If you are not sure, Accredited Permaculture Training (APT) is permaculture education accessed through Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and is a Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification – just like your plumber, sparky, horticulturist, hairdresser, motor mechanic. These qualifications are identified as Certificate I through to Certificate IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma.
In the early 2000’s APT was kicked off, and APT was provided by and available through several RTOs across the country, some were private RTOs and some were TAFEs (Technical And Further Education organisations), operated by the public sector.
Over the last decade and a half, hundreds at least (perhaps more) Permies undertook this training, mostly completing Certificate III and Certificate IV. In late 2024 a new team was established, a VET Circle, within Permaculture Australia to progress the extraordinary work done before to invigorate this pathway for permaculture education. Importantly, not to conflict with other learning streams, such as PDCs, but to coexist and with an intent of complimenting other education streams. Providing choice for our permie community.
After a lot of discussions, discovery of what courses were where and in what state, understanding any new guidelines that might exist for the delivery of APT, connecting with our Jobs and Skills Council – Skills Insight (responsible for all agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, etc and of course Permaculture, in VET), we have an aspiration and a plan.
Our aspiration is to initially focus on Schools; the delivery of permaculture education within the school curriculum for years 9 through 12, commencing in 2026, in every state and territory. We know some schools in Victoria and WA are already delivering Certificate II for years 9-12. Our discovery, like any design forensics, is expected to be a little wanting and there may well be others we have yet to find and connect with – let us know if you or someone you know should be connected with.
Our plan that is underway is to refresh the Certificate II training material, to bring a refreshed approach to structure and content, and shift it to a more appropriate project-based learning approach rather than paper-based knowledge tests – more suited to learning permaculture.
There are several things that must happen to give us the capability to start delivering in 2026, including engagement with schools, engagement with RTOs, establishing a list of any member with an interest and competency in teaching Certificate II in schools, and last but by no means least, is the uplift of the training material.
The VET Circle has established a team that will work on the revised training materials. We want to hear from anyone that can contribute to this team and its endeavour. Be that simply insight, through to hands on writing. The team is being led by Lindra Woodrow, who most of you will know or know of, and is a veteran of VET, not just in permaculture but also other disciplines.
The door is open, and we welcome any inputs you feel you can contribute. And of course, if you know folks who might not be members of PA, but have a skill and an interest, reach out and encourage them to contact us. If you are an accredited teacher and/or have a valid TAE, and have an interest in teaching in this space, let us know so we can add you to the growing team of interested/available teachers.
And of course, if you want to get your school onboard in 2026, or know of a school that should be contacted, get in touch. Please contact us at vet@permacultureaustralia.org.au
Story by Permafund’s Louise Learmont – by Farm Sahel in Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso is a land-locked country in Africa, one of the world’s poorest and least developed countries, ranking 134th of 137 according to the World Bank/UN Human Development Index. With just 3 months of rain per year, the Sahel region in the north is the driest, having suffered from deforestation and degradation over the last few decades. The region is also faced with terrorism.
For this project, 50 smallholder women farmers of Binde region were provided with composting and agroforestry training to plant 500 tangelo trees alongside annual crops. The main emphasis is the need to obtain a yield, enhance food security, generate income for participants and knowledge share with husbands and neighbouring communities.
Project Team Workers
5 hectares of land had been donated by the chief of the village for the project aiming to help restore this degraded land, improve and revitalise soil health and equip farmers to better face climate change.
Farm Sahel trainers & workers
A 2024 Permafund grant of $2,000 was used to purchase the 500 tangelo plants as well as have trainers oversee the project. Before planting the tangelo trees, the holes were dug and filled with compost the women farmers had made using organic matter from crop residues, kitchen scraps, dry leaves, cow manure and ash.
Due to unusually excessive rainfall at the end of 2024 the planting of the trees was delayed until April 2025 to ensure the success of the project.
Farm Sahel had already successfully installed solar powered water wells, so ongoing watering of the trees is possible. Also, women farmers have been trained to make their own biological pesticides using neem kernels, onion, chilli, garlic and neem oil, for use should the trees succumb to pests and diseases.
Adding compost to holes
Preparing to plant & water source
Men digging holes and women weeding
Alongside the tangelo trees, watermelons trail the ground, helping to reduce evaporation plus chilli and basil are grown alongside as insect repellent plants. In the future they would like to increase the biodiversity of the tangelo orchard by planting papaya trees. Food crops already being grown include cucumbers, onions, lettuce and cabbage.
Spacing trees in melon cover crop
Women ready to prepare holes for planting
Tangelo trees ready for planting
Carefully planting tangelo tree
This project has come about due to the dedication of the founding Executive Director Madjalia Seynou, winner of the World of Difference award by the International Alliance for Women.
Families involved in planting
Madjalia grew up in Burkina Faso and knows the difficulties young rural women of Burkina Faso face, growing up in remote regions in polygamous family communities. Madjalia, whose father was a teacher, was able to receive an education and furthering this by becoming an accountant and migrating to New Jersey. She speaks of her childhood remembering how her father would allow 19 students to live with them during weekdays to avoid walking the 5-6 km to school daily.
Through her leadership, FarmSahel has provided smallholder women farmers with the resources, training, and support needed to improve food security, increase income and lift their communities out of poverty; all whilst improving soil fertility, emphasising community-based participatory methods, addressing climate change and promoting regenerative agricultural practices.
The proceeds of fundraisers and donations to Permafund are gratefully received and so far have supported seed funding grants for 93 community projects in Australia and 16 other countries. Donations over $2.00 are tax deductible in Australia and can be made here.
In the spirit of fairshare, the 2025 Permafund grant round opening shortly will focus on applications from Australasia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.
Permafund Chair & PA Director John Champagne reminds us never to forget the humanitarian potential permaculture offers.
“Bill Mollison’s pioneering decades of teaching in places such as Africa and India has launched a plethora of NGOs dedicated to assisting their communities gain a better standard of living through the application of our ethics and principles.”
“Surely assisting those that are in greatest need reflects the Fair Share ethic like no other and there’s no better way to thank Bill than to donate to this cause. Bill Mollison was many things but at heart he was a great humanitarian and here at Perrmafund, we share that passion.”
Every dollar donated to Permaculture Australia’s Permafund counts. Through the years
$500 has helped translate Timor Leste’s ‘Tropical Permaculture Guidebook’ into more languages.
$1,000 has developed a chicken tractor and aquaculture system in Orissa, India.
$2,000 has supported the propagation and planting of 5,000 native trees by three schools with 5,000 students & their families in Kitale, Kenya.
The Permafund Circle carefully assesses each applicant to our grant rounds against rigorous selection criteria. Identifying environment restoration projects that integrate permaculture practices and represent the best value for the money helps to maximise the impact of every dollar donated to Permafund.
Permafund grants provide support fornatural system restoration & maintenance, improved biodiversity & food security, permaculture education, alternative economy initiatives, water management and sustainable community development.
You can help to build resilient and vibrant communities by making a tax-deductible donation to Permaculture Australia’s Permafund.. It’s easy to make a one off or recurring donation at https://permacultureaustralia.org.au/permafund/
The Permaculture Australia 2025 Annual General Meeting covered a range of important topics, including the annual report, strategic planning, and governance discussions. The meeting also addressed financial matters, constitutional changes, and the election of new board members. Finally, the participants expressed gratitude for outgoing members and discussed plans for future board activities and training.
In order to make sure Permaculture International Ltd trading as Permaculture Australia is up to date with current rules, regulations and operating conditions there are some adjustments to our MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION that need to be made. These changes are required to be voted on by our members.
The Memorandum outlines the company’s basic details like name, objectives, and legal powers, while the Articles of Association detail the internal governance structure, including rights and responsibilities of shareholders and directors, and how the company will be run on a day-to-day basis; essentially acting as the company’s constitution
A description and explanation of the changes being put forward and online voting were made available to members on the 15th of March 2025 and have been left open and available until 1 pm on the 6th of April 2025.
All 9 Special resolutions were passed and accepted by the members who responded to the online form. Our Constitution will now be updated to help support Permaculture Australia into the future.
We would like to thank our departing board members who have all made the decision to step back and allow some fresh energy and skills.
Toad DellLinda WoodrowNaomi AmberGreta Carroll
Thank you to Toad for your 3 Years , Linda, Naomi and Greta for your 2 years of time, energy and passion over the last few years.
We are pleased to announce the new Permaculture Australia Board for 2025-2026
Mkulima Sasa, a Syntropic Agroforestry education and demonstration centre near Lake Victoria, Kenya, has significantly expanded its impact thanks to an AUD$2000 grant from Permafund. This funding facilitated the growth of demonstration farms, enhanced training programs and the installation of a rainwater harvesting system.
Key Achievements:
Enhanced Irrigation & Demonstration Plot: A new 30-metre plot, irrigated by the harvested rainwater, now showcases the power of syntropic agroforestry. It features 60 diverse trees (soursop, avocado, orange, pomegranate, grevillea, banana, palm) arranged in two lines, with a rich understory of vegetables (kales, cowpeas, African spider plants, sweet potatoes, cassava) and ground crops (sesame, groundnuts, vetiver grass).
Empowering Local Communities: Training sessions, including practical demonstrations, were conducted for diverse groups, including people with disabilities, youth, women, and men. Participants learned the principles of Syntropic Agroforestry Management.
Seed & Seedling Distribution: Mkulima Sasa provided trainees with seedlings and seeds, fostering a culture of exchange and enabling them to establish their own syntropic systems at home.
School Outreach: A 20-metre demonstration bed, featuring 40 trees and ground crops, was established at Mirando Junior School, engaging 20 students. Staff members were also trained to act as future instructors.
Growing Interest: The project has generated considerable interest, with increasing numbers of people visiting the demonstration farms, seeking information and requesting assistance in establishing their own systems.
Observations & Future Directions:
While the adoption of syntropic agriculture is currently far less than traditional monoculture practices, Mkulima Sasa remains optimistic about its future growth.
Strengthening security through improved fencing around the demonstration sites is a priority.
Ongoing mentorship and follow-up support for trainees are helpful for ensuring the long-term success of their syntropic systems.
Permafund thanks Andronico Otieno of the Mkulima Sasa Regenerative Agriculture for providing timely and comprehensive project updates.
Your donations make projects like this possible. Contributions to Permafund over $2 are tax deductible in Australia and can be made here. Thank you for your support.
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