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Welcome to the latest edition of the Transition Darebin Newsletter. Check out upcoming events, future projects. See what has been happening and keep up to date!
TransitionDarebin

Transition Darebin E-Bulletin -
October 2012 

Be sure to check out the range of exciting happenings this month: from the revamped TD gatherings and working group meetings, to insightful sessions on waste minimisation, the development of Darebin's own Community Fruit Squad, gardening and cooking workshops, festivals, local markets, a street-long garage sale, cycling activities, other special events and celebrations and much more!

TD Upcoming Events

TD Coordination Meeting
Thursday 4 October, 1/15 Ballantyne St Thornbury, from 6.30pm.
One of the things that we agreed at the recent TD AGM (see 'Recent Events' below for a wrap up on the AGM) was to trial a new format for our gatherings. This new arrangment will see us hold monthly coordination meetings on a weeknight (rather than weekend) at someone's house, and then to have a larger public gathering with a skillshare or other fun activity, perhaps quarterly/seasonally, tacked onto a food swap... As always, all TD members are welcome to the coordination meeting. The focus of these meetings will be on forwarding TD, coordination, engagement, projects, the next big gathering, and all the other things that keep us ticking along. Bring a little something to share. If you'd like to come along, please rsvp to sally.macadams@gmail.com.

Northcote Food Swap - New 11am Start Time

Saturday 6 October, Cafe Koula Courtyard, Northcote Uniting Church, 251 High St, Northcote, 11am–noon
The Northcote Vegie swap will still take place on the first Saturday of every month; however, from this month it will begin at 11am and finish at noon (previously it had been 10am-12pm). This is not to say that you can't hang around afterwards and have some lunch and continue to chat and swap away. For more information, give Annerliegh a call on 0421 425 384. You can also keep up to date with swap news on Facebook (Darebin Urban Harvesters) and Twitter (@TT_Darebin).
 
A reminder too that the Preston Darebin Urban Harvesters food swap takes place on the second Saturday of the month from 10am–noon at the West Preston Uniting Church, 399A Murray St, Preston.

TD Community Economics Working Group
Friday 12 October, 22 Oxford St Northcote, 7pm
One of the ideas brainstormed at the recent TD AGM was around a pop-up cafe/mobile food van. This was further discussed at the September community economics working group meeting as a possible vehicle for local investment, income generation and social enterprise. All kinds of possibilities came up, from taking fresh food to Darebin's food deserts, to hosting preserving workshops, to hiring out to other local groups and organisations. If you'd like to get involved with this project or join the working group, contact serenity.hill@gmail.com. If you are interested in attending the group's next meeting, please rsvp to Annette or Serenity.

Community Energy Darebin

Monday 8 October, Northcote, 7.30pm

A core group of solar enthusiasts continues to meet monthly, laying the groundwork for Darebin’s first community solar project. Their present focus is on selecting a suitable site in the Darebin area, investigating in more detail the feasibility of a number of promising roof spaces. The group is also looking at the installation costs of similarly sized solar systems around Victoria. If you’re interested in coming along (newcomers very welcome), please contact Mike on michael_jorgensen@urscorp.com
 
In related news, a founding member of the Community Energy Darebin working group, Andrew Longmire, is standing as an independent in Rucker ward in the forthcoming council elections, with the community solar initiative as part of a climate-based platform. Andrew is a climate change solutions researcher at Beyond Zero Emissions (more details on his Facebook page)
 
Sanitary Protection Alternatives That are Kind to You and the Planet
Sunday 14 October, Jika Jika Community Centre, corner Plant and Union Sts, Northcote, 24pm
As a topic that is often considered taboo in modern culture, the environmental and health implications of different sanitary protection choices are rarely discussed.  This workshop will review the concerns about the so-called ‘disposable’, one use products that are clogging up our landfills, and discuss the many and varied sustainable options that are now available for comfort, convenience and good health. If you’d like to come along, please register your interest by Wednesday 10 October by emailing ecoze@ixa.net.au. Cost $15.  This workshop is an initiative of Transition Darebin and funds raised will go towards funding our other projects.

Reusable Nappy Workshop - postponed

October (date TBC), Jika Jika Community Centre, corner Plant and Union Sts, Northcote

Take part in this practical and informative workshop that will cover the use of a variety of reusable nappy options: fitted reusables, terries squares and nappy laundering services. The workshop will look at how they are used, where they can be sourced and the reasons why reusable nappies are a good environmental and health option for babies. This workshop is suitable for anyone who might be interested in a more planet-friendly way of rearing young children. You need not be a parent!  Please note, this workshop was originally to be held on 6 October but will be rescheduled to another date later this month. If you’d like to attend, please register your interest by Wednesday 10 October by emailing Rachel at ecoze@ixa.net.au. Cost $15.  This workshop is an initiative of Transition Darebin and all funds raised will go towards funding our projects.

Darebin Community Fruit Squad

Darebin Community Fruit Squad is an exciting new project that aims to improve fruit growing skills, prevent food waste, promote community connection and address food sovereignty in our area. Jika Jika Community House has auspiced the project, and Darebin Council is subsidising 15 hours of horticulture training at NMIT for the Fruit Squad, to be conducted this October. Interest has been keen, and places have been allocated following interviews. Stay tuned for more info and updates on this initiative.

TD Recent Events

TD AGM
Thanks everyone for  coming along last month and making it a great AGM! Minutes and the annual report are available now here (thanks Rachel!). We have some really cool new projects being started by members: from a local streetscape garden, to seasonal events, to a joint Sharehood-TD expo, to ways of engaging more members, possibly at the pub... watch this space! We also looked at the results from our members survey, and some lucky TD members took home a cruise along the Yarra and other lovely prizes.

TD Involvement

Get More Involved in TD
If you would like to get more involved in TD in any capacity, drop our new Volunteer Coordinator Anna a line - anna.haygreen@gmail.com. There's a range of positions we're specifically looking to fill at the moment and we'd also love to have more people sharing and shadowing other roles to make our group more sustainable. For a breakdown of all the positions, have a look on the TD website, or suggest your own!

TD Friends

Northcote Library Food Garden


Sunday 14 October, 1-4pm, 32-38 Separation St, Northcote

The first plants in the Northcote Library Food Garden’s indigenous/native food garden are in and appear to be enjoying their new home at the southern end of the garden. C
ome along, get involved and see for yourself. Community Gardening Days are held on the second Sunday of each month from 1pm.  All welcome (BYO gardening gloves!). See the NLFG blog for more details.

Permaculture Inner North
PIN holds monthly meetings alternatively on the fourth Sunday (10am12pm) and fourth Wednesday (6.30pm8pm) of the month. Sundays will be at different outdoor locations with hands-on workshops, garden tours and shared morning teas. Wednesdays will be at Forno Radicale, 562 High St, Thornbury, with indoor activities and demonstrations. To find out more, email permacultureinnernorth@gmail.com

Return of the Kingfisher Festival

Saturday 27th October 2012, 9am-4pm
, CERES Environmental Park
Each year CERES celebrates the Return of the Sacred Kingfisher, a celebration of Spring, renewal, hope and the return of a small bird. The festival will feature performances, live music, food, plantings and heaps of activities for the kids. TD will also host a stall at the event selling seedlings, locally produced seeds plus other garden related products like a great weed book.  Plus homegrown produce and much more. Be sure to come by! For more information, see www.ceres.org.au/Main/Kingfisher.html

Upcoming Local Events and News
 
Sprout Community Market


Thursday 4 October, 3-7pm
, corner of Watt & Clapham St, Thornbury
After a winter hiatus, Sprout Community Market is back on the first Thursday of each month. Offerring fresh organically grown produce, seedlings, dried herbs, locally made crafts and arts, music, food, activities and more. Upcoming market dates for 2012 are 4 October, 1 November and 6 December.

Learn to Garden, Harvest and Cook For Healthy Living

12 October to 14 December, Sprout Community Garden, 40 Clapham St, Thornbury, 10am-noon
Do you live in the City of Darebin and are you interested in growing vegetables, fruit and herbs, gardening and learning how to cook healthy food in a friendly community setting? Take part in this 10-week course for two hours a week. The course  is FREE to eligible applicants living in Darebin. For information and/or applications, please email  trisha@twnh.vic.edu.au or ring 9480 0466. This program is delivered by Sprout Community Garden in partnership with the Thornbury Women’s Neighbourhood House and the City of Darebin.

Come and Try Cycling
Wednesday 10 October, Preston Cycling Velodrome, corner of Cuthbert Rd and Fordham St, Reservoir, 10.30am–noon
For a fun activity with friendly people, come along and try riding on the cycling track. Bikes and riding tips provided. All abilities and standards welcome. Age is no barrier and a BBQ is included. For enquiries and RSVPs, contact Jim on 9478 2103 or Alan on 9655 2141 or active@cotavic.org.au

Made 'n' Thornbury Craft Market

Saturday 13 October, 99 Leinster Grove, Thornbury , 10am-2pm
Made 'n' Thornbury is a small community market that supports women in micro business. The market is indoors and supports new, emerging and more established crafters. The market is an initiative of Thornbury Women's Neighborhood House. For more information, see http://madenthornbury.blogspot.com or contact Trisha Collinson on 94800466 or trisha@twnh.vic.edu.au

Rossmoyne Street Rummage



Sunday 14 October, Rossmoyne St, Thornbury
, 10am-2pm
Residents of Rossmoyne St, Thornbury, will be setting up stalls in their front yards and selling household goods, used clothing and homegrown/made produce and craft items. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/RossmoyneStreetThornbury

Sustainable Food Workshop
Thursday 18 October, Preston Shire Hall, 286 Gower St, Preston, 6.15pm–9pm
Come along to this FREE workshop and learn how to grow your own fruit, vegetables and herbs. Find out about the benefits of choosing locally grown food. For bookings and enquiries, contact Sam on 8470 8373 or info@sustainablecommunities.vic.gov.au

East Reservoir Community Garden First Birthday Celebration!
Friday 19 October, East Reservoir Senior Citizens Centre, 7A Strathmerton St, 3.30pm–6pm
East Reservoir Community Garden invites you to celebrate its first Birthday. Come down to East Reservoir Senior Citizens Centre and tour the garden, enjoy our hospitality and celebrate with us on this very special day. To RSVP contact 0434 072 758 or eastreservoirgarden@gmail.com

Community Safety Month - Spiritual Healing Trail Walk

Sunday 21 October, Darebin Parklands, Alphington
, 4pm
Under the guidance of Aboriginal Elder Uncle Reg Blow, people of all ages and backgrounds are invited to walk together along the Spiritual Healing Trail in the stunning Darebin Parklands. The walk will start near the Separation St car park and be followed by an Aboriginal smoking ceremony,  entertainment and supper. The Spiritual Healing Trail aims to promote good health by improving our social and spiritual wellbeing and sense of connection to the environment, others and to ourselves. For more information, contact the Community Safety Officer on 8470 8888 or mailbox@darebin.vic.gov.au

Preston Garden Club Annual Spring Show
Saturday 27 October, Preston Town Hall, High St, Preston, 2-7pm
Come along for a pleasant afternoon with flowers and plants exhibited by local people. Devonshire teas, trading table and raffle. Entry is FREE. For more information, see http://prestongardenclub.org.au or contact 94673078 or cheryl.warner46@gmail.com

Beyond Darebin

Frogs on Wheels
Sunday 7 October, 10am-1pm
Come along to this family fun 10km round trip bike ride along the Darebin Creek from Norris Banks Reserve in Bundoora to an amazing frog habitat in Thomastown East, with water testing and frog and waterbug spotting along the way. BYO bikes and helmets. Meet at Norris Banks Reserve BBQ Pavillion, McLeans Rd. There will be light refreshments on return. Bookings essential. Contact Peter via email pgrenfell@dcmc.org.au or call 9499 4454.

Ride to Work Day

Wednesday 17 October
Jump on your bike with colleagues, family and friends this Ride to Work Day. Stop into one of the many Ride to Work community events en route to your destination and enjoy a FREE hearty breakfast, music, give-aways and other great activities in celebration of your cycling achievements. For a listing of Ride to Work Day events and activities in Darebin and beyond, see www.ride2work.com.au

Public Lecture: The Inescapable Challenges of the Early 21st Century
Thursday 11 October, Basement Theatre, Melbourne University, 198 Berkeley St, Carlton, 6.15–7.15pm
It is predicted that by 2030 the world will need to produce 50% more food and energy, together with 30% more available fresh water, whilst mitigating and adapting to climate change. The United Kingdom’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir John Beddington, talks about the potential ‘perfect storm’ created by the interconnected global challenges of food security, climate change and the world’s rapidly growing demands for energy and water.  Entry free but registration essential; see: http://beddington.eventbrite.com/

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