Out and about

A quick overview of some recent local events.

Sustainable Living Film Festival

The final films were very well received, with a full house for the screening of No Impact Man at the Albury library museum and more than 80 people attending In Transition 1.0 at the wood fired oven. As well as the wonderful atmosphere, the National Environment Centre's organic lamb rolls and scones with jam and cream cooked in the oven were extremely popular (well done Nicole, Rob and crew!).  Inspired by the film, it was fabulous to listen to the buzz of conversations discussing ideas about the opportunities Transition Towns presents and how to run with them in our area.

The organisers (Ian, Lizette & Dennis) deserve a very big pat on the back for the whole film festival. It has provided Transition Towns Albury Wodonga (and all the associated member groups) some great exposure, attracted a range of audience members to the various films (faces both new and well-known to sustainability in the area), and has harnessed plenty enthusiasm that promises an exciting future.

100% renewable campaign

Check out this fantastic pic, taken as part of the national '100% renewables' campaign. If you'd like to know more, click these links to read more about the campaign or see more pics from communities across Australia.

Photo: Joy Grinham, WATCH

Slopes to Summit, Woomargama

Lou Bull from Seed Savers Albury-Wodonga gave a great presentation on biodiversity in the backyard (soil, habitat, food and consumption) at this open day. As you can see below, the "room" for her talk and the surrounding countryside, bathed in autumn sunshine, only added to her efforts. Many attendees were keen to talk more with Lou afterwards to discuss growing food at home, saving seed and to ask about the many cuttings she'd brought along from her own garden.

Photo: Scott Hartvigsen, Nature Conservation Trust of NSW

National Environment Centre - garden classroom story

Not really an 'event' as such, but ABC local radio have put together a great piece (audio and video) about the English as a Second Language garden, teachers and students out at the Thurgoona TAFE campus. You can click here to watch it online. What a fantastic mix of permaculture, community and learning!