We’re only a month into 2015 and already Transition Darebin calendars are starting to fill up. We’ve have a couple of great events including the years first food swap and a ‘fun-raising’ berry picking trip but there is loads more coming.

Transition Darebin Needs You!

Transition Darebin is built on initiatives and project that help build a ready and resilient Darebin. All programs are run by a group and we have two groups who are looking for new members to help coordinate them.

 Learning Together: The Convivial Kitchen

One of the surprising things about starting to move to a lower energy lifestyle is realising how separated from food we’ve become. Using things in season, preserving those things that we have too much of and making the best use of what we do have are skills that are less and less common. The convivial kitchen is an initiative that brings people together with cooking, preparing and preserving skills into a fun and collaborative environment where we learn by doing. This group has kicked off with a ‘how to kimchi’ session but needs people who are interested in learning and sharing. So if you have a skill, an interest or just want to be involved and help this group grow and thrive then let us know at transitiondarebin@gmail.com.

‘Transition In The Pub’

Transition Darebin is an inclusive, open and welcoming group. But how do you get people past the first stage of getting out of their house and comfort zone, to join the conversations and actions that will influence us all eventually? The answer my friend is beer (or wine, soft drink etc etc.). For a number of years TD has been running Transition in the Pub but we need somebody to coordinate these in the future. These are sessions based around either a local project (like reclaiming curbs or living lightly), local people or just topics like ‘How to we build a resilient Darebin?”. Whatever the focus, the aim is to bring people together to engage in discussion in a warm, friendly and welcoming atmosphere.  We’ve already got all of the resources required and great speaker contacts but need an organised individual (or group) to bring it all together. If pubs and people are your thing and you think you can help then send us an email at transitiondarebin@gmail.com

Of course we’re also always on the lookout for new ideas, enthusiasm or projects. If you’ve got something you would like some help getting moving in Darebin then let us know or come and have a chat at the monthly coordination meetings.

Do you want to share your knowledge in a community environment?

Alphington Community Centre Sustainability Program is always looking for Darebin residents to help to spread the word about sustainability, share a skill or guide others to learn more. This centre already has a great verge garden, commercial kitchen and is looking at setting up composting hubs, community gardening groups and lots more.

It’s summer so they’re particularly looking for some people with knowledge around seed saving and propagation as well as a somebody to help guide a passata making day.

If this sounds like you or you have any other questions contact Bryony on 9499 7227.

What is ‘Fun_Raising’

Building community, whilst raising funds for local projects is what this group is all about. Whether it’s tours, workshops, stalls or just an activity to take advantage of a local resource or a sunny day, the fun_raising group are always out and about.

Youngberry pickers

We have already kicked off 2015 in grand style with a visit to a ‘u-pick’ berry farm in Silvan where TD’ers as young as four went to town on fresh strawberries, blueberries and blackberries. It was an amazing morning, not just because of the sheer amount of delicious fruit but that some of it actually made it into the baskets and back to Darebin and didn’t all get chomped on site.

This was a great day and just the first of many ‘Fun-Raising’ events. But we need your help to build the activities, the diversity and the numbers. So if you’ve got an idea, or just like the idea of building community through enjoyable activities then let us know at transitiondarebin@gmail.com.

Environment Sessions @ SPAN.

Our friends at SPAN have been busy preparing for the sustainable living festival and are running a couple of events in collaboration with TD on the 8^th of February

Community Shed Design Jam @ SPAN (11-4pm)

Come along to a facilitated workshop to generate ideas and design our community shed!

Enjoy a site analysis tour and integrating community views including accessibility, saving water and energy and leaving spaces for a rocket-cobb oven and aquaculture.In collaborative design style, everyone will select their favourite design aspects to create an ultimate design! This is only the beginning. Our design will lead to more skills sharing activities — gaining a permit, sourcing materials and building the community shed!

Upcycling Wooden Pallets @ SPAN (10-1pm)

Come along to a facilitated workshop where we will convert wooden pallets into chairs, planter boxes and a wicking bed for our neighbourhood. The facilitators from Urban Bush Carpenters will guide you through the process of deconstruction, design and build.This workshop is not complicated, will be relaxed and fun for the whole family!!

For more information contact SPAN on 9480 1364

Clean Up Our Apple Tree

 As part of Clean Up Australia Day, Our Apple Tree (a Transition Darebin Initiative) will be hosting a clean up site on March 1st. We’ll be starting from the Apple Tree at the Corner of Herbert Street and Beavers Road and plan to work north into the ‘Croxton Commons’ space which will give us a great chance to check out the progress on this TD ‘coming soon’ space. The day will culminate in a ‘waste free barbie’ at Spencer Park so will be a great day. For those further south our friends at the Northcote station group will also be hosting a site and will meet at the Herbert Cafe.

For more information check out Our Apple Tree Herbert Street on Facebook.

Explaining the Why of Transition

Sometimes it’s hard to explain why Transition Darebin is working towards a lower energy future. We hope this infographic (courtesy of transitionnetwork) helps.

Hint of the Week.

Have you got lemongrass. Next time you need to tie up a rogue tomato or raspberry, rather than reaching for the twine or material why not pluck a lemongrass leaf instead. They make great ties and just get composted with everything else when the plant has had it’s day.

Regular Events

There is lots happening over the next couple of weeks including the TD food swap on the 14^th and the Sustainable living festival. For all the information about what’s going on in Darebin check out the calendar on the website.

Got an event and want TD to spread the word? Let us know what’s going on and we’ll be happy to help.

3 February, 2015 at 11:59 am paul Leave a comment