Permaculture in Precarious Places: 13-19 April 2017, Blue Mountains

A 6 day workshop for permaculturalists wishing to work in challenging environments such as refugee camps, remote communities, disaster zones, low income countries and areas of conflict.

The course would also be of interest to aid development workers willing to develop their permaculture skills to an advanced level in the future.

This course is being presented by the Blue Mountains Permaculture Institute, in association with Permafund and Permaculture Blue Mountains.

An additional 2-day course is being offered by Permafund after the 6-day workshop. Permafund is a charity that administers small grants to projects worldwide. This 2 day course includes assessing grant applications, evaluating projects, and numerous case studies including current projects.

Topics in the 6 day course include:

• engaging with unfamiliar cultures
• building trust
• finding key influencers
• utilising existing institutions/structures
• creating a community of learners
• contextualised permaculture design applications in refugee camps and climate change impacted areas (cold/arid/tropical climates, earthquake zones etc)
• social, economic and political considerations such as corruption, micro-credit, resolving conflict and assessing existing knowledge

The course is rich in case studies, interactivity and hands-on project design. Participants will need enthusiasm, stamina, some knowledge of permaculture and the ability to work in groups.

Teachers:

Rowe Morrow and guest presenters

Accommodation:

Accommodation on-site is basic but beautiful. The Kihilla retreat and Conference Centre, built in the 1880’s, is sited on tranquil grounds with expansive views of Blue Mountain’s bushland. It is in Lawson, about 80 km west of Sydney’s CBD and on a major train line. Participants are encouraged to stay at Kihilla in the huge dorm-style bedrooms that will sleep around 6. Local B&B accommodation is also in the area but accommodation and vegetarian meals are included in the price. Participants are expected to help with serving and cleanup to keep costs down.

Price and date options:

OPTION A:

Permaculture in Precarious Places: 13-19 April

6 full days – arriving by 6pm Thursday 13 April for dinner and orientation, and departing 5pm Wednesday 19 April.

Price: $790

Early Bird Price if paid before January 31st: $720

Option for an additional night + dinner: $50

OPTION B:

The 6 day course + 2 day course by Permafund: 13-21 April 

8 full days – arriving by 6pm Thursday 13 April for dinner and orientation, and departing 5pm Friday 21 April.

Price: $890

Early Bird Price if paid before January 31st: $820

Option for an additional night + dinner: $50

OPTIONS C:

The 2 day Permafund course only: 20-21 April

2 full days – arriving by 6pm Wednesday 19 April for dinner and orientation, and departing 5pm Friday 21 April.

Price: $190

Early Bird Price if paid before January 31st: $160

Option for an additional night + dinner: $50

To secure a place in the course:

Bookings for the course can be made by contacting Lis via email or by phone: +61 407 437 553 or +61 2 47877533

A reminder that Early Bird Discounts apply if you book by January 31st 2017.