EP04: Melissa Edwards | Advocacy For Climbers & Climber Access
The Hangout Australian Climbing PodcastShow Notes
In this conversation, I sit down with Melissa Edwards, a passionate advocate for climbing and climbing access. We talk about her journey within the climbing community, her role in founding Climbing Cuties. We unpack the challenges around land management plans and cultural heritage, and why community involvement and advocacy are crucial for the future of climbing. Melissa shares insights into the Shared Not Shut campaign, which aims to support respectful access while honouring Aboriginal cultural heritage. At its core, this conversation highlights the power of community, collaboration, and a shared love for nature in keeping climbing culture strong.
Links Below 👉 Shared Not Shut 👉 Climbing Victoria 👉 Climbing Access News Follow Melissa on Substack 👉 @melfromnati
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Melissa Edwards and Climbing Advocacy 02:47 Melissa's Climbing Journey and Community Building 06:07 Creating Climbing Cuties and Fostering Inclusivity 08:59 The Move to Natimuk and Outdoor Climbing Experiences 11:49 The Importance of Accessibility in Climbing 15:10 Community and Cultural Heritage in Climbing 18:00 The Role of Local Legends in Climbing History 20:49 Advocacy for Access and the Shared Not Shut Campaign 24:09 Navigating Cultural Heritage and Climbing Access 27:01 The Impact of Management Plans on Climbing 29:50 Community Engagement and Political Advocacy 33:01 The Future of Climbing Access and Community Collaboration 35:55 Conclusion and Call to Action
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