BY DI SNEDDON
Hope Hardy is currently doing a Master of Philosophy and she is focusing her work on how place informs perspectives of air pollution in the Upper Hunter Valley.
She is calling for residents to share their lived experiences and is keen for people to sign up for a chat.
“I want to have face-to-face chats with people to learn how Upper Hunter community members experience the impact of air quality and/or air pollution and how place informs their perspective,” Hope told The Hunter River Times.
“Why do we live where we live, what are the advantages and disadvantages of where you live?”
She is focussing on the three geographical areas of Merriwa, Scone and the combined townships of Singleton and Muswellbrook and is hoping to gain equal participants from these areas.
Participants should be 18 years of age and older and local to these townships. You will participate in a recorded interview about your views and experiences concerning air pollution.
She is hoping her work, once complete, will assist policy planners to make decisions and be responsive to community needs.
“This is a chance to have a voice about the needs of their place, not just the physical features but the significance attached to their place based on their personal and lived experiences, the cultural and social interactions, the way they value their place,” Hope said.
“Place is more than a location, it is more than a mark on a map, it is about relationships, the physical, cultural and social environment and how those environments influence social behaviours, economic security, basic humans needs which all have significance to a person’s well-being.”
If you would like to know more and are keen on participating contact Hope at ho********@*****du.au
