Introduction to Permaculture with Gavin Hardy

Millions of people around the world use permaculture in their daily lives. 

Busy families are using the framework and techniques to retrofit their homes and to teach their children to be more resilient and happier. Empty nesters and downshifters are applying the concept to create a contented and meaningful retirement, enjoying their homes and gardens more as they produce food, generate energy and save money. Career changers are getting into education, design consultancies, community development, international aid work, ecosystem repair and boutique food businesses.  Professionals, such as architects, engineers and social workers, have incorporated the learnings to embed genuine ecological sustainability into their practices. Renters and people on low incomes use permaculture to save them money. Farmers and food producers are applying the principles to make their operations more efficient with less inputs required. 

Famously described as 'a revolution disguised as organic gardening', Permaculture is a holistic design system for creating resilient, regenerative and abundant ways of living. Permaculture's foundations in ethics and principles draw from the patterns of abundance found in nature and tapped into the wisdom of traditional cultures connected to the land and the great thinkers of our times. Permaculture has application across all spheres of life including community, finance, technology, education, raising kids, building construction, living arrangements and food production.

Come and learn about how the Permaculture way can help you to become more empowered, connected, healthful and unstuck at our 30-year-old demonstration site. The session includes a tour of our 2.5 Hectare site plus a delicious morning tea using plants from our gardens. By the end of the workshop, you will:

• have mapped out how the concept could apply to your life situation
• gain access to a comprehensive resource list for further exploration
• take home the seeds of some edible 'permaculture plants'.

Youth Offer

This workshop is also available for teenagers (12- to 17-year-olds) accompanied by mum, dad or an adult guardian who has also paid to attend the workshop.

About the Facilitator

Gav helped set up Northey Street City Farm in the 1990's and he is currently the Farm's adult education coordinator and permaculture lead teacher.  Gav created 'Eco-flat Brisbane', a showcase of permaculture apartment style living. He is the author of 'Community Food Futures in Australia' (2023) based on a Churchill Fellowship he received in 2020 and is also the Queensland Coordinator of Community Gardens Australia. Gav is an experienced gardener and consults widely in the community food space. Gav learnt permaculture with the co-originator, Bill Mollison, in 1997 and has done advanced courses with David Holmgren and Robin Clayfield, as well as studying Edible Forest Gardening with Martin Crawford at the UK Agroforestry Research Trust. He holds bachelor's degrees in Construction Engineering and Landscape Architecture, and a Certificate (Level 4) in Training and Assessment.