- energy and water assessment
- supply and installation of showerheads
- supply and installation of light bulbs
- advice on rainwater tanks etc
Call Adam on 0417 636 757 or visit www.envirosaver.com.au
Friday, May 30, 2008
Free Light Bulbs and Eco Advice!!
At the recent Sustainable Living Expo at CREEC I met a man from 'enviro saver'. The program provides free:
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Trip to Melbourne : CERES
What can I say about CERES Community Environment Park?
It em
bodies all that we aspire to and I encourage you to check out their Weblink for a fuller understanding of all that they do.
They, like us, started out small in the late 70's from a local communi
ty group who developed the concept and were given the 4 hectare site lease by council in 1982, which was a landfill site, but with rich indigenous cultural heritage.
Over 25 years on, it is now one of the most visited environmental education centres in Australia and thriving, aswell as reflecting the mulitcultural histories of local people.
It comprises of a certified Biodynamic farm which hosts a regular market, as well as having community allotments. There are working examples of all aspects of a sustainable community development - from Solar, to Biodiesel, to Greywater Systems.
There is a fantastic open cafe, very family friendly, infact there are several safe areas for kids to play. They host events, festivals and workshops and have a strong educational focus and schools program.
CERES is also home to many other aff
iliate groups, such as LETS, Chook Club!, Baking Group, Art and Craft Groups and a Bike Club.
There are a network of cycle paths through the site and a fabulous recycling cycle shed, where anyone can go along and build or fix a bike.
One of the nicest things about it
were the art installations scattered around which involved the use of all recycled materials and gave the place a unique feel.
Do you get the feeling that I liked it?
It em
bodies all that we aspire to and I encourage you to check out their Weblink for a fuller understanding of all that they do.They, like us, started out small in the late 70's from a local communi
ty group who developed the concept and were given the 4 hectare site lease by council in 1982, which was a landfill site, but with rich indigenous cultural heritage.Over 25 years on, it is now one of the most visited environmental education centres in Australia and thriving, aswell as reflecting the mulitcultural histories of local people.
It comprises of a certified Biodynamic farm which hosts a regular market, as well as having community allotments. There are working examples of all aspects of a sustainable community development - from Solar, to Biodiesel, to Greywater Systems.
There is a fantastic open cafe, very family friendly, infact there are several safe areas for kids to play. They host events, festivals and workshops and have a strong educational focus and schools program.
CERES is also home to many other aff
iliate groups, such as LETS, Chook Club!, Baking Group, Art and Craft Groups and a Bike Club.There are a network of cycle paths through the site and a fabulous recycling cycle shed, where anyone can go along and build or fix a bike.
One of the nicest things about it
were the art installations scattered around which involved the use of all recycled materials and gave the place a unique feel.Do you get the feeling that I liked it?
Neighbourhood Centre Links
We have renewed contact with our local Neighbourhood Centre in Verdoni Street, to update them of our progress and share recent info with regard to Kookaburra House.
Cecilia, who is the Coordinator/Community Development Officer for the Neighbourhood Centre continues to be completely supportive of BEC House and our long term vision and is hoping to liaise with Di Gage the project Officer on Kookaburra House also, as to the direction it will take.
Exciting times my friends!
Cecilia, who is the Coordinator/Community Development Officer for the Neighbourhood Centre continues to be completely supportive of BEC House and our long term vision and is hoping to liaise with Di Gage the project Officer on Kookaburra House also, as to the direction it will take.
Exciting times my friends!
BIEPA AGM
Mandy and Beks attended the BIEPA AGM on Monday night (26th May) - see BIEPA WebLink. The work these guys are doing for Bribie is truly inspirational and if it wasn't for them acting as watchdog, many environmental disasters would be overlooked on our beautiful doorstep. It's such a shame that even then local and state authorities appear not to listen!
We thank them for giving us an opportunity to present BEC House to them and are grateful for their verbal support. It was fantastic to talk to members after the presentation, who were excited and supportive of BEC House. From discussion with the president Ian Bell, it may be possible to liase with BIEPA with regards to sharing a market stall in the future.
The BIEPA Fair on the 29th June at the RSL is to fundraise for Sally Arthur's Wildlife Rescue and is in the form of a Cabaret Show, so we won't be having a stall there , however go along and support it if you can.
We hope by that continually building these bridges, we all grow stronger.
We thank them for giving us an opportunity to present BEC House to them and are grateful for their verbal support. It was fantastic to talk to members after the presentation, who were excited and supportive of BEC House. From discussion with the president Ian Bell, it may be possible to liase with BIEPA with regards to sharing a market stall in the future.
The BIEPA Fair on the 29th June at the RSL is to fundraise for Sally Arthur's Wildlife Rescue and is in the form of a Cabaret Show, so we won't be having a stall there , however go along and support it if you can.
We hope by that continually building these bridges, we all grow stronger.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
May 18th BEC House Meeting
Karl, Di, Staci and Beks present at meeting, apologies Mandy.
We all shared our great contacts made from the successful CREEC Fair, particularly - friends of Lagoon Creek, The Greens Party, CREEC, Food Connect (see weblink) and local residents keen on getting involved with BEC House, which is great and we'll be getting in touch with all before the next gathering.
We also connected with Evan Raymond from local council (environmental/sustainable living guru), who was very excited and supportive on seeing BEC house emerge on Bribie Island - thankyou for your generous donation of your great 'Think Global : Eat Local" DVD.
Looking at a film night to show Evan's film and others in similar vein, still trying to contact BIEPA with regard to this possibility at their Fair in June.
We are joining CREEC as a group membership, for mutual support and this will also link us with their website.
Paul Costins from the local Greens Party is also going to keep us connected with 'Green' activity and like minded folk on the island - a few of us joined up on the CREEC Fair day!
The fortnightly Organic Farmer's Markets are hopefully going to start on 7th June up at CREEC and we are looking at doing an occasional Slow Food cafe stint there, however are looking at ways of promoting Slow Food and BEC House on Bribie initially - possibly at the Art's Centre Markets, Brennan Park Markets or at the Village Deli, Bongaree.
We've got a clear record of our core groups skillbase at the meeting which we'll use to assist us in promoting ourselves as valuable contributors to the Kookaburra House Project.
We all shared our great contacts made from the successful CREEC Fair, particularly - friends of Lagoon Creek, The Greens Party, CREEC, Food Connect (see weblink) and local residents keen on getting involved with BEC House, which is great and we'll be getting in touch with all before the next gathering.
We also connected with Evan Raymond from local council (environmental/sustainable living guru), who was very excited and supportive on seeing BEC house emerge on Bribie Island - thankyou for your generous donation of your great 'Think Global : Eat Local" DVD.
Looking at a film night to show Evan's film and others in similar vein, still trying to contact BIEPA with regard to this possibility at their Fair in June.
We are joining CREEC as a group membership, for mutual support and this will also link us with their website.
Paul Costins from the local Greens Party is also going to keep us connected with 'Green' activity and like minded folk on the island - a few of us joined up on the CREEC Fair day!
The fortnightly Organic Farmer's Markets are hopefully going to start on 7th June up at CREEC and we are looking at doing an occasional Slow Food cafe stint there, however are looking at ways of promoting Slow Food and BEC House on Bribie initially - possibly at the Art's Centre Markets, Brennan Park Markets or at the Village Deli, Bongaree.
We've got a clear record of our core groups skillbase at the meeting which we'll use to assist us in promoting ourselves as valuable contributors to the Kookaburra House Project.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Aussies Living Simply
Just a quickie to let all know of this wonderful interactive website, it's free to register and gives you access to gardening Qu/Ans, articles on all aspects of sustainable living, etc, info on workshops and heaps, heaps more.
Have Fun
(Also on the links section)
http://www.aussieslivingsimply.com.au
Have Fun
(Also on the links section)
http://www.aussieslivingsimply.com.au
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Kookaburra House news
Isn't it awesome how things come your way??
I've just recieved info on a place called Kookaburra House, it's 54 Webster St, Bongaree - check it out.
Apparently it's been used as an aboriginal crisis and respite centre in the past and is undergoing " new direction".
I quote from a Qld government info sheet -
The new vision for Kookaburra House is to establish a service delivery hub that has a regional focus for the wider community.
Such as - Training facility; Health programs; Supporting programs (Mums and Bubs or Men's program); Work placement in skills; Landscaping; Agriculture; Horticulture and Landcare.
A Community Advisory Committee, of 6 members are to be nominated from the community to decide how and if these resources are needed here on Bribie .
I have spoken to the Project Officer, Dianne Gage (tel : 32749961) and it seems that although the project is aimed primarily at the indigenous community, there could definitely be room for integration of facilities and services, etc. She was lovely to talk to and supportive of our ideas for BEC House. The process is going to take some time, but it seems hopeful . Dianne is going to keep us informed of any progress and possibly meet up with us next time she's up at Kookaburra House.
I've just recieved info on a place called Kookaburra House, it's 54 Webster St, Bongaree - check it out.
Apparently it's been used as an aboriginal crisis and respite centre in the past and is undergoing " new direction".
I quote from a Qld government info sheet -
The new vision for Kookaburra House is to establish a service delivery hub that has a regional focus for the wider community.
Such as - Training facility; Health programs; Supporting programs (Mums and Bubs or Men's program); Work placement in skills; Landscaping; Agriculture; Horticulture and Landcare.
A Community Advisory Committee, of 6 members are to be nominated from the community to decide how and if these resources are needed here on Bribie .
I have spoken to the Project Officer, Dianne Gage (tel : 32749961) and it seems that although the project is aimed primarily at the indigenous community, there could definitely be room for integration of facilities and services, etc. She was lovely to talk to and supportive of our ideas for BEC House. The process is going to take some time, but it seems hopeful . Dianne is going to keep us informed of any progress and possibly meet up with us next time she's up at Kookaburra House.
Trip to melbourne : Port Phillip Eco-Centre
Our trip to Melbourne in March was great, child free and relaxing, very inspiring seeing what other people are up to in the world of permaculture.
The Port Phillip Eco-Centre in St Kilda was probably the closest to what we are trying to achieve, they've retro-fitted an old
caretakers house in the botanical gardens, to be fully self sustaining. It arose out of the amalgamation of councils in the area and the new council then convened a working group to see how various premises could be used, as they had some duplication of services. Funding came from philanthropic trusts, government grants and sponsors (see Favourite Web Links for more details).
They have their own blackwater treatment through reed beds on site, rainwater storeage under the deck, solar panels and grey water recycling.
There is a core committee of 10 people, with 16 affiliate groups, most using the premises i.e. toddler music, yoga, environmental protection, bulk buy produce, learning disability groups. They make enough out of ongoing grants, workshops ( there was a w/end permaculture course on while we were there), room hire , etc, to employ 3 FTE staff.
The garden beds were all raised, making it universally accessible, with a seeping hose watering system draining from containers filled at each garden bed. The
local community is encouraged to add to their compost piles and they have worm farms too.
Their main problem is ongoing care of the garden. They rely on a few retired volunteers, but hope ( and recommend), trying to get a permanent gardener 2 days a week to help co-ordinate work and upskill volunteers, as well as help start up local youth group gardens in schools, churches, etc.
They have a self serve kitchen, where people can pick and prepare the garde
n produce.
It had a great feel to it, with plenty of communal space and meeting areas - a fab bench under the tree and a kids climbing log pile and sandpit. Also heaps of info resources. All in the space of around 1/2 acre.
More on Melb. when i have time!!
The Port Phillip Eco-Centre in St Kilda was probably the closest to what we are trying to achieve, they've retro-fitted an old
caretakers house in the botanical gardens, to be fully self sustaining. It arose out of the amalgamation of councils in the area and the new council then convened a working group to see how various premises could be used, as they had some duplication of services. Funding came from philanthropic trusts, government grants and sponsors (see Favourite Web Links for more details).They have their own blackwater treatment through reed beds on site, rainwater storeage under the deck, solar panels and grey water recycling.
There is a core committee of 10 people, with 16 affiliate groups, most using the premises i.e. toddler music, yoga, environmental protection, bulk buy produce, learning disability groups. They make enough out of ongoing grants, workshops ( there was a w/end permaculture course on while we were there), room hire , etc, to employ 3 FTE staff.
The garden beds were all raised, making it universally accessible, with a seeping hose watering system draining from containers filled at each garden bed. The
local community is encouraged to add to their compost piles and they have worm farms too.Their main problem is ongoing care of the garden. They rely on a few retired volunteers, but hope ( and recommend), trying to get a permanent gardener 2 days a week to help co-ordinate work and upskill volunteers, as well as help start up local youth group gardens in schools, churches, etc.
They have a self serve kitchen, where people can pick and prepare the garde
n produce.It had a great feel to it, with plenty of communal space and meeting areas - a fab bench under the tree and a kids climbing log pile and sandpit. Also heaps of info resources. All in the space of around 1/2 acre.
More on Melb. when i have time!!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Background to BEC House
Bribie Eco- Community House evolved in August 2007 out of a shared vision of creating a positive network within our community.
To share the ideas behind BEC House and to help shape and gain support for our ultimate vision, (see - 'what is BEC House'), we have been finding ways of connecting with various personnel and community groups, such as our local Neighbourhood Centre, Bribie Community Association, Bribie Environmental Protection Agency, TOC H, Permaculture Caboolture, CADETS youth training scheme,local councillor Gary Parsons, representatives of Blue Care and Economic Development Officers at Caboolture Shire Council- all of whom have been supportive.
Between us we have been to the Slow Food Festival (Melbourne) and have visited community permaculture gardens at Northey St City Farm (Brisbane), Yandina, Heronswood , CERES and St Kilda (Melbourne) - see Weblinks, to see what other community groups with similar ideals are doing, seeking (as well as offering) advice and support.
Beks has attended a few council run workshops run to help community groups look at ways of getting funding for projects, how to effectively run a community group/org. and how to work co-operatively with others to turn dreams into reality.
There's a fantastic aboriginal word, from the Ngaringman people in the Northern Territory :
We feel that living here on idyllic Bribie, within a small community, we have the perfect opportunity to create punyu, through sustainable lifestyles including : permaculture and community gardens, slow food, eco-building techniques, holistic health, music, positivity and promoting good old fashioned "community spirit", connecting generations and cultures, often sadly lacking in the western world."PUNYU" - and means wellbeing, it encompasses person and country and is associated with being strong, happy, knowledgeable, socially responsible, beautiful, clean and safe (prof. Judy Atkinson).
To share the ideas behind BEC House and to help shape and gain support for our ultimate vision, (see - 'what is BEC House'), we have been finding ways of connecting with various personnel and community groups, such as our local Neighbourhood Centre, Bribie Community Association, Bribie Environmental Protection Agency, TOC H, Permaculture Caboolture, CADETS youth training scheme,local councillor Gary Parsons, representatives of Blue Care and Economic Development Officers at Caboolture Shire Council- all of whom have been supportive.
Between us we have been to the Slow Food Festival (Melbourne) and have visited community permaculture gardens at Northey St City Farm (Brisbane), Yandina, Heronswood , CERES and St Kilda (Melbourne) - see Weblinks, to see what other community groups with similar ideals are doing, seeking (as well as offering) advice and support.
Beks has attended a few council run workshops run to help community groups look at ways of getting funding for projects, how to effectively run a community group/org. and how to work co-operatively with others to turn dreams into reality.
We are always looking for new people to join us and new ways of getting ' out there'.
Slowly, slowly we will build BEC House together.
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