Loads to do, see and learn

Don't forget our film night this Thursday 10th February, 7:30pm. We'll be showing Garbage Warrior, at the Town Hall. A great preview before Michael Reynolds comes to town. We're hoping to also show a short film from Peter Cowman of Living Architecture, who is also running some workshops in the area. His open house last Sunday was very interesting, he has a different perspective on "Shelter Making" that is very valuable.

Meanwhile, an important message from Hepburn Wind:

Australia’s clean energy future is being questioned by the Federal Senate’s inquiry into the ‘Social and economic impact of rural wind farms‘. Without a strong display of community support, it is possible that we won’t see any more projects like the Hepburn Community Wind Farm built in Australia. Put in your submission here to support wind farms in Australia.

And a message from Ian Lillington about some more upcoming learning opportunities:

There are four exciting opportunities coming up soon for anyone involved in transition, sustainability, food systems, community gardens etc.  Brief details follow - please share them around as bookings close soon.

 

Robin Clayfield - Queensland-based trainer with over 25 years experience - making a rare visit to Vic to run:

1.  "Dynamic Groups" 4 Day Intensive Course to be held in Melbourne from 1st to 4th March at C.E.R.E.S. in Brunswick. This course is for people involved in Permaculture, City Farms and Community Gardens, Transition Towns and similar. It is open to all though it's great if we all have similar interests for maximum benefit.

2.  "Creative Community Governance and Decision Making" Day, also at C.E.R.E.S. on Tuesday, 8th of March. This is for anyone involved in Community organisations or groups where making decisions and having discussion could be more energising, fun, creative and/or productive.

Information about Robin's Dynamic Groups Courses and the CCG & DM Day can be found on www.dynamicgroups.com.au. Please let Virginia know on vsolomon@netspace.net.au if you are interested. Some of us from Hepburn are going down so let us know if you want to join us (Robin is highly recommended)

PLUS - with a range of highly skilled and experienced Victorian trainers; and tours to private permaculture properties:

3.  Castlemaine Permaculture Design Course - low cost, high quality. 16 Wednesdays over term 1 and term 2, with State government subsidy making this the cheapest PDC anywhere. [Get it while it lasts!] Run by the Castlemaine Community House. Bookings on 5472 4842.

 

4.  Diploma of Permaculture - the highest level of accredited training in permaculture in Australia, starts soon at Eltham College. Some subsidised places available. Details at http://www.elthamcollege.vic.edu.au/www/sustainability-permaculture.php or email vsolomon@elthamcollege.vic.edu.au.

And if you're based a little further afield in the northerly direction from Hepburn (over Castlemaine way), check out the Growing Abundance project - to share fruit trees and harvesting work, to learn about production and preservation of your local food, and to find out where to get food around the Mount Alexander Shire. Well worth a look. We're working on some similar things over this way in the Hepburn Shire, let us know by email or phone 5348 3636 if you're interested in helping us out.