outdoor recreation, and the potential for environmental education are all benefits that a revitalized creek could offer.
Today, Riverside Creek is a reminder of how even the most cherished natural spaces can be neglected if they’re not cared for. While it may be difficult to see the potential in the creek’s current condition, it remains a vital part of the town’s natural environment. Its water still flows, albeit slowly and unevenly, and life still exists within it—though it’s not as abundant or visible as it once was. The creek is in need of attention, but it is not beyond help.
Riverside Creek is more than just a forgotten waterway—it is an important part of our town’s identity, history, and natural environment. As urban development continues and environmental challenges grow, it serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and protecting our natural resources. For those who remember what Riverside Creek once was, and those who may not know its history, the state of the creek raises important questions about how we, as a community, value and care for our natural spaces. The creek’s decline is a call to reflect on how we interact with the environment around us and how we can ensure that future generations can enjoy the same natural treasures we once took for granted.
Here’s your feedback! 🙂
Dikshya – DAY 9
letter:
Dear Councillor Lyn,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my urgent concern regarding the deteriorating conditions of Hart Beach. Research from the Australian Plastic Institution shows that there has been a 73% increase in plastic at Hart Beach, more than any in Sydney. This alarming statistic highlights the need for immediate action. One effective solution would be the implementation of a plastic bag ban in our community.
The environmental benefits would be substantial. Studies from the New South Wales Environment Department have shown that suburbs that have already enacted a plastic ban have had a 36% decrease in plastic pollution. This not only improves but also enhances the health of our beach.
Additionally, a plastic bag ban could help save money. Instead of spending money on plastic bags every time you go shopping, you can make a one time purchase for a reusable bag. This would reduce the waste and the money spent on single-use plastics.
I urge you to consider introducing a plastic bag ban in our area to protect Hart Beach and ensure a clean and sustainable future for a community. Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter.
Yours sincerely,
Hillary
speech:
Close your eyes for a moment. Imagine walking through a beach where, instead of walking through pristine sand sprinkled with shells, you shuffle your feet through oceans of plastic waste. Bottles, bags, broken fragments cover the ground, suffocating the landscape beneath it. Now open your eyes. This isn’t just some setting in a dystopian novel – this is what Hart Beach looks like right now.
Every time we throw our finished plastic bottles away, we contribute to this crisis. Every time we bring a disposable plastic grocery bag to the shops, we contribute to this crisis. Every time we litter after we eat, we contribute to this crisis. Each of us in this room has done something to contribute to this crisis. Students, teachers, and parents alike, every small action we take adds to the mountain of waste that is choking our environment.
But there is a way to change this. Slowly but surely, we can reduce our plastic waste. Instead of using plastic water bottles, we can use reusable, metal ones. Instead of using single-use plastic bags, we can use reusable ones. Instead of disposing of our plastic products, we can use reduce, reuse, and recycle. Will you join me? Or will you keep neglecting our dying environment? Will you be part of the solution? Or will you keep using plastic products? The time for action isn’t tomorrow – it’s today.
email:
Subject: Dire Conditions at Hart Beach Require Immediate Action
Dear Hart Council,
When looking at our beach, instead of seeing crystal-clear waves crash onto a pristine beach, you would see plastic bottles and bags washing up on our shores, pollution our ocean and killing our environment. This is a massive problem in our community. Some solutions to this would be implementing a plastic ban across the city, or raising the prices of plastic products.
Raising the price of plastic would influence consumers to buy cheaper, and more sustainable products instead of harmful ones. This will eventually lead to a plastic-free community after a few years. A faster solution to our plastic problem is to ban it instantly. This will force consumers to purchase sustainable products instead of giving them a choice.
Both of these changes will significantly reduce our plastic consumption, whether it’s instantly or gradually. Hopefully we will be able to look forward to a more sustainable city and a cleaner and healthier beach.
From,
Hillary
article:
Hart Beach’s Plastic Waste Crisis Demands Solutions
What used to be a pristine beach, bustling with wildlife, is now a graveyard full of plastic. Recent surveys have revealed a shocking 73% increase in plastic at Hart Beach and a 24% increase in marine animal deaths due to plastic, according to the Plastic Reduction Department (PRD). This has caused the council to consider a city-wide plastic ban.
“Hart Beach is no place for sea life anymore. Virtually every water sample we test from there has microplastics in it,” reports Sarah McWilliams, the co-founder of PRD. “These particles enter the fish we eat, and when we eat them, they end up in our stomachs as well. This can have potentially devastating consequences for our health and bodies.”
Although some local businesses argue that plastic is cheaper than other materials and it would save our community money, studies have proved that suburbs that have already introduced a plastic ban have actually saved money in the long term. Carwood’s plastic ban, which was issued a few years ago, has reduced plastic waste by 81% while boosting tourism rates due to cleaner and clearer beaches.
As debate whether to implement this ban or not continues in the council, cleanup processes have already begun, with machines picking up plastic from 1 P.M. to 5 P.M.
Here’s your feedback! 🙂
diem_nguyenicloud-com – DAY 9
Imagine a world where animals populations soared and plants flourished. Imagine seeing dezens of species of birds flying around the clean green world. Oceans thrive with life and colour. Yet the stark reality is that many species go extinct due to human wastage. Turtles are killed every day, deceived by the jellyfish-like appearance of lastic bags. Fish die every day, murdered just by swallowing little pieces of plastic. The ones that survive suffer for the rest of their lives or get eaten by humans – a risk hazard for us. We must save these animals – and ourselves – before it is too late.
Statistics show that 47% of plastic – nearly half – go to the ocean within a year. About 58% of these kill animals within another year. This must be stopped. A way to do it? Cleaning up our park. It may seem boring and insignificant, but a little boredom can be sacrificed for dozens of lives – and it doesnt even have to be boriing, it only depends on how you view it. For the latter, cleaning up this school saves many marine animals’ lives, and whwn more schools combine forces and clean – which im sure they’re doing – it makes a huge difference to the environment.
So join me. Join me in cleaning up the park tommorow. Join me in taking the first steps towards saving the world. But it doesn’t end there. I want you all – parent, teacher, student – to rethink your decisions. Save a few seconds or save a few lives? The choice is yours to make.
Join me in cleaning our park. This is our fault. We can – must – will solve this mess.
So help me, help animals, help the word – before it is too late.
THIS IS A SPEECH
Here’s your feedback! 🙂
Jordan – DAY 9
1. Letter
Audience: School Principal
Persuasive Techniques: Formal tone, statistics, call to action, appeal to responsibility
Adaptation: Structured format with respectful tone and specific suggestions
Dear Principal Thompson,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my concern about the use of single-use plastics within our school, particularly in the canteen and at school events. As a concerned student, I believe we can lead by example in promoting sustainable practices.
Studies show that Australians use over 3.5 million tonnes of plastic each year, with a significant amount coming from disposable cutlery, plates, and packaging. Much of this ends up in landfill or polluting our environment.
I propose that our school implement a ban on single-use plastics and encourage reusable alternatives, such as lunch containers, metal cutlery, and biodegradable packaging in the canteen. We could also launch an awareness campaign to educate students on the environmental impact of plastics.
By taking this step, our school will show leadership and care for our environment. I hope you will consider my suggestions and work with the student council to make this a reality.
Sincerely,
Emily Chen
2. Speech
Audience: Fellow students at school assembly
Persuasive Techniques: Emotive language, rhetorical questions, repetition, inclusive language
Adaptation: Conversational tone, direct engagement with audience
Hey everyone,
Have you ever thrown away a plastic spoon at lunch and thought, “It’s just one”? Well, what if 500 students thought the same? That’s 500 plastic spoons in just one lunch break.
We all love our planet, but our habits are hurting it. Every single-use plastic we throw away takes hundreds of years to break down. It ends up in oceans, harming turtles, dolphins, and birds.
But here’s the thing: we can change that. We can choose reusable containers. We can say no to plastic straws. We can ask the canteen for better packaging options.
Let’s be the generation that chooses action over convenience. Together, we can make our school cleaner, greener, and prouder.
3. Email
Audience: School Canteen Manager
Persuasive Techniques: Friendly tone, direct suggestions, polite language, logical reasoning
Adaptation: Concise and clear with actionable points
Subject: Suggestion to Reduce Single-Use Plastics in the Canteen
Hi Ms. Davies,
I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to share a suggestion about the use of single-use plastics in our school canteen. Many students have noticed the amount of plastic cutlery and containers being used daily.
Would it be possible to trial biodegradable packaging or encourage students to bring their own containers? Even small changes—like switching to wooden cutlery—could make a big difference over time.
I really appreciate how hard you work to keep the canteen running smoothly, and I think this change would show how much we care about sustainability too.
Kind regards,
Emily Chen
4. Article
Audience: Local school newsletter readers (students, parents, teachers)
Persuasive Techniques: Facts, examples, inclusive language, solution-focused
Adaptation: Informative and engaging style with broader community appeal
Title: It’s Time to Cut Out Plastics—One School at a Time
Plastic is everywhere—from the fork you use at lunch to the wrapping around your sandwich. But is it really necessary?
Every year, millions of tonnes of plastic are thrown away in Australia, and schools are no exception. That’s why students at our school are calling for change.
By encouraging reusable containers, introducing biodegradable packaging in the canteen, and launching student-led clean-up days, we can cut down on waste and build awareness.
Parents can get involved too by packing plastic-free lunches. Teachers can support by reducing plastic in classrooms. Everyone has a role to play.
It’s time we became part of the solution—starting with our school.
Here’s your feedback! 🙂
madiha – DAY 9
My Homework… Ayush
DifferentAngles-SameTopic
Imagine a river, where the water runs clear and fresh, and the landscape is pure and bright. Fresh grass surrounds the river and sturdy trees stand like silent guardians. Yet the stark reality of the state of Silverwater river is that pollution clogs the water flow, stumps of fallen trees line the path, and the grass is dry and brown. The water is murky with rubbish and flows with plastic. The air reeks of pollution. How did this happen? Humans.
For years, we have been littering, dumping rubbish onto the streets, and sending waste to landfill. Majority of this has gone to lakes, rivers, creeks, and the ocean. Single-use plastic bags lurk in the water like a silent predator – one created by humans. It engulfs the world, choking turtles, strangling fish, decimating marine life. The act of littering may seem small, but every plastic bag you drop, every wrapper chucked thoughtlessly into the streets, every plastic packet tossed, could mean the life or death of a marine animal. And when billions of humans contribute to this dozens of times, it destroys countless lives. Chokes countless animals. Murders countless sea creatures. Silverwater river is no longer a pristine river flowing with pure water. Its become an area of death for marine life.
Statistics show that the level of pollution has soared 1400% over the last two years – yet the population of animals is only 18% of 6 years ago. The levels of dangerous chemicals is approxiamately thrice as much as just a few months ago. These levels will only get worse as time passes on. The time to act is not later, but now. I have heard many stories of how hard it was to fish in this river compared to just last year. Whole families used to sustain themselves on these fish; now, even if you managed to catch one, they would be filled with pieces of pollution and microplastics.
The time to act is now. The situation will only grow worse as time passes on – soon it will be irreversable.
We must clean the river now. This is our fault – our mess. We can fix it. We must fix it. We will fix it.
So join me – before it is too late.
Letter example:
Dear Councillor Jordan,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my profound anguish and concern regarding the deteriorating state of Riverside pond. What was once a vibrant and cherished environment for marine species to thrive has sadly deteriorated into a remnant of the once magnificent ecosystem, home to innocent creatures. As a student whose happiness has been built on nature, I find myself compelled to take action against the pollution of Silver water Creek. The pollution becomes more and more evident with each passing day. What message are we sending our children by neglecting these grave environmental issues?
Councillor Jordan, I respectfully propose a community clean up effort to combat against the pollution of Riverside Pond.
This environmental disaster has struck the hearts of our community’s heritage. Every year, indigenous Australians living near Cherrybrook perform a unique and sacred tradition at the nearby Riverside Pond. This tradition of bathing in the lake symbolises renewal and rebirth, and the tradition has been transferred throughout multiple generations of Aboriginals living at Cherrybrook. Tom Gleeson, aged 85, was going to practise the tradition with his son, until he reached the lake. Numerous pieces littered the usual clear pond. Looking down, Tom could see the lifeless bodies of innocent turtles that once dwelt in the pond, their usual proud smiles now turned to painful frowns of betrayal.
To restore Riverside Pond to its former glory, we must implement a community clean-up effort in addition to ecological monitoring. Together, we can rebuild a safe environment for marine animals and support the traditions of Indigenous people living around the area.
Yours faithfully,
Luke
Email example:
Dear Councillor Jordan,
I hope this letter finds you well and happy. I am writing to express my anguish and concern regarding the deteriorating state of Riverside pond. As a student whose happiness has been built on nature, I find myself compelled to take action against the pollution of Silver water Creek. The pollution becomes more and more evident with each passing day. What message are we sending our children by neglecting these grave environmental issues?
Councillor Jordan, I respectfully propose a community clean up effort to combat against the pollution of Riverside Pond.
Additionally, the pollution of the pond affects the traditions of Aboriginals. Let me explain, every year, indigenous Australians living near Cherrybrook perform a unique and sacred tradition at the nearby Riverside Pond. This tradition of bathing in the lake symbolises renewal and rebirth, and the tradition has been transferred throughout multiple generations of Aboriginals living at Cherrybrook.
A great example of this is Tom Gleeson, aged 85, was going to practise the tradition with his son, until he reached the lake. Numerous pieces littered the usual clear pond. Looking down, Tom could see the lifeless bodies of innocent turtles that once dwelt in the pond, their usual proud smiles now turned to painful frowns of betrayal. I can still remember the disappointed look on his face, the drip of tears dripping onto his newly bought shirt. Ultimately, the environment not only threatens marine animals, but also sacred traditions.
To restore Riverside Pond to its former glory, we must implement a community clean-up effort in addition to ecological monitoring. Together, we can rebuild a safe environment for marine animals and support the traditions of Indigenous people living around the area.
Humans polluted this pond.
Humans disrupted the ecosystem of countless animals.
Only humans can revert this mess.
We can take action by recycling.
We will take action.
We must take action
Councillor Jordan, I kindly ask for your response to address the shared environmental concerns.
Speech example:
Hello everybody,
Have you seen the deteriorating state of our local pond? Envision this: An unnatural oily sheen covered the surface of the pond. Each lifeless body of marine creature serving as another bullet to our ecosystem. The smell is unbearable. The stench hits you from ten foot away, intruding your senses and entombing you in torture. No more pollution. No more excuses. No more delays. It is time we act before more ecosystems collapse.
I want you to ask yourself, when was the last time you saw a perfect ecosystem, free of any sort of pollution. When was the last time you saw a park without plastic littered all over it? When was the last time you saw pollution. I bet you only answered the last question. Today, we are met with land erosion, factory pollution, and trash everywhere. These effects are all caused by humans, and can be only fixed by humans. This is our last chance to act. To save our planet.
Even worse, the environmental state of the pond does not only affect animals— it also affects humans. Let me explain, every year, indigenous Australians living near Cherrybrook perform a unique and sacred tradition at the nearby Riverside Pond. This tradition of bathing in the lake symbolises renewal and rebirth, and the tradition has been transferred throughout multiple generations of Aboriginals living at Cherrybrook.
Yesterday I met Tom Gleeson, an Aboriginal living near Riverside Pond. He was aged 85, and was going to practise the tradition with his son, until he reached the lake. Numerous pieces littered the usual clear pond. Looking down, Tom could see the lifeless bodies of innocent turtles that once dwelt in the pond, their usual proud smiles now turned to painful frowns of betrayal. I can still remember the glum look on his face, the drip of tears dripping onto his newly bought shirt. Ultimately, the environment not only threatens marine animals, but also sacred traditions.
To restore Riverside Pond to its former glory, we must implement a community clean-up effort in addition to ecological monitoring. Together, we can rebuild a safe environment for marine animals and support the traditions of Indigenous people living around the area.
I will take action
You should take action
We must take action
Thank you for listening to my speech.