So here it is… an open invitation to spend the weekend of 21-22 November in a superb permaculture homestead… your opportunity to meet fellow permies and the Permafund Committee to brainstorm how best we can help others.
WHEN: Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 November 2015
(Arrive Friday afternoon and depart Sunday afternoon)
WHERE: Valley’s End Farm – NSW Central Coast – Jilliby, NSW 2259
The upcoming Annual Permafund Meetup — Gathering Momentum is a rare opportunity for the existing Permafund Committee and its supporters to gather in one space, share our stories, reflect on our progress, refresh our purpose and discuss the directions Permafund is to take in the near future.
Let’s admit it too, it is pure joy to be able to see one another, talk permaculture and aid work, enjoy some nice food and share whatever we have to help others.
The Gathering is also a wide-open-door for new people to come along, share their thoughts, skills, time, and have a good time too.
Permafund at a glance
Permafund is the committee that manages the registered charity of Permaculture Australia.
Since 2012, it has supplied supporting funds in the form of grants to over 15 projects overseas and at home. Funding is provided on application, each is assessed on need, on their alignment with permaculture principles and ethics and on their viability.
We ask the question “What does good Permaculture aid look like?”
Permafund is about ‘sharing the surplus’, whether it is money or time:
- money — in the form of donations, is redistributed to permaculture-worthy projects that have the potential to drastically help communities in need, both overseas and at home
- time — is what the Permafund crew is offering in managing the charity, the incoming donations and the fair redistribution through our grants process.
Activities planned for the Gathering (the basis of an agenda)
- invite new members and ideas
- appraisal of the 2015 grants funded work and reflection on the directions for 2016-2017
- report back on IPCUK and conversations with other groups
- review of Permafund’s volunteer administration, processes and general organisation
- workshop ‘village planning design’ — this mini workshop will explore the usefulness of this permaculture tool in aid work
- Permafund in Haiti — considering the ongoing work options
- skype calls to key stakeholders including recipients of past grants.
Permafund Committee: John Champagne, John McKenzie, Boyd Attewell, Jed Walker, Virginia Littlejohn, Christine Carroll, Alexia Martinez, Bruce Zell, Miles Durand, Sarah Gorman.
Venue
Valley’s End Farm – a Permaculture Homestead
Jilliby NSW 2259 (address supplied upon registration)
Tel: 02 4355 1275
www.valleysendfarm.net
Valley’s End is a permaculture homestead in its third year of establishment. It features animal systems, extensive veggie patch, fruit forest, pastures, forests and lots of wildlife.
The homestead is located on the NSW Central Coast, 10 minutes to Wyong train station and shops, 20 minutes from the beach. Walking tracks start from the property which is backed by the Jilliby State Conservation Area and the Watagans State Forest.
Accommodation
The homestead can accommodate up to six people inside the house and an almost unlimited number outside in tents, combi vans or caravans! There is ample parking space.
The house is on rainwater tanks and there is an outdoor compost toilet.
Food
Easy wholefood lunches and dinners prepared by our host.
Depending on the final number of participants, we may require some outside catering. To be confirmed.
Telecommunications
There is a faint mobile coverage with the Optus network, slightly better with Telstra… but, we have ADSL2+ so you’ll be able to update your facebook page and skype your mates!
How to get there
Train: Get off at Wyong Station on the Central-Newcastle line and we’ll pick you up, or someone else would.
Drive: Drive to Tuggerah M1 exit then turn left (Yarramalong). At the next T-intersection, turn right (Wyong, Dooralong, Wyee). Then take Hue Hue Road heading towards Dooralong/Wyee. At the Jilliby Cemetery, turn left on Jilliby Road. The homestead is a few kms down the road.
Participation fees
The host will provide all meals, plus some transportation as well as the use of the facilities. We ask that a contribution of up to $50 per person be paid to compensate for these expenses.
What to bring
- sleeping bag
- camera
- snacks you can’t live without
- broad brim hat, sunscreen, insect repellent
- your own medication including epi-pens
- notebook & pen
- any presentation you may like to give.