About Us
Permaculture Australia is the Australian national member-based permaculture organisation.
Our mission is to represent, educate, connect and empower the permaculture community. We’re the national hub for people and organisations working on permaculture-informed responses to local and global threats to planetary boundaries, and their social consequences
Being a member of PA means you have become part of a lively group of people who are getting active about solving the world’s problems through learning, sharing and practicing permaculture. Permaculture offers a huge range of practical tools to improve household and community resilience, increase food security, better manage water, and reduce bushfire risks. All of these are sorely needed now that the climate is changing so much faster than expected, with unprecedented fire conditions, heatwaves and drought.
This is our organisational structure, and Permaculture Australia members are warmly invited to be part of any team or circle that matches their passions and expertise.Â
What do we do?
Permaculture Australia (PA) is a registered charity and environmental organisation.
 We manage and distribute your donations through the annual Permafund grants round, which provides microgrant seed funding to support permaculture projects in Australia and overseas.
Our Media and Membership Circle connects all those people practising permaculture out there in the world, with two-way communication through social media, newsletters, forums and face-to-face events. It provides and promotes benefits to members and publishes our stories. It also liaises with regional organisations and manages the biennial Convergence.Â
Permaculture Australia’s Accredited Education Team advises the national bodies that set standards within the school and vocational education systems. Through this team, we support Vocational Education and Training in Permaculture through involvement with the Industry bodies and organisations that manage this training.
The PDC and Informal Education Circle connect people working on standards, curriculum and delivery of Permaculture Design Certificate Courses, Permaculture Teacher Training, Introduction to Permaculture and related courses, both face-to-face and online. It networks teachers and provides information to students to help them find and evaluate course offerings. Â
The JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) Circle works to make permaculture a diverse, inclusive, evolving and responsive movement. It makes sure Permaculture Australia integrates, respects and acknowledges First Nations knowledge and processes. It recognises discrimination and non-inclusivity and supports us in setting cultural expectations in governance and working together.Â
Our Advocacy Circle researches evidence-based permaculture practices and works to embed them in national, state and local political decision-making. It collects and analyses data and case studies and makes it available to scientific, academic and research communities, and to PA members.
And finally, our Finance and Compliance Team supports us both to raise enough money to do all this and to manage our members’ money in a way that is transparent, responsible and accountable.
Our People
Permaculture Australia is managed by a Board of Directors elected by members at each AGM. In addition to permaculture qualifications, the Board of Directors bring extensive experience in project management, strategic planning and finance to ensure compliance.
The Board acts as a hub and accountability manager for the many volunteers who support the organisation in circles, sub-circles and teams.
Permaculture Australia uses a sociocratic organisational structure and meeting procedure to value and avoid wasting volunteers’ valuable time and energy, and we have a Volunteer Agreement to ensure all volunteers are supported.
We also have a ‘virtual office’ with part-time staff. Find out more about our people.