The Australasian Permaculture Convergence 2010 is kicking off on Friday 24th September in Kuranda, Far North Queensland, and I am very excited to be going - not least in order to get some sunshine!
More than that, I know I will be learning so much from the diverse range of people who will attend from all over Australia and internationally. Keynote speakers are Maj.Gen. Michael Jeffery, former Governor General of Australia and Daryl Hannah, actor & environmental campaigner.
Bill Mollison and David Holmgren, co-founders of Permaculture, and Costa from Costa's Gardening Odessey will also be speaking, along with a host of others, including my good friend Eric Nicholson on behalf of PEZ.
Permaculture has a strong following in South Australia, and we have excellent examples of permaculture applied to both rural settings at The Food Forest in Gawler, and urban settings at Christie Walk in Sturt St, Adelaide.
I am particularly interested in permaculture education for young people, and permaculture in urban planning. Permaculture has a lot to offer to urban and suburban residents, especially in the areas of water and waste management, household energy efficiency and productive backyards and community gardens.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Bicycle Boulevard Forum
There is a forum this Thursday 23rd Sept at 6pm in Norwood at the Osmond Terrace Function Centre where the community can have their say regarding improving cycling infrastructure for the area.
I wrote a letter concerning this to the Editor of the East Torrens Messenger, which didn't appear, but I reproduce it in full here:
************
Dear Sir
I would like to encourage all residents who are interested in improving cycling
safety to attend the Community Forum this Thursday evening 6pm at the Osmond
Terrace Function Centre, hosted by Steven Marshall, MP for Norwood.
Mr Marshall’s Bicycle Boulevard proposal has focused on Beulah Road as its starting point, but if the proposal has community support and is successfully implemented, it could be an example for improved cycling and pedestrian facilities throughout the eastern suburbs and metropolitan area.
As secretary of the Bicycle Institute of SA, and as a candidate for NPSP Council,
and especially as a parent who cycles with my child, I heartily support any moves
to improve cycling safety. Making bicycle use safer will improve amenity for all
residents, making it easier for people to choose to leave their car at home and go
about their daily business by bike, reducing vehicle traffic and the associated costs.
If the community makes it clear that they are concerned about safety for bicycle
users and better living for all, then I am confident our state and local governments
will listen.
************
Details of the forum can be found here
I wrote a letter concerning this to the Editor of the East Torrens Messenger, which didn't appear, but I reproduce it in full here:
************
Dear Sir
I would like to encourage all residents who are interested in improving cycling
safety to attend the Community Forum this Thursday evening 6pm at the Osmond
Terrace Function Centre, hosted by Steven Marshall, MP for Norwood.
Mr Marshall’s Bicycle Boulevard proposal has focused on Beulah Road as its starting point, but if the proposal has community support and is successfully implemented, it could be an example for improved cycling and pedestrian facilities throughout the eastern suburbs and metropolitan area.
As secretary of the Bicycle Institute of SA, and as a candidate for NPSP Council,
and especially as a parent who cycles with my child, I heartily support any moves
to improve cycling safety. Making bicycle use safer will improve amenity for all
residents, making it easier for people to choose to leave their car at home and go
about their daily business by bike, reducing vehicle traffic and the associated costs.
If the community makes it clear that they are concerned about safety for bicycle
users and better living for all, then I am confident our state and local governments
will listen.
************
Details of the forum can be found here
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Getting people to vote...
Here is the text of an article that I recently wrote, to be published in the upcoming issue of University of South Australia's Unilife Magazine. I wrote it with the aim of getting students, both undergraduate and graduate, to think about the importance of voting.
Local Government elections are notorious for having a low voter turnout, as voting in these elections is not compulsory. Figures show that only a third of eligible people bother voting.
Image from Independent Review of Local Government Elections
Local Government Association of South Australia
My contribution as follows:
Going for the Hat Trick
Hands up who remembers the days of live ‘n’ kicking student politics on campus? Think back in the early ‘90’s, when Natasha Stott Despoja was powering from University of Adelaide to the Senate, and then leap to 2006, when John Howard eviscerated Australia’s Student Unions with the introduction of VSU, and effectively pulled the rug out under the feet of student political engagement and interest. After all, if it’s not compulsory, why bother?
Back in the ‘90’s, I never thought I’d get involved in politics myself. But now, in my second degree, as an Education student on a campus and in a culture that doesn’t seem to know the power of its own voice, I am finding that I want to say something, not just for myself but for anyone else who wants their point of view to be considered, and wants a representative at the table.
So, 2010 State Election, 2010 Federal Election… I started reading, I started listening, I started caring about what was happening. Now we’ve got the Hat Trick Election – 2010 Local Government. This is where I’m gonna get on the train.
I like the idea of Local Government because it is about where I actually live. The decisions that the Council makes will have a direct impact on my local area. And local people can go to the meetings.
So even though voting in the Local Government elections is not compulsory, meaning that about two thirds of people who are eligible to vote won’t even bother, it is actually the election where you can have the most direct impact.
Local Councils need a greater diversity of folks in their meetings, if they are going to make decisions that affect all of the people living in the area. The image that many people have of Council is that of a collection of middle aged, comfortable business men and women. How can they represent the views of younger people, especially students who are still renting, who are not business owners, but still need access to everything a good neighbourhood should provide?
I’m sure Councils are not all like this – let’s make sure that they are not! (Being under 40, I will put myself in the “younger person” bracket!)
I really want to see uni students getting engaged again with their community – both on campus, and in the neighbourhoods where they live. People go to uni because they DO care about things, but the modern uni experience can leave people feeling overwhelmed with the demands of study and working to support themselves, plus trying to have a life too. It’s hard to give some attention to extra concerns that you may feel you have no input into anyway. The thing is, you CAN have an input. Find out what candidates stand for, email or phone them, and vote accordingly. The system may not be perfect, but it sure beats the alternative of losing your voice completely.
Local Government elections are notorious for having a low voter turnout, as voting in these elections is not compulsory. Figures show that only a third of eligible people bother voting.
Local Government Association of South Australia
My contribution as follows:
Going for the Hat Trick
Hands up who remembers the days of live ‘n’ kicking student politics on campus? Think back in the early ‘90’s, when Natasha Stott Despoja was powering from University of Adelaide to the Senate, and then leap to 2006, when John Howard eviscerated Australia’s Student Unions with the introduction of VSU, and effectively pulled the rug out under the feet of student political engagement and interest. After all, if it’s not compulsory, why bother?
Back in the ‘90’s, I never thought I’d get involved in politics myself. But now, in my second degree, as an Education student on a campus and in a culture that doesn’t seem to know the power of its own voice, I am finding that I want to say something, not just for myself but for anyone else who wants their point of view to be considered, and wants a representative at the table.
So, 2010 State Election, 2010 Federal Election… I started reading, I started listening, I started caring about what was happening. Now we’ve got the Hat Trick Election – 2010 Local Government. This is where I’m gonna get on the train.
I like the idea of Local Government because it is about where I actually live. The decisions that the Council makes will have a direct impact on my local area. And local people can go to the meetings.
So even though voting in the Local Government elections is not compulsory, meaning that about two thirds of people who are eligible to vote won’t even bother, it is actually the election where you can have the most direct impact.
Local Councils need a greater diversity of folks in their meetings, if they are going to make decisions that affect all of the people living in the area. The image that many people have of Council is that of a collection of middle aged, comfortable business men and women. How can they represent the views of younger people, especially students who are still renting, who are not business owners, but still need access to everything a good neighbourhood should provide?
I’m sure Councils are not all like this – let’s make sure that they are not! (Being under 40, I will put myself in the “younger person” bracket!)
I really want to see uni students getting engaged again with their community – both on campus, and in the neighbourhoods where they live. People go to uni because they DO care about things, but the modern uni experience can leave people feeling overwhelmed with the demands of study and working to support themselves, plus trying to have a life too. It’s hard to give some attention to extra concerns that you may feel you have no input into anyway. The thing is, you CAN have an input. Find out what candidates stand for, email or phone them, and vote accordingly. The system may not be perfect, but it sure beats the alternative of losing your voice completely.
Supporting friends
My good friend Eric Nicholson has decided to run for council. We both care deeply about sustainability, ecology and the future wellbeing of our planet and the people on it, and are both actively involved in community groups to bring about positive change. Eric is the founder and driving force behind Permaculture Education Zone, a group of which I am also a founding committee member. We both feel that the next logical step is to work at the local government level, so we can be involved with decisions that affect our local neighbourhood, and, we hope, fairly represent the concerns of the community.
Eric is running for Adelaide City Council, South Ward. I went to his campaign launch to support him. Stephen Yarwood, Lord Mayor Candidate for Adelaide City Council, was also there to support Eric. I first met Stephen earlier this year and was very impressed by his energy, enthusiasm, knowledge and passion. He is part of the reason why I was inspired to nominate for Norwood Payneham & St Peters Council, and I was very happy to see him supporting Eric.
I feel excited knowing that there are genuinely passionate people wanting to get involved with local government, and that I may be working with some of them in the future.
Eric is running for Adelaide City Council, South Ward. I went to his campaign launch to support him. Stephen Yarwood, Lord Mayor Candidate for Adelaide City Council, was also there to support Eric. I first met Stephen earlier this year and was very impressed by his energy, enthusiasm, knowledge and passion. He is part of the reason why I was inspired to nominate for Norwood Payneham & St Peters Council, and I was very happy to see him supporting Eric.
I feel excited knowing that there are genuinely passionate people wanting to get involved with local government, and that I may be working with some of them in the future.
Adelaide PARK(ing) Day
The Adelaide PARK(ing) Day was organised on a volunteer basis by a group of young local architects and urban planners, based on the international movement started a few years back in San Francisco. From the Adelaide PARK(ing) Day website:
"PARK(ing) Day is all about:
- Calling attention to the importance of urban public spaces
- Rethinking the way we use our streets
- Creating diverse conversations about design and how we make sustainable cities
Photos by Jeremy Miller
Sustainable House Day
Photos by Aaron Neilson
Essential Edibles - Our local 'Urban Orchard'
I attended the inaugural "Essential Edibles" share and swap market at Joslin Reserve in St Peters last Sunday 5th September. This community initiative has been set up by Lisa from Sustainable Communities SA, and is modelled on the very successful 'Urban Orchard' model that operates in communities around the world. Adelaide already has some very successful Urban Orchards, in particular the Clarence Park Urban Orchard which started in 2007.
The idea is for home growers to be able to easily redistribute any surplus from their gardens, and get produce in exchange that they may not have been able to grow themselves. More than that, it is a way of connecting up neighbours, providing a hub for the community, reducing food miles and building relationships.
It was a beautiful morning for the first Essential Edibles market, and I had a lovely time chatting with folks and picking up some fresh home grown produce and beautiful irises. See the write up from Sustainable Communities.
Essential Edibles takes place on the first Sunday of every month, from 8.30am to 11.30am at Joslin Reserve, Fourth Ave St Peters. See you at the next one!
The idea is for home growers to be able to easily redistribute any surplus from their gardens, and get produce in exchange that they may not have been able to grow themselves. More than that, it is a way of connecting up neighbours, providing a hub for the community, reducing food miles and building relationships.
Essential Edibles takes place on the first Sunday of every month, from 8.30am to 11.30am at Joslin Reserve, Fourth Ave St Peters. See you at the next one!
Welcome!
Hello everyone, I am very excited to be writing the first post on my website! I have created this site as a space for me to be able to show people why I am running for Norwood Payneham St Peters Council, and what I am doing over the next two months during the campaign. It is also a place for the community to be able to interact with me online, and I welcome any (civil!) comment and airing of views. I will be updating this site regularly, so please visit often!
Please feel free to contact me via the comments section, my email sophianpsp@gmail.com or phone 0411 755 677.
Please feel free to contact me via the comments section, my email sophianpsp@gmail.com or phone 0411 755 677.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)