Transition Coming Together
Wow…after typing this e-bulletin up I’m exhausted. There is so much going on in the neighbourhood from food swaps, to grafting, citrus cleaning to bush dances and even random pop up music and arts festivals. Who would have thought that as the trees go into hibernation for the winter the people of Darebin would do exactly the opposite.
TD Events in the Comings Weeks
‘Share and Inspire’ SEATN Transition Convergence. Saturday, 30th July 2016 @Multicultural Hub 506 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne
How do we build momentum? how do we look after our members? how to we get things actually happening to drive the change that we need for a strong, sustainable and resilient future? It’s not often you get to get together with a whole bunch of Transition Towns groups to ask these questions. The South Eastern Australian Transition Convergence is one of them though. It’s an opportunity to get together with other groups in a spirit of collaboration to hear about projects, to support action and like it says on the packet… to ‘Share and Inspire’. This is an open event and all are very welcome whether you’ve had lots of involvement with Transition Towns or just want to be see what it’s all about
Focus for the session will be on:
- sharing our celebrations and challenges
- discussing issues of interest or concern using “open space technology“
- using the permaculture design principles as guides to creating successful projects
- synthesis and next steps activities
Book through http://transition-convergence-2016.eventbrite.com.au
Convivial Kitchen: What’s cookin’ in the convivial kitchen this month? Sunday 31st July, 2-4 @ Preston Hub Community Space (137 High Street Preston)
Well this month it’s citrus season as we are joined by Kate from ‘The Urban Pear’ to find out how to use citrus in the kitchen and around the home. Together we will transform this zesty delight into marmalade and then discover how to make an amazing orange cleaning vinegar. Bring along two clean jars to take home some citrus goodness. Cost $15
For more information contact Tiffany by clicking here.
Darebin Urban Harvest Northcote Food Swap: Saturday 13th August 11-12 @ 251 High Street, Northcote
The Second Saturday of every month sees the Northcote food swap roll into action. Whether it’s produce, seeds, preserves or just some advice about what’s growing and how to deal with gluts and scarcity then this is a great session to check out.
Our Apple Tree ‘Tree Bee’: Sunday August 14th 1-3pm @ Our Apple Tree (Cnr Beavers Road and Herbert Street, Northcote)
Every 2rd Sunday we hold a ‘Tree Bee’ at Our Apple Tree. It’s a chance to meet, do some gardening, reclaim some public land and generally learn about community gardening. We’ve had the completely unexpected donation of some more fruit trees and the far more expected donation of some mulch. So come down and help us spruce up our space or just pop in to say hello.
Transition Coordination Meeting: August 15th 7:30 – 9:00
Once a month we get together to talk about what has happened and what needs to happen to build a more sustainable, resilient and localised Darebin. These meetings are open to anyone whether you want to take a role or just watch what happens.Email transitiondarebin@gmail.com for the address.
Darebin Urban Harvest Reservoir Food Swap: August 20th 10-11 @ cnr broadway and Chedder Road, Reservoir
On the Third Saturday it’s Reservoirs’ turn to join the sharing economy with their own food swap. This one might be new but it’s seen a great array of produce and a really keen bunch of ‘swappers’. With spring just around the corner don’t forget to bring any spare seeds you have and join the amazing array of food, seed collections and horticultural ‘know how’.
Transition in the Pub: August 23rd 7:30pm – 9:00 @ Bar 303 (303 High Street, Northcote)
Transition Darebin is all about a more sustainable, resilient and localised future for us and our children. The Transition in the Pub is an open and public session where people can come and hear about small steps they can take that have big sustainability impacts. Think of it as a space to mix beer, conversation and environmental awareness.
We’re backing up last months fabulous session with Dr. Samuel Alexander with a very special collaboration with Friends of the Earth as we bring….The Green Pledge. This was a highlight of Transition in the Pub last year and promises to be equally fabulous this year. The Green Pledge is an opportunity for people to take 3 actions on climate change and raise awareness of climate issues by seeking sponsorship from your peers and community. In the process, you’ll set yourself up for personal change and send a message that a movement toward lasting change is possible. Check out more about the Green Pledge at the link below and make sure you are at 303 on August 23rd for a great Transition in the Pub.
For more information check out www.thegreenpledge.net. and don’t forget to join ‘Team Transition Darebin‘ when you sign up.
Other Events (non-TD events)
Heritage Fruit Society: Grafting Days.
Join long time TD’er John Pinniger of the Heritage Fruits Society for a ‘masterclass’ in grafting for anyone who would like to improve their skills – or learn the basics of fruit tree grafting. This will be hands-on and involve learning the reasons for, and the science of grafting, and then having plenty of time to practice. Budding will also be discussed even though winter is not the best time to do it. Bring a sharp knife if you have one.You may not ever graft another tree, but at least you’ll know the reasons for grafting, when to graft and what to graft, as well as d see examples of grafts. We will concentrate on apples, but discuss a wide range of plant.
There is no cost, but the third hour of the three-hour session will be assistance with the grafting of Heritage Fruits Society’s trees, including potting, labelling, etc. (part learning, part application)
Sessions are planned for Wednesday 10th August 9 AM – 12AM and Sunday 14th August 1 – 4 PM. Please reply directly to cjpinn@bigpond.net.au
with preferred date and subject line GRAFTING. Maximum 5 per session – more sessions if there is enough interest. Location will be Fairfield, accessible by public transport – address sent with acceptance. Also think about checking out the Heritage Fruit Society – Petty’s Tree sales & Grafting Days
- Sunday 7th August 10am – noon, at Petty’s Orchard, Homestead Rd, Templestowe, Melway 22 A11
- Saturday 13th August 2016 10 am – noon, at Ceres
- Saturday 20th August – The Briars, Mount Martha
These are a great opportunity to learn some grafting, select some suitable rootstocks on just by some one year grafted trees from some seriously fruit tree obsessed people!
Creating a Climate for Change: Panel Discussion and Interactive Performance. 
Thursday 11th August, 7pm @ Northcote Town Hall
Creating a Climate for Change presents a panel of expert speakers and Q&A followed by an interactive performance with Playback Theatre’s ensemble of professional actors, musicians and MCs who will create a unique, improvised performance based on the audience’s real life experiences, and perspectives. This session will include:
- Professor Rob Adams AM (Director City Design and Projects, City of Melbourne)
- Lucy Best (Communications and Community Engagement Manager, Positive Charge)
- Dr Stephen Bygrave (CEO of Beyond Zero Emissions)
So join us for a great evening intersecting science with performance and robust conversation for more information. For more information click on the flyer.
The Gnomes are calling
Our friends at the Gnomes Gardening Collective (part of Livelihood) are putting the call out.They’re looking for both new farmers and for potential spaces! They want to grow beyond their current four spaces in north side Melbourne and connect more communities to grow their own yummy, local food!
Interested farmer folk, you can join them at one of their sites, or be part of a new site starting up (we’ll help you!). People with potential growing land, they’d love to hear from you (especially if you’re in/near Footscray, Brunswick or Hurstbridge).
For more information, check out http://www.livelyhood.community/gnomes.html
Open House Thornbury 6th August @ Thornbury
A group of amazing local residents are opening the doors of houses in our neighbourhood to create an instantaneous art and music festival, for locals and by locals! They will be providing a map of host locations to explore, each with a unique selection of visual, sonic and performance art. I’m told there will be more than 7 venues, 20 + emerging artists, performers and musicians and even the inauguration of the (imaginary) Thornbury Bureau of Tourism. So get to know your neighbours and see what talent dwells behind closed doors.
For more details on artists and performers check out facebook (open house thornbury#1) or openhousethornbury@gmail.com. if you are a neighbour who wants to host, if you want to contribute your creative talents, or are willing to help us stir the mulled wine then let us know…or simply join us on the 6th of August in the area around Thornbury station! More information at https://www.facebook.com/events/621431574689744/
Other food swaps and stuff
Sustainable 3078 Produce Swap. 1st Friday of Every Month 10-12 @ Alphington Community Centre Playground (2 Kelvin Road)
A casual drop in food swap, also check out gardening and preserving at the community centre on fridays.
Urban Orchard Food Swap @ Ceres
Open food swap, all welcome, even if nothing to give, no membership needed, every Saturday. 9.30am – 1pm at CERES market Brunswick East, Melbourne
Got a listing you want us to include, let us know at transitiondarebin@gmail.com
Project in Focus: Darebin Urban Harvest Food Swaps
Darebin Urban Harvest Food Swap:
There’s some really exciting stuff happening in Darebin around Food Swaps. We’ve got the
reservoir swap that been going for 8 months and is still going strong. Most attendees walk or ride bikes to this swap and there’s always a great buzz in the air. Our new, you beaut sandwich board had its trial run last Saturday at this swap in the gorgeous weather for both swaps this month. We’ve also got the Northcote food swap that’s been going strong for years now and even got some publicity recently.
On top of that We’re building momentum for a South Preston food swap that will probably be held on the 4th Saturday of month starting in spring. TD Coordination members Rachel and Sheryl had a meeting with Darebin Councillor Bo Li, looking at the probable site at the back of the Care Community op shop corner of Oakover Rd and High St. Bo has a group of local people interested in having a regular swap. Roslyn and David from the Northcote Swap are also interested and various others have emailed. If you are in this area and would like to be involved in a monthly food swap then let us know at transitiondarebin@gmail.com
Project in Focus: Transition in the Pub
We’ve had two amazing Transition in the Pub events since last report. The first in May was our hosting of ‘This Changes Everything’ the poignant film by Naomi Klein that goes along with the book of the same name. We have a great turn out with almost 60 people packing out the back room at Bar 303 and were treated not only to a great film but also great MCing by local entertainer Scott Edgar and a panel discussion with Transition Darebin, Friends of the Earth, Darebin Climate Action Now, Healthy Futures, Livelyhood and the Gnomes Garden Collective. It was a great night and a big thanks to all involved.
In June we welcomed Dr. Samuel Alexander to Transition in the Pub and also checked in with a new venue for the night at the Wesley Anne. Sam took us through a really captivating and insightful reflection on Henry David Thoreau, the author, agitator and simple living pioneer. Dr. Alexander’s reflection and guidance through this deep content was not only greatly appreciated but it was also greatly enjoyable. He finished off with a quick view into his own experiments with tiny houses, simply living and how he’s asked the two key questions of Thoreau’s, “how much is enough”… and “enough for what”?
If you are interested in learning and reading a bit more about Thoreau including his seminal work ‘Walden’ or his book on civil disobedience then check out http://thoreau.eserver.org/
Project in Focus: Fun Raising Bush Dance with Bushwahzee
Once upon a time communities would come together to celebrate a local event. Be it a birth, a local sporting success a harvest or whatever else there was lots of the ‘community glue’ that held communities together and helped them to build sustainable and mutually beneficial linkages. A core example of one of these events was the annual bush dance where local people would get together to drink, dance and … well just be!
Transition Darebin is bringing the Bush dance back with our very own bush dance featuring local bush callers Bushwahzee. This is a night of fun and dancing for the whole family and will be held on the 17th of September at the Fairfleld bowls club that guarantees not only a great atmosphere but genuine 1940’s bar prices. Kids and adults welcome, professional musicians and callers and a great opportunity to get out, shake around and build community.
Tickets are $20 + booking fee ($2) for adults and free for kids and registrations can be made at https://register.eventarc.com/35117/transition-darebin-bush-dance .
There are limited tickets available and this will sell out so get in quick.
Transition Darebin Needs You…
That ridiculous concept, the tax year has come and gone which means that it’s time for us to start thinking about AGM’s. But Transition Darebin doesn’t do AGM’s the same way as most. Last year was a great session of debate, discussion and homebrew and this year promises to be no different as we will seek to add to our coordination group and hear the voices of our members about future projects. Volunteering for the coordination group is not an onerous task but it is an important one as these people help to coordinate the activities that make up Transition Darebin. There are roles for a whole range of interests and skill sets but also opportunities to build work experience and add to your own toolbox. So have a look at the roles and consider stepping up.
Roles in TD
– President – Secretary/Public Officer – Gathering Organiser – Media Liaison
– Vice President – Ordinary Member – Volunteer Coordinator – Web Manager
– Treasurer – Membership Coordinator – E-Bulletin
Do you need Transition Darebin?
Nobody died and made us king of the transition ideas! Maybe you’ve got a passion, some time or just the skeleton or an idea that needs some fleshing out. Transition Darebin is a truly grassroots organisation that holds the support of those with passion very dear. So if you’ve got an idea and want some help, or just need an organisation to help with that grant application then let us know or come on down to a coordination meeting because we don’t just need fully formed ideas…..we need all of them!
Till next time…
This Changes Everything!
“Either we will change our ways and build an entirely new kind of global society, or they will be changed for us.”
I know, that’s a pretty heavy way to start an e-bulletin about re-imagining a more sustainable, equitable and resilient community. But the science is telling us that the time when we really need to step up and define the kind of future that we and our kids want is right now…in what they are calling ‘Decade Zero’. Given that in a couple of months we go to the polls to flex our democratic muscle it’s pretty important to keep this front and centre of our thinking.
But defining our future doesn’t have to be political, it can be absolutely the opposite by getting involved in community events and not just voting for the future but actually making it happen. This e-bulletin is full of events and opportunities to do just that with information sessions, food swaps, preserving workshops and a ‘This Changes Everything Film Night’. So read on and get involved…
TD Events in the Comings Weeks
Darebin Urban Harvest Northcote Food Swap: 11th June 11-12 @ 251 High Street, Northcote
The Second Saturday of every month sees the Northcote food swap roll into action. Whether it’s produce, seeds, preserves or just some advice about what’s growing and how to deal with gluts and scarcity then this is a great session to check out.
Convivial Kitchen: Saurkraut for beginners. Sunday 12th June, 2pm
Hailing from eastern Europe and literally meaning ‘sour cabbage’ this stuff is absolutely amazing in it’s health benefits, helping with digestive health, heart health and energy levels and can even make you see in the dark. Okay so I made that last bit up but the rest of it is true and the ability to activate and store vegetables through fermentation and get a probiotic hit is one that’s worth learning about. So come and join our Convivial kitchen and learn how to do it yourself in a chilled and social environment. Bring a wide mouthed jar so you can take some home and contact tiffany.motherme@gmail.com for the address. Cost $10.
Our Apple Tree ‘Tree Bee’: Sunday June 12th 1-3pm @ Our Apple Tree (Cnr Beavers Road and Herbert Street, Northcote)
Every 2rd Sunday we hold a ‘Tree Bee’ at Our Apple Tree. It’s a chance to meet, do some gardening, reclaim some public land and generally learn about community gardening. The next tree-bee is a biggy. We want to repair and fill the IBC, install the solar pump and do the first harvest of the compost bin. If we get a good crew maybe we can even install the second aerobin! If you haven’t been involved with the Apple Tree working bee’s before then we’d love to see you for a chat, a dig and some wholesome community garden action.
Transition in the Pub: This Changes Everything.
June 27th 7:30pm – 9:00 @ Bar 303 (303 High Street, Northcote)
Transition Darebin is all about a more sustainable, resilient and localised future for us and our children. The Transition in the Pub is a open and public session where
people can come and hear about small steps they can take that have big sustainability impacts. Think of it as a space to mix beer, conversation and environmental awareness.
This months we’re trying out a Monday nights in a massive collaboration with a whole heap of Darebin Environmental Groups to show an amazing film…. This Changes Everything. This film and the associated book take a ‘no holds barred’ look at the serious environmental and political situation that we find ourselves in and how we really need to change… well everything
This Changes Everything is an epic attempt to re-imagine the vast challenge of climate change, not to try and scare the audience into action, but to empower. This Changes Everything is about the power of people working together, and that message is most powerful when people watch it together. This movie will leave you refreshed and inspired, reflecting on the ties between us, the kind of lives we really want, and why the climate crisis is at the centre of it all. Will this film change everything? Absolutely not. But you could, by answering its call to action.
Following the film we’ll be joined by Darebin Climate Action Now, Livelihood, Doing it Ourselves and a range of other environmental groups for a QnA about what these groups are doing and how you can get involved.
This is a great chance to see an amazing movie (check out the trailer here) at an unbelievable price, we’ve even got a celebrity MC for the night to help us along so don’t miss this event. ..Monday 17th June.
Transition Coordination Meeting: June 20th 7:30 – 9:00
Once a month we get together to talk about what has happened and what needs to happen to build a more sustainable, resilient and localised Darebin. These meetings are open to anyone whether you want to take a role or just watch what happens.Email transitiondarebin@gmail.com for the address.
Darebin Urban Harvest Reservoir Food Swap: June 20th 10-11 @ cnr broadway and Chedder Road, Reservoir
On the Third Saturday it’s Reservoirs turn to join the sharing economy with their own food swap. This one might be new but it’s seen a great array of produce and a really keen bunch of ‘swappers’ and an amazing array of seed collections and horticultural ‘know how’.
Other Events (non-TD events)
You may not have noticed but there’s an election happening around the corner. Whilst Transition Darebin doesn’t encourage you to vote for any candidate in particular, we are happy to encourage the idea of asking questions of all candidates to get a straight answer about what they plan to do for the environment and Darebin’s resilience. That’s just what Darebin Climate Action Now will be doing on the 21st. They’ve invited all of the candidates for Batman to come and face with the people of Darebin under the watchful guidance of chairperson Alexandra de Blas.
For more information check out www.darebincan.org.au or email darebincan@gmail.comTowards Zero Emissions: Darebin Climate Forum (15th June 7:30 @ Northcote Town Hall)
Darebin Council is putting on a great looking event in recognition of World Environment Day. They’re hosting a discussion that will focus on the current climate situation, why we should be taking action, and what local governments, other government bodies and individuals can do to address climate change.
They will be presenting a free night with a great line up of speakers including includes a discussion with a panel of experts including:· Peter Christoff – Peter is a political scientist and Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at Melbourne University, where he teaches climate and environmental policy. He is a Board member of the Australian Conservation Foundation and was its Vice President for 8 years. His recent publications include the books ‘Four Degrees of Global Warming: Australia in a hot world’ and ‘Globalization and the Environment’.
· Nicky Ison – Nicky is a Senior Research Consultant at the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology, Sydney. She is an expert in community energy, specialising in energy policy and governance and renewable energy. She was the co-author in the recently released Homegrown Power Plan, a joint project between GetUp! and Solar Citizens which offers a blueprint for how Australia can achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030.
· Lauren Rickards – Lauren is a Senior Lecturer at RMIT University in the field of Sustainability and Urban Planning. She is also the co-leader of the Centre for Urban Studies Climate Change and Resilience research program.
For more information go to darebinclimateforum.eventbrite.com.au
The Gnomes are calling
Our friends at the Gnomes Gardening Collective (part of Livelihood) are putting the call out.They’re looking for both new farmers and for potential spaces! They want to grow beyond their current four spaces in north side Melbourne and connect more communities to grow their own yummy, local food!
Interested farmer folk, you can join them at one of their sites, or be part of a new site starting up (we’ll help you!). People with potential growing land, they’d love to hear from you (especially if you’re in/near Footscray, Brunswick or Hurstbridge).For more information, check out http://www.livelyhood.community/gnomes.html
Vote Climate House Signs
Sometimes it’s possible to think that you’re the only one in the street, village, city who is really worried about a sustainable and resilient future. Truth is you’re probably not, but how would you ever know. Well this a way, show not only your neighbors but also thecandidates that you care about climate change. Tell your neighbours that you will be putting climate first when you vote. There’s no issue more important for our future and the futures of our children.To get your free Vote Climate sign (email Darebin Climate Action Now)…. They’ll even deliver it to you.
Fibreshed Talk (Tuesday June 14th 6:30 – 8:30 @ 655 Nicholson Street, Carlton)
What would you wear if you limited yourself to clothes whose fibres, dye and labour came from within 500km of your home? Well two ladies from the Handweavers and Spinners Guild of Victoria would like to invite you to a talk where they will give you some of the answers. Their project, Fibreshed is based on a Californian collaboration between farmers and artisans who created an entire wardrobe using dyes, labour and fibres sources from within 150 miles. So come and hear Nicki Taylore and Rachel Bucknall’s adventures in learning to make totally local, sustainable clothes. (Cost $10 and more information at ilkajanewhite@gmail.com)
Project in Focus: Darebin Urban Harvest Food Swaps
Darebin Urban Harvest Food Swap:
It was a beautiful day for the swap on Saturday, we had lots of leafy greens and parsley arrive, plus limes that are in season now. The group was small, but we had a nice time out in the courtyard at the United Church, and people went away with silverbeet seedlings, seeds, worm juice, loquats and fantastic hot chillis, amongst other fruit and veggie options. In case you are wondering we are an all season group, and though we would normally have our woolly hats on by this time of the year, even if it is really poor weather we will be in the courtyard imagining future spring harvests even if our gardens don’t have a lot of produce on the go through the winter season. So come on down and join us if you would like to find out more about us. We’ve also had people bring along chutneys, jams, preserves, baking and sour dough starter, so if your garden is looking tired, or you don’t have a garden but like to talk about food bring something you have made, it most likely will get eaten as we are chatting. We look forward to seeing you at the June swap.
We’ve also got two other Saturdays in the month so if you are reading this and thinking, ‘well that’s all very well but it’s not near me and so my friends and I miss out’ then why not get in touch and let’s have a food swap a week in Darebin. TD can supply all the know how, seeds, banners and even a gazebo so you don’t get wet on a cold wintery day. Drop us a line at transitiondarebin@gmail.com and lets talk.
Ethical Shopping was the focus for May Transition in the Pub, delivered by the very wonderful Nick Ray from Shop Ethical. It was a great session where he talked about the power that you have as a shopper to bring about change by the things that you buy. We even put this into practice with a hardy group of test subject being sent off to the local supermarket to shop for a list of items to see how well they could do. Considering your impact by not
only what you shop for but also the possibility to not shop is a great way to reduce your impact and it was great to have Nick to give us the facts.Project in Focus: Transition ConvergenceWhat if a whole heap of Transition Towns Groups could get together? What if the collective wisdom, energy and collaborative gumption could be harness to take Transition Towns and the communities they work for the next big step towards a sustainable and resilient future? Well that’s what we’re doing on the 30th of July. A whole bunch of Transition groups will be making their way to our shiny, chilly city for a day of celebration but also of straight up reflection and planning about where to for Transition Towns from here. These have happened periodically over the years and are always a great way to not only get some new ideas and hear what other Transition Groups are doing but also to recharge your own ‘activist batteries’. Keep an eye out for more information and chalk the 30th into the calendar.
The winter solstice is almost upon us which means bonfires and all of the celebration of the end of the summer harvest. It also means that there are certain things that Transition Darebin needs to do (okay so some might say that this has more to do with the end of financial year…but that’s not how we roll at TD!). Over the next month we will be planning for our Transition Darebin AGM and celebration. Over the years these have grown into powerful social and planning occasions at times helped by a generous dollop of home brew! This year will be no different as we will seek to add to our coordination group and hear the voices of our members about future projects. Volunteering for the coordination group is not an onerous task but it is an important one as these people help to coordinate the activities that make up Transition Darebin. There are roles for a whole range of interests and skill sets but also opportunities to build work experience and add to your own toolbox. So have a look at the roles and consider stepping up.
Roles in TD
– President – Secretary/Public Officer – Gathering Organiser – Media Liaison
– Vice President – Ordinary Member – Volunteer Coordinator – Web Manager
– Treasurer – Membership Coordinator – E-Bulletin
Transition in the News: Add your name to avoid the climate emergency
“All of us are fully aware how wrong it is to falsely yell ‘Fire!’ in a crowded theatre. But we are also aware of how wrong it is to sit silently while a fire begins to spread…”
Richard Alley, Professor of Geosciences at Pennsylvania State University
Humans are like frogs in a saucepan of water being gradually heated to boiling. Each month brings us more frightening news on the effects of global warming, but because the changes are gradual, there’s never a clear signal that it’s time to step up to stronger action.
Let’s use the alarming spike in global temperatures during February 2016 and the bleaching of the Reef as the impetus to insist our leaders stop playing political games on climate and stand together to draw a line in the sand. Australian Parliament must declare a climate emergency. It’s the first step in mobilising government and community resources and funds that are not normally available. Declaring a state of emergency inspires the public to act for the common good.
Australians are great at pitching in to help in an emergency. In the Queensland floods of 2011, three-quarters of the council areas were declared disaster zones. Government funds were made available and a large workforce was mobilised to deal with the emergency. More than 55,000 volunteers registered to help clean up the streets of Brisbane. All over Australia kind-hearted individuals and community groups sent supplies and raised emergency funds.
This petition is a first step in a growing campaign by grassroots climate action groups to pressure our political leaders to step up and do what is needed to address the climate crisis. It is part of a PetitionStorm and the total includes signatures on other forms of the petition. Read more at www.climatesafety.net
Do you need Transition Darebin?
Nobody died and made us king of the transition ideas! Maybe you’ve got a passion, some time or just the skeleton or an idea that needs some fleshing out. Transition Darebin is a truly grassroots organisation that holds the support of those with passion very dear. So if you’ve got an idea and want some help, or just need an organisation to help with that grant application then let us know or come on down to a coordination meeting because we don’t just need fully formed ideas…..we need all of them!
Till next time…
Ethical Shopping, homemade food and seed saving for the future!
Last month at our coordination meeting we had a really great opportunity not just to engage in some spontaneous artwork thanks to our off grid host Erik but also to reflect upon where Transition Darebin is and how far we’ve come. The events over the last months have really built and there is a palpable buzz at all of the long list of things that are happening around the village. Our promotions are hitting more people than they ever have and our website and facebook followers have almost doubled over the last 12 months. This is pure and simply due to the enthusiasm and efforts of all our volunteers and the passion that you, our members have for building a sustainable, resilient and localised Darebin. We’ve still got loads of work to do and loads more opportunity for more people to get excited, get passionate and get involved…but with winter coming lets just stop for a moment, notice the colours and give thanks to the big contribution that all our people make to be truly… Ready and Resilient!
TD Events in the Comings Weeks
Our Apple Tree ‘Tree Bee’: Sunday May 8th 1-3pm @ Our Apple Tree (Cnr Beavers Road and Herbert Street, Northcote)
Every 2rd Sunday we hold a ‘Tree Bee’ at Our Apple Tree. It’s a chance to meet, do some gardening, reclaim some public land and generally learn about community gardening. The next tree-bee is a biggy. We want to repair and fill the IBC, install the solar pump and do the first harvest of the compost bin. If we get a good crew maybe we can even install the second aerobin! If you haven’t been involved with the Apple Tree working bee’s before then we’d love to see you for a chat, a dig and some wholesome community garden action.
Transition in the Pub: May 10th 7:30pm – 9:00 @ Bar 303 (303 High Street, Northcote)
Transition Darebin is all about a more sustainable, resilient and localised future for us and our children. The Transition in the Pub is a open and public session where people can come and hear about small steps they can take that have big sustainability impacts. Think of it as a space to mix beer, conversation and environmental awareness.
This month, as part of the Darebin Homemade Food and Wine Festival, we’re turning out attention to the food we buy and asking the question
We’ve seen in the news how people can discover, generally out of tragedy that they are unconsciously supporting companies, practices and ingredients that they wouldn’t if you were aware of it. So Join Transition Darebin and Shop Ethical for an ethical shopping ‘whodunnit’ as we look at how to buy with a clear conscious and for a healthy planet. Tickets are going fast so register at https://register.eventarc.com/33599/transition-in-the-pub-shop-ethical
Darebin Urban Harvest Northcote Food Swap: May 14th 11-12 @ 251 High Street, Northcote
The Second Saturday of every month sees the Northcote food swap roll into action. Whether it’s produce, seeds, preserves or just some advice about what’s growing and how to deal with gluts and scarcity then this is a great session to check out.
Transition Coordination Meeting: May 16th 7:30 – 9:00
Once a month we get together to talk about what has happened and what needs to happen to build a more sustainable, resilient and localised Darebin. These meetings are open to anyone whether you want to take a role or just watch what happens.Email transitiondarebin@gmail.com for the address.
Darebin Urban Harvest Reservoir Food Swap: May 21st 10-11 @ cnr broadway and Chedder Road, Reservoir
On the Third Saturday it’s Reservoirs turn to join the sharing economy with their own food swap. This one might be new but it’s seen a great array of produce and a really keen bunch of ‘swappers’ and an amazing array of seed collections and horticultural ‘know how’.
Other Events (non-TD events)
Can’t make it on the first or second saturday but still want to do some food swapping? Check out the Urban Orchard Food swap @ Ceres (greater Darebin!) each saturday from 10 – 1pm. Bring along your homegrown fruit, vegetables, seeds and plants to swap or just meet local home gardeners and share recipes and gardening tips. More info on facebook or contact urbanorchard@ceres.org.au
Sustainable Food Leaders Forum (Wednesday 11th May (6:00 – 8:00 @ Council Offices 350 High Street, Preston)
Come along and network with other community members who are passionate about building a more sustainable food future. We will hear from inspirational community members involved in exciting Urban Food Production projects and initiatives in Darebin, and get an update on Council’s activities in this area. Don’t forget you can keep up to date on local food events and news via the Darebin Food Harvest Network website.
RSVP’s are required by Friday 6 May to lee.tozzi@darebin.vic.gov.au or phone 8470 8392.
Homemade Food and Wine Festival
Bookings for the Darebin Homemade Food & Wine festival are now open, celebrating food traditions and sustainable food in Darebin. The program includes a ‘mini’ Backyard Harvest Festival featuring 4 inspiring events hosted by our very own passionate home food growers and preservers Kat Lavers, Meg Montague, Jessamy Miller and Darcy Watson-Russell. To book the Backyard Harvest Festival events, click here.For the full Homemade Food and Wine festival program visit www.darebinarts.com.au/foodandwine.
Project in Focus: Darebin Urban Harvest Food Swaps
Convivial Kitchen: Chat, Chai and Cake!
Convivial kitchen is all about cooking healthy food and sharing recipes with other people in your local community. It’s a chance to pass on some traditional or cultural wisdom, a recipe for a preserve or some way to make better use of local, seasonal and nutritious produce. It was a beautiful day as the Convivial Kitchen crew took to Our Apple tree for a very special ‘Chat, Chai and Cake’ session. Convivial Kitchen is a great new and building project so if you fancy mixing social connection, environmental action and food then why not get out and get involved in the next event.
Project in Focus: Darebin Urban Harvest Food Swaps
Darebin Urban Harvest Food Swap:
Reservoir: The Reser food swap, as said, is going from strength to strength.We had a visit from Local Food Connect in Eltham who were checking out swaps in their surrounding areas. They have a great handout for their food swaps and some great information on their website which is worth checking out. As well as food we are developing a good seed bank which we will be sharing in between the two food swaps. A big thanks to Kate and Clara who have kicked this off and look forward to seeing much more.
Northcote: Fantastic swap yesterday with heaps of people at the Northcote Food Swap this month. Kombucha scobies, home made fruit tarts and hummus, apricot jam, tonic syrup, lots of seeds, coriander seedlings, bottles of worm juice, chilies and chili oil, herbs, fruit, veggies – literally a cornucopia! And the banner was back and the box of seeds – thanks Marion.
Sustainable Living Expo
Transition Darebin was in fine form at the Darebin Sustainable Living Expo this month. Sometimes these events can be more ‘green-wash’ than green change so we were putting it to people that they could take on one or all of six actions:
1. Grow a garden
2. Divest
3. Slow down… live local
4. Eat Local….shop different
5. Turn waste into treasure.
And our sixth effort really put the ball back into the participants court. We challenged them, after hearing all that we are about to write down one thing that they could do or would do. It was a great opportunity to see how we need to be putting lots of effort into breaking down the big changes that we need in this world into small steps to get people to walk the path with us.
Our last tree bee was a quiet affair with one big difference. Yeh, sure the usual things happened; we planted, we weeded, we scratched our head to wonder who had seen fit to dump a massive pile of bluestones around the corner…. Just another afternoon at the Tree. But the big difference? Well for a fair while we have been missing a fairly central pillar of a successful garden…namely water. We’ve tried a range of things but, thanks to a friendly neighbour have finally cracked it…yes it’s worth block capitals…THE APPLE TREE HAS WATER!. What does this mean, well it means that the wicking beds are full and that we can install our solar watering system for the vertical garden that is looking very sad at the moment.
Project in Focus: Transition in the Pub
Transition in the Pub: Divestment
There’s not many topics that get me as excited as the potential for divestment. I mean, just imagine it. Adani shuts up shop and gives up on the Gallilee basin, the channel through the reef becomes completely un-necessary, the Latrobe valley after a massive investment of superannuation funds makes a world leading switch from brown coal to renewables and accidentally restarts a manufacturing industry in the area which results in near full employment!
None of these things happened at the Transition in the Pub but what we did have was a very spirited performance from local divestment guru Isabella from 350.org who walked us through the need to divest and how to go about it. It was a great session with some really good discussion. If you missed it then check out marketforces.org.au andsuperswitch.org.au to get yourself started on the divestment pathway and let’s make all those things actually happen.
The transitions in the pub are really starting to get big and exciting so if you haven’t checked us out then why not come down to our next one on the 10th of May where we will be looking at ethical shopping and what sort of future you are encouraging through your buying habits. This is part of the Darebin homemade food and wine festival and the tickets are selling fast. If you want to be part of this then register athttps://register.eventarc.com/33599/transition-in-the-pub-shop-ethical .
– June (21st) To head in to the winter solstice we’re putting on one of the most important films of recent times. “This Changes Everything” which looks at seven communities around the world with the proposition that we can seize the crisis of climate change to transform our failed economic system into something radically better. Check out the trailer here
We are gradually building up a web team to look at the Transition Darebin website. We want to build a collaborative space that enables people to use the resources of Transition Darebin to bring about local and powerful action without the need to deal with a central bureaucracy. There’s so much going on we see this as a great opportunity not only to bring all of the TD events together but have a space where all the groups working towards a more localized, resilient and sustainable world can work together and engage with the community. If your brain is currently sparking with ideas about how this could happen or the best way to go about it then we REALLY want to hear from you. This is a short commitment and this group will last only until the website is constructed so there is no ongoing commitment. If you are interested email Paul.
Transition in the News: Northcote Seed Bank Goes Live
Our friends at Deep Green Permaculture have just amounced the news of a Free Public Seed Bank in the City of Darebin, initiated and run by the community and supported by local government and local businesses! Back in 2014, as part of the Darebin Leaders in Sustainability course (an initiative run by local government), Kerrie Ludekens and Angelo Eliades began a project to establish a free local seed bank. Kerrie initiated the project and invited me to come on board as a project partner. A local government grant of $500 was provided through the Darebin Community Support Program which helped fund the project.
Why a Free Seed Bank?A major purpose of the seed bank is to both grow seedlings for the Northcote library community garden, and also to grow seedlings to sell to the community so the project will become self-funding in the future.
The benefits also include:
- the protection of valuable heirloom seeds & locally adapted seeds
- assist in preventing the loss of genetic diversity
- food security and the strengthening of the local food system
- educate the community on gardening & seed saving
- source of seeds for community gardeners at NLFG, Darebin community & other community project
Kerrie and the NLFG are offering seeds to Darebin home gardeners free of charge. Collect them from:
- Northcote Library Food Garden (NLFG) at their working bees – Working bees: Second Sunday of the month 10am, except long weekends.
- Northcote Library; Preston Customer Service Centre, 274 Gower Street
- Kiln Café, 85C Clyde Street, Thornbury
- Darebin Information and Volunteer Resource Service, 285–287 High Street, Preston
Transition in the News: Add your name to avoid the climate emergency
“All of us are fully aware how wrong it is to falsely yell ‘Fire!’ in a crowded theatre. But we are also aware of how wrong it is to sit silently while a fire begins to spread…”
Richard Alley, Professor of Geosciences at Pennsylvania State University
Humans are like frogs in a saucepan of water being gradually heated to boiling. Each month brings us more frightening news on the effects of global warming, but because the changes are gradual, there’s never a clear signal that it’s time to step up to stronger action.
Let’s use the alarming spike in global temperatures during February 2016 and the bleaching of the Reef as the impetus to insist our leaders stop playing political games on climate and stand together to draw a line in the sand. Australian Parliament must declare a climate emergency. It’s the first step in mobilising government and community resources and funds that are not normally available. Declaring a state of emergency inspires the public to act for the common good.
Australians are great at pitching in to help in an emergency. In the Queensland floods of 2011, three-quarters of the council areas were declared disaster zones. Government funds were made available and a large workforce was mobilised to deal with the emergency. More than 55,000 volunteers registered to help clean up the streets of Brisbane. All over Australia kind-hearted individuals and community groups sent supplies and raised emergency funds.
This petition is a first step in a growing campaign by grassroots climate action groups to pressure our political leaders to step up and do what is needed to address the climate crisis. It is part of a PetitionStorm and the total includes signatures on other forms of the petition. Read more at www.climatesafety.net
Transition Darebin Needs You…
We are gradually building up a web team to look at the Transition Darebin website. We want to build a collaborative space that enables people to use the resources of Transition Darebin to bring about local and powerful action without the need to deal with a central bureaucracy. There’s so much going on we see this as a great opportunity not only to bring all of the TD events together but have a space where all the groups working towards a more localized, resilient and sustainable world can work together and engage with the community. If your brain is currently sparking with ideas about how this could happen or the best way to go about it then we REALLY want to hear from you. This is a short commitment and this group will last only until the website is constructed so there is no ongoing commitment. If you are interested email Paul.
Or do you need Transition Darebin?
Nobody died and made us king of the transition ideas! Maybe you’ve got a passion, some time or just the skeleton or an idea that needs some fleshing out. Transition Darebin is a truly grassroots organisation that holds the support of those with passion very dear. So if you’ve got an idea and want some help, or just need an organisation to help with that grant application then let us know or come on down to a coordination meeting because we don’t just need fully formed ideas…..we need all of them!
Till next time…
Chai, divestment and festivals… a busy month for Transition Darebin
There’s loads on over the next weeks as we seek to engage people who are concerned but inactive and help those actively building for a better future to get the message out there. Transition Darebin will be showing it’s stuff at the Sustainable Living Expo, swapping up a treat at our food swaps, installing compost hubs and a watering system at Our Apple Tree and asking people to think about what their investments are actually funding at the Transition in the Pub. There’s lots to see but also lots to get involved with so check out what’s going on this month and get active in being the change you want to see in Darebin.
TD Events in the Comings Weeks
Transition Darebin @ Darebin Sustainable Living Expo: April 2nd 11am – 2pm @ Preston City and Shire Halls
Once again Transition Darebin will be swinging into promotion mode to get the word out that individuals hold the key to significant and powerful change. As well as workshops, food displays and a whole heap more we will be sharing what TD is doing at the sustainable living expo. If you are involved in a project then this is a great opportunity to promote and build some networks and we would love you to join us for the afternoon on the TD stall. Email paul if you’ve got some time and you’re willing to help out or just head down to the city and shire halls in Preston next Saturday and check out what’s on offer. for more information on the festival check outwww.darebin.vic.gov.au/sustainablelivingexpo
Convivial Kitchen: Chat, Chai and Cake!: Sunday April 3rd 2pm @ Our Apple Tree (Cnr Beavers road and Herbert Street).
Convivial kitchen is all about cooking healthy food and sharing recipes with other people in your local community. It’s a chance to pass on some traditional or cultural wisdom, a recipe for a preserve or some way to make better use of local, seasonal and nutritious produce. The Convivial Kitchen Crew are this month taking it outdoors in a very special ‘Chat,Chai and Cake’ session. So come and join us for a cut of hot chai and a piece of cake under the Old Apple Tree. (for more information contact Tiffany)
Darebin Urban Harvest Northcote Food Swap: April 9th 11-12 @ 251 High Street, Northcote
The Second Saturday of every month sees the Northcote food swap roll into action. Whether it’s produce, seeds, preserves or just some advice about what’s growing and how to deal with gluts and scarcity then this is a great session to check out.
Our Apple Tree ‘Tree Bee’: April 10th 1-3pm @ Our Apple Tree (Cnr Beavers Road and Herbert Street, Northcote)
Every 2rd Sunday we hold a ‘Tree Bee’ at Our Apple Tree. It’s a chance to meet, do some gardening, reclaim some public land and generally learn about community gardening.
Transition in the Pub: April 12th 7:30pm – 9:00 @ Bar 303 (303 High Street, Northcote)
Transition in the pub is all about cold beer and big topics that will help us all make the transition to a more equitable, resilient and sustainable future. This months it’s….Divestment.
It comes as a shock to many people but most of us are unwittingly funding the expansion of coal mining, fracking and habitat destruction through the investment of billions of dollars of OUR money that lies in superannuation, bank accounts and other savings. You’ve also been losing money as these assets become stranded and less profitable than other investments as the Guardian reported here. Divestment is a way to take some control of your money by making some sometimes really simple choices about where you invest and where you bank. We’ve invited Isabella from 350.org to run us through some ways you can take solid steps to change this as well as some local Darebinites who are going to give us their experiences of how it was for them.
Darebin Urban Harvest Reservoir Food Swap: April 16th 10-11 @ cnr broadway and Chedder Road, Reservoir
On the Third Saturday it’s Reservoirs turn to join the sharing economy with their own food swap. This one might be new but it’s seen a great array of produce and a really keen bunch of ‘swappers’.
Transition Coordination Meeting: April 18th 7:30 – 9:00
Once a month we get together to talk about what has happened and what needs to happen to build a more sustainable, resilient and localised Darebin. These meetings are open to anyone whether you want to take a role or just watch what happens.Email transitiondarebin@gmail.com for the address.
Transition Darebin News
Tents and Safety Nets
Transition Darebin always walks a fine line. We don’t want to spend all our time fundraising to contribute to the insurance industry but we also don’t want to expose our members and volunteers to risk when they’re out doing important work. So we’re very excited to announce that we have entered into a relationship with the Royal Horticultural Society of Victoria as an affiliated group. This not only gives us access to some great and affordable insurance cover but diversifies our resources around growing, cooking and sharing produce.
In other, news we are very excited to announce that we have sourced a gazebo for use at the food swaps, tree-bees and other functions. This will be a great resource (as those we have swapped in the rain will agree) but in the future resources need to be collaboratively owned not privately owned and locked away. So if you are running an event or a community group that has need of a Gazebo (and fits with the aims of Transition Darebin) then we have a shiny gazebo at a great price for you. Contact transitiondarebin@gmail.com if you would like some more info.
Other Events (non-TD events)
Can’t make it on the first or second saturday but still want to do some food swapping? Check out the Urban Orchard Food swap @ Ceres (greater Darebin!) each saturday from 10 – 1pm. Bring along your homegrown fruit, vegetables, seeds and plants to swap or just meet local home gardeners and share recipes and gardening tips. More info on facebook or contact urbanorchard@ceres.org.auFruit Foraging Flashmob (Sunday April 3 @ 10:30am)
Our friends at the Gnomes Farming Co-operative are inviting people to hop on their bike & join them for a morning of foraging fruit fun as they swoop on the bounty of backyards, railway verges and nature strips across Melbourne’s inner north! BYO bike & basket to benefit from the bounty! For non-bike-abled people please get in touch for a map of the ride’s meeting points, For more information check out Gnomes Farming Co-Operative on facebook.Climate for Change (www.climateforchange.org.au)
Have you got some time to host a conversation with your friends and family about climate change and the action that needs to happen? Or are you a trained facilitator just waiting for that opportunity to use your skills in a localised and community focused way. Climate for change is about changing the conversation one kitchen table at a time and links facilitators and hosts to support local and grassroots action. We think they’re pretty cool and you might too so check out http://www.climateforchange.org.au for more info.Project in Focus: Darebin Urban Harvest Food Swaps
Darebin Urban Harvest Food Swap:
Reservoir: Rachel, Sheryl, Janine Bossel and Paul, Nikkii and family from Northcote swap attended the 19th March swap at Reservoir. Damian was there to hold up the Reservoir end. Heaps of worm juice, figs and zucchinis. Left over worm juice and seeds were taken to Kite Festival to be given out on receipt of a gold coin donation. Gazebo was there in case of need and the new sandwich board was used.
Northcote: Another really great session at the northcote food swap with a table literally groaning under the weight of local produce. There were scobies, squash, basil and so much more plus a really great vibe around the place. This swap is going from strength to strength so if you’ve got something to swap and haven’t been to check it out then chalk-out the second saturday next month to try a different way to fill the pantry.
Darebin Kite Festival
Transition Darebin Rerpresents at Darebin Kite Festival
A busy day for our dedicated bunch of stall holders who witnessed the Inaugural use of gazebo and second use of sandwich board. All went well. Rachel staffed the stall all day, Damian assisted in the morning, then Tiffany, then Sheryl. There was a steady stream of interested visitors all day who were keen to find out what Transition Darebin was all about. Our sparkly new Gazebo was easy to put up and down. We shifted a whole heap of promo stuff including food swap flyers and info on Our Apple Tree, Convivial Kitchen andTransition in the Pub. The Food Swap side of our sandwich board attracted a lot of interest as did the opportunity for the public to try their skill on the ‘guess that seed’.
We kicked off our new location in style with a great session about solar power, batteries and the future of electricity generation and distribution. Even the most hardened and learned solar enthusiast walked out with a little more knowledge and some new ideas thanks to the expert guidance of Karl from EnviroGroup (how can you question someone who built a bike based, solar powered DJ booth complete with subwoofer and lights!). But it wasn’t all work and the 20 or so people found time for a cool beer and a good talk. We’re gonna be taking up a regular spot with the help of Bar303 so make sure you head down for the 12th of April (the second Tuesday) for our next Transition in the Pub where we bust open one of the biggest things that you can do to save the planet…Divestment!– April (12th). Divestment. If you haven’t consciously made some decisions about who you bank with and where your super lives then you are probably
contributing to the billions of dollars that banks and funds are investing in coal mining, fracking, reef and habitat destruction etc. But making a switch so that your money invests in a better future is easy and we’ll show you how.- May (10th). We’re going a week early in may to join in with the Darebin Homemade food and Wine Festival.This month we’ll be looking at ethical shopping with Shop Ethical who will help to “educate and empower people to make shopping choices that better reflect their values and to use their consumer power to create a better world”– June (21st) To head in to the winter solstice we’re putting on one of the most important films of recent times. “This Changes Everything” which looks at seven communities around the world with the proposition that we can seize the crisis of climate change to transform our failed economic system into something radically better. Check out the trailer here
Transition Darebin Needs You…We are gradually building up a web team to look at the Transition Darebin website. We want to build a collaborative space that enables people to use the resources of Transition Darebin to bring about local and powerful action without the need to deal with a central bureaucracy. There’s so much going on we see this as a great opportunity not only to bring all of the TD events together but have a space where all the groups working towards a more localized, resilient and sustainable world can work together and engage with the community. If your brain is currently sparking with ideas about how this could happen or the best way to go about it then we REALLY want to hear from you. This is a short commitment and this group will last only until the website is constructed so there is no ongoing commitment. If you are interested email Paul.
Life in a degrowth economy and why you might actually enjoy it!
When one first hears calls for degrowth, it is easy to think that this new economic vision must be about hardship and deprivation; that it means going back to the stone age, resigning ourselves to a stagnant culture, or being anti-progress. Not so. Degrowth would liberate us from the burden of pursuing material excess. We simply don’t need so much stuff – certainly not if it comes at the cost of planetary health, social justice, and personal well-being. Consumerism is a gross failure of imagination, a debilitating addiction that degrades nature and doesn’t even satisfy the universal human craving for meaning. Degrowth, by contrast, would involve embracing what has been termed the “simpler way” – producing and consuming less.
This would be a way of life based on modest material and energy needs but nevertheless rich in other dimensions – a life of frugal abundance. It is about creating an economy based on sufficiency, knowing how much is enough to live well, and discovering that enough is plenty. The lifestyle implications of degrowth and sufficiency are far more radical than the “light green” forms of sustainable consumption that are widely discussed today. Turning off the lights, taking shorter showers, and recycling are all necessary parts of what sustainability will require of us, but these measures are far from enough. But this does not mean we must live a life of painful sacrifice. Most of our basic needs can be met in quite simple and low-impact ways, while maintaining a high quality of life.
We do not need to purchase so many new clothes. Let us mend or exchange the clothes we have, buy second-hand, or make our own. In a degrowth society, the fashion and marketing industries would quickly wither away. A new aesthetic of sufficiency would develop, where we creatively re-use and refashion the vast existing stock of clothing and materials, and explore less impactful ways of producing new clothes. We would become radical recyclers and do-it-yourself experts. This would partly be driven by the fact that we would simply be living in an era of relative scarcity, with reduced discretionary income.
But human beings find creative projects fulfilling, and the challenge of building the new world within the shell of the old promises to be immensely meaningful, even if it will also entail times of trial. The apparent scarcity of goods can also be greatly reduced by scaling up the sharing economy, which would also enrich our communities. One day, we might even live in cob houses that we build ourselves, but over the next few critical decades the fact is that most of us will be living within the poorly designed urban infrastructure that already exists. We are hardly going to knock it all down and start again. Instead, we must ‘retrofit the suburbs’, as leading permaculturalist David Holmgren argues. This would involve doing everything we can to make our homes more energy-efficient, more productive, and probably more densely inhabited. This is not the eco-future that we are shown in glossy design magazines featuring million-dollar “green homes” that are prohibitively expensive.
Degrowth offers a more humble – and I would say more realistic – vision of a sustainable future.
Making the change
A degrowth transition to a steady-state economy could happen in a variety of ways. But the nature of this alternative vision suggests that the changes will need to be driven from the “bottom up”, rather than imposed from the “top down”. What I have written above highlights a few of the personal and household aspects of a degrowth society based on sufficiency (for much more detail, see here and here). Meanwhile, the ‘transition towns’ movement shows how whole communities can engage with the idea. But it is critical to acknowledge the social and structural constraints that currently make it much more difficult than it needs to be to adopt a lifestyle of sustainable consumption. For example, it is hard to drive less in the absence of safe bike lanes and good public transport; it is hard find a work-life balance if access to basic housing burdens us with excessive debt; and it is hard to re-imagine the good life if we are constantly bombarded with advertisements insisting that “nice stuff” is the key to happiness.
What would life be like in a degrowth society?
In a degrowth society we would aspire to localise our economies as far and as appropriately as possible. This would assist with reducing carbon-intensive global trade, while also building resilience in the face of an uncertain and turbulent future. Through forms of direct or participatory democracy we would organise our economies to ensure that everyone’s basic needs are met, and then redirect our energies away from economic expansion. This would be a relatively low-energy mode of living that ran primarily on renewable energy systems.
Renewable energy cannot sustain an energy-intensive global society of high-end consumers. A degrowth society embraces the necessity of “energy descent”, turning our energy crises into an opportunity for civilisational renewal. We would tend to reduce our working hours in the formal economy in exchange for more home-production and leisure. We would have less income, but more freedom. Thus, in our simplicity, we would be rich. Wherever possible, we would grow our own organic food, water our gardens with water tanks, and turn our neighbourhoods into edible landscapes as the Cubans have done in Havana. As my friend Adam Grubb so delightfully declares, we should “eat the suburbs”, while supplementing urban agriculture with food from local farmers’ markets.
Full article at https://theconversation.com/life-in-a-degrowth-economy-and-why-you-might-actually-enjoy-it-32224
Or do you need Transition Darebin?
Nobody died and made us king of the transition ideas! Maybe you’ve got a passion, some time or just the skeleton or an idea that needs some fleshing out. Transition Darebin is a truly grassroots organisation that holds the support of those with passion very dear. So if you’ve got an idea and want some help, or just need an organisation to help with that grant application then let us know or come on down to a coordination meeting because we don’t just need fully formed ideas…..we need all of them!
What’s on and what’s in the pipeline!?
Let’s be honest it’s hard to keep up with what’s going on in the world at the best of times. But making the first and very necessary steps towards a more sustainable, equitable and resilient community is a pretty important one. So we’ve made it a bit easier and every month we’ll be summarising what’s going on, giving you a little bit of information and highlighting the ways that individuals, groups and organisations can go from ‘watchers’ to ‘change makers.
TD Events in the Comings Weeks
Darebin Urban Harvest Northcote Food Swap: March 12 11-12 @ 251 High Street, Northcote
The Second Saturday of every month sees the Northcote food swap roll into action. Whether it’s produce, seeds, preserves or just some advice about what’s growing and how to deal with gluts and scarcity then this is a great session to check out.
Transition in the Pub: March 15th 7:30pm – 9:00 @ Bar 303 (303 High Street, Northcote)
Solar arrays, batteries, electric cars. Things are moving pretty fast in the renewable energy world. Join Karl from the enviro shop as we catch up on what’s here, what’s coming and what sort of technology you need for the future. If you’re thinking about solar or batteries then this free event could save you thousands.
Darebin Urban Harvest Reservoir Food Swap: March 19 10-11 @ cnr broadway and Chedder Road, Reservoir
On the Third Saturday it’s Reservoirs turn to join the sharing economy with their own food swap. This one might be new but it’s seen a great array of produce and a really keen bunch of ‘swappers’.
Our Apple Tree ‘Tree Bee’: March 20th 1-3pm @ Our Apple Tree (Cnr Beavers Road and Herbert Street, Northcote)
Every 2rd Sunday we hold a ‘Tree Bee’ at Our Apple Tree. It’s a chance to meet, do some gardening, reclaim some public land and generally learn about community gardening
Transition Coordination Meeting: March 21 7:30 – 9:00
Once a month we get together to talk about what has happened and what needs to happen to build a more sustainable, resilient and localised Darebin. These meetings are open to anyone whether you want to take a role or just watch what happens.Emal transitiondarebin@gmail.com for the address.
Other Events
Water Cycle to Williamstown
A cycle tour to help us understand the importance of our waterways. YHA andTD member Cath is hosting a cycle from Coburg lake to Williamstown to help us understand the importance of our waterways. This links with the final part of the art ‘Scenes of the Yarra’, a series performance workshops which will be held in Williamstown from 2-4pm. For more information or to register check out the facebook event here
What would housing look like if it were deliberately designed to foster community and sustainability? Why not go and see for yourself at the Murundaka cohousing community in Heidelberg Heights on their open day this weekend. It’s a truly amazing place and well worth a visit. For more info go to the TD facebook or click here.Earth Hour
Saturday March 19th is Earth hour where last year more than 7000 cities and 7million Aussies turned off all their power for an hour to highlight the need to take more action to combat climate change. It’s a great excuse to get your friends together and start a conversation. If you’ve no idea what I’m on about check out www.earthhour.org.au
Project in Focus: Darebin Urban Harvest Food Swaps
Transition Darebin has two food swaps each month.
The Northcote food swap has been around for a long time. Our last swap on Saturday was fantastic with a regular group coming each time and plenty of new people. We had duck eggs massive amounts of tomatoes, eggs and more while Damian also came and brought figs, grapes, tomatoes, pepinos, eggs and more.There were kombucha scobies and kefir grains swapped and even a bottle of lime cordial. This is always a great food swap and we’ll be looking to get our seed stocks back up as summer starts to wane and things to go seed.This food swap runs on the second saturday or every month at 251 High Street Northcote
The Reservoir Food Swap is the new kid on the block and we’ve had 3 great swaps so far. We are getting a regular crew and a whole load of produce thanks to our uber-gardeners Anthony, Clara, Kate and Damian. This food swap runs on the third saturday of every month at the corner of broadway and Chedder road, Reservoir.
Project in Focus: Transition in the Pub
Transition in the pub is all about getting the message out there because, let’s be honest it’s going to take all of use to build a resilient future. We’ve been searching for a home for a while now but think that we might have found one at Bar 303 (oddly enough at 303 High Street in Northcote). The aim for this year is to help people move from ‘watching and concerned’ to taking personal and collective action. As such we’re putting on a monthly calendar of events to focus on areas that change can be made:
– April (19th). Divestment. It comes as a shock to many people but most of us are unwittingly funding the expansion of coal mining, fracking and habitat destruction through the massive amount of OUR money that lies in superannuation, bank accounts and other savings. If you are banking with Australia’s big 4 bank then you’ve been unknowingly contributing almost $37 billion dollars to these sorts of projects since 2008. You’ve also been losing money as these assets become stranded and less profitable than other investments as the Guardian reported here. Divestment is a way to take some control of your money by making some sometimes really simple choices about where you invest and where you bank. We’ve invited Isabella from 350.org to run us through some ways you can take solid steps to change this as well as some local Darebinites who are going to give us their experiences of how it was for them.
Transition and Burnout
This month looked at the very real issue of burnout in the transition experience. Including an interesting article from Clare Power a Lecturer at Wetern Sydney University called Transition and Burnout: The Australian Experience
www.transitionnetwork.org/blogs/rob-hopkins/2016-01/transition-and-burnout-australian-experienceTransition Darebin Needs You…
Wesite Ninja: Look we don’t like throwing things away but sometimes you just have to grit your teeth and realise that it’s over! That’s how we feel about our website and we really need someone to give us some of their time and expertise to help us develop a platform that actually engages with the hundreds of people who are trying to engage with us. So if you have some mad tech skills and would be up for giving us a couple of hours of your time please let us know at transitiondarebin@gmail.com.
Fix- It…ers!: Fix-It Newlands is a group who appreciate taking the time to fix, learn, repair, maintain and mend things that we have. This group has been running on an occasional basis at the Newlands Community House for some time but is looking for someone to help co-ordinate, organise and publicise this group. If that sounds like you then check out their facebook page here and drop us a line at transitiondarebin@gmail.com.
Or do you need Transition Darebin?
Nobody died and made us king of the transition ideas! Maybe you’ve got a passion, some time or just the skeleton or an idea that needs some fleshing out. Transition Darebin is a truly grassroots organisation that holds the support of those with passion very dear. So if you’ve got an idea and want some help, or just need an organisation to help with that grant application then let us know or come on down to a coordination meeting because we don’t just need fully formed ideas…..we need all of them!
Food Swapping
Where does your food come from…and what would you do if the trucks stopped rolling and the supermarket shelves started to empty?
Food swaps are a great, resilient and local solution to sharing, learning and generally tuning in to the flows of the seasons and local food production.
Transition Darebin has two food swaps each month.
The Northcote food swap has been around for a long time. Our last swap on Saturday was fantastic with a regular group coming each time and plenty of new people. We had duck eggs massive amounts of tomatoes, chicken eggs and more while Damian also came and brought figs, grapes, tomatoes, pepinos and still more beautiful eggs. There were kombucha scobies and kefir grains swapped and evan a bottle of lime cordial. This is always a great food swap and we’ll be looking to get our seed stocks back up as summer starts to wane and things to go seed.
This food swap runs on the second saturday or every month at 251 High Street Northcote
NEXT SWAP: Saturday 13th March 11-12
The Reservoir Food Swap is the new kid on the block and we’ve had 3 great swaps so far. We are getting a regular crew and a whole load of produce thanks to our uber-gardeners Anthony, Clara, Kate and Damian.
This food swap runs on the third saturday of every month at the corner of broadway and Chedder road, Reservoir.
NEXT SWAP: THIS SATURDAY 21st Feb 10-11
Future Directions Gathering and AGM
“Climate change has happened because of human behaviour therefore it’s only natural it should be us, human beings, who address these issues. it may not be too late if we take decisive actions today”
Since 2009 Transition Darebin has been active in pursuing it’s vision of…
“a relocalised and resilient Darebin that is livable for current and future generations”
Since that time many of you have been active in developing, running or simply attending the hundreds of projects, initiatives and events that we have run.
But with the impacts of resource depletion, limits to growth and climate change moving from a prediction to a reality, it’s timely that we ‘check in’ about how we take Transition Darebin forward to in to the future.
We want to take this opportunity to hear what moves, concerns or fires you up to get in and do something about building a more sustainable Darebin, not only for the now… but also for the future generations to come. With this in mind we would like to invite and encourage you to attend a really important event.
2015 Future Directions Gathering and AGM
This will be an opportunity to review what we’ve achieved, and start the conversation about what and who will take Darebin towards a localized and resilient future
When: Friday 20th November @ Jika Jika Community Centre (Cnr Union Street and Plant Street, Northcote)
Time: 7-9:30
Whether you are or have been an active member, or have just been an observer, this is a great chance for us to start the conversation about groups, people, projects and causes that will add to and continue to build Transition Darebin in the future, as well as an opportunity to meet, mingle and sample our very own Transition Darebin brew provided by the Merri Mashers Brewing Club.
Transition Darebin is a non-hierarchical organisation and whilst there will be short election for ‘nominal’ office bearers to complete the requirements of incorporation roles will be determined at a future meeting.
Register at https://register.eventarc.com/32351/transition-darebin-future-directions-gathering-and-agm
Big Questions for the Night
What is Transition Darebin and Why?
Where have we been in 2014/2015?
Where are we going in 2016 and beyond?
What would… or could make the difference? What projects or ideas would truly move us towards a re-localized and sustainable future in Darebin?
What are we missing, what should we continue with and how do we best organise ourselves to do the most without overloading busy people?
This Changes Everything
Transition Darebin is excited to be supporting our friends at Darebin Climate Action now to host one of the first screenings of an important new movie “This Changes Everything”
Filmed over 211 shoot days in nine countries and five continents over four years, This Changes Everything is an epic attempt to re-imagine the vast challenge of climate change.
Directed by Avi Lewis, and inspired by Naomi Klein’s international non-fiction bestseller This Changes Everything, the film presents seven powerful portraits of communities on the front lines, from Montana’s Powder River Basin to the Alberta Tar Sands, from the coast of South India to Beijing and beyond.
Interwoven with these stories of struggle is Klein’s narration, connecting the carbon in the air with the economic system that put it there. Throughout the film, Klein builds to her most controversial and exciting idea: that we can seize the existential crisis of climate change to transform our failed economic system into something radically better.
This poses the question around whether we have not only risks but also opportunities to build a better world in the way that we address the climate challenge. It’s a great movie and a great event.
But you cannot purchase tickets on the night so be sure to claim your spot by booking online at
