Byron Shire is set to celebrate community self-reliance and sustainability during National Permaculture Day – or make that weekend – on May 5 and 6.
‘The movement is growing. People are hungry for sustainable solutions and permaculture empowers us to make meaningful changes to how we live,’ says event organiser Andrew Carter.
Local events will commence with the inaugural Byron Shire Permaculture Film Festival tomorrow, Saturday 5 May. The mini film festival is to be held in Council Chambers, Mullumbimby from 5 to 9pm and will consist of two sessions.
Session A will feature local sustainability short films, including Council’s new Sustainable Streets doco (2012) and clips from the successful Permaculture Challenge (2011) project that engaged young people in practical environmental solutions.
Session B will see the premiere screening of the feature film, Urban Roots (2011) that shows how a resurgence in urban agriculture saved the city of Detroit from economic collapse. Urban Roots is a timely, moving and inspiring film that speaks to a nation grappling with collapsed industrial towns and the need to forge a sustainable and prosperous future.
Mullum Community Garden will be on hand providing delicious organic soups, cakes and chai. Entry is $5 to go towards construction of a new chicken enclosure at Mullum Community Garden.
Locals are also invited to get their hands dirty for a day of practical permaculture activities at a free Open Day at Mullumbimby Community Gardens from 11am to 3pm on Sunday 6 May. Activities will include no dig gardening workshops, garlic planting demos, kids activities, a permaculture market place, cob oven pizzas and informative talks. The day will provide an opportunity to learn common-sense skills and viable solutions for a sustainable future.
