The 3.5 hour workshop will begin with an introduction to the ethics and principles that underpin permaculture and a discussion of the ways in which these can be used to design systems that are both sustainable and abundant. We will:

Explore the various levels of holistic site design and land management practices on the Green Connect Farm site.
Meet the chickens, bees, pigs and sheep, and learn how they have been integrated into perennial food systems to help repair the land and yield ethically raised produce.
Walk the creek line to see how bringing back indigenous rainforest species as part of a biodiversity belt is helping to create a diverse ecosystem that complements our food production.
Understand the sustainable cropping techniques that produce veggies and herbs for households, restaurants and cafes throughout the Illawarra.
Learn how nutrients are recycled throughout the farm to create production and efficiency rather than waste.
Hear how permaculture has been used as a vehicle for empowering former refugees, young people, and the wider community.

This in-depth tour and workshop is for anyone interested in permaculture design, regenerative agriculture, backyard gardening, urban agriculture, local food systems, sustainable and ethical animal management, fairness for agricultural workers, recycling organic waste, or the role of native restoration in agricultural landscapes.

Included

Morning tea and some take-home notes.

Before you book, please consider the following:

The site is a working farm and visitors must participate in a safety briefing before entering.
The terrain at the farm is particularly steep and slippery in parts and is not accessible for prams or wheelchairs.
Plants love rain and so do we! We don’t cancel tours in wet weather unless there is a dangerous storm. Rain (and mud!) is all part of the fun.
Allergen advice: Our farm is home to domestic animals as well as bees, wasps and macadamia trees. Please pack an Epipen if allergic and keep it with you at all times.

All tour participants must:

Wear enclosed shoes or boots (sorry no thongs or sandals allowed) and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Long pants are recommended.
Bring a hat and sunscreen or rain gear, depending on the weather forecast.
Bring a water bottle pre-filled with water.

About the facilitator

Cal Champagne has been the manager of Green Connect Farm since its establishment. After growing up on a permaculture demonstration property on the Far South Coast of NSW, Cal moved the Illawarra to study environmental sciences at UOW. He then went on to postgraduate studies in Sustainable Food Systems at the University of Sydney. During his studies, he got involved in permaculture in the Illawarra, through his volunteer work in the ‘Living Classroom’ school gardens at local schools. When an 11-acre piece of land adjacent to Warrawong High School was made available, Cal joined Green Connect. The team turned this land into what is now Green Connect farm, one of the country’s leading examples of urban agriculture.

Cal has mentored and trained hundreds of young people, former refugees, and other community members as part of his role at Green Connect. Cal has also facilitated adult learning during several Permaculture Design Courses and also as a garden educator for the Multicultural Council of the Illawarra. Cal’s biggest passion is using permaculture and growing food as a vehicle for social change and individual empowerment.

Questions?

Please contact the team on 4243 1537 or activities@green-connect.com.au