Saturday 5th November Over 260 people enjoyed a range of in-depth and informative workshops at various satellite locations in themes that encompassed Local Food, Our Environment and Low Carbon Future.
Workshop participants were shown a powerpoint presentation at the beginning of the workshops held at the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden showcasing the benefits of the NSW Governments Office of Environment & Heritage – Home Power Saving Program and informed of the eligibility criteria.
- Coramba Nature Reserve workshop/walk presented by Cochran’s Pool Urumbilum RiverCare Group where participants were given the opportunity to explore the rehabilitation and corridors of one of the largest remnants of lowland sub-tropical rainforest floodplain in the local government area.
- Coffs Harbour’s Combine Street Community Garden had soil preparation and planting sessions hosted by Costa Georgiadis and Steve McGrane.
- Schimminger Architects opened their doors to their award winning Zero Emission Office Building exposing the merits and achievability of sustainable urban design.
The North Coast Regional Botanic Garden hosted numerous workshops and talks:
- “Understanding Government Solar Incentives” hosted by Mark McClurg- Self Sufficient Homes, workshop offered a talk session covering current government incentives for Solar PV (electricity) and Solar Hot Water. Other topics covered included Energy Certificates, Future Feed in Tariff’s for Solar PV and Solar Hot Water Rebates.
- “Energy Efficiency for Small Business” Matt Parnell – Green Synergy Consulting, This workshop explored ways to reduce energy usage in small business. Understanding your energy bill, diagnose your current situation, understand where your energy wastage commonly occurs and identify strategies for improvement.
- “Backyard Bird Conservation Walk & Talk” Brian Hawkins – Flametree Consulting, participants learned about seasonal cycles of resource availability and how targeted plantings can help conserve threatened fruit and nectar eating birds in the Coffs Harbour area.
- “Healthy Soil for Healthy Tucker” Ian Hazell – Coffs Harbour TAFE, participants were enlightened to hear soil is the most important factor in growing your own food plus knowledge, understanding of how soil works and how to build fertility that is critical to be successful and sustainable in today’s changing world.
- ” Permaculture and developing your Design” Aleasa Williams, this workshop explored up to date information regarding Permaculture and how you could integrate it in your backyard.
- “New and Better Food Systems” Kirsten Larsen – VEIL (Victorian Eco Innovation Lab) The workshop summarised recent research that explores vulnerabilities and opportunities in the food system.
- “Updated Climate Science Talk” Andrew Turbill -NPWS and Outdoor Twilight Cinema Screening “Anima Mundi” movie ; asking how will you survive the transition of human civilisation happening now due to peak oil and climate change.
