Transition Epping - the story so far!

When was Transition Epping formed?

Transition Epping was formed 12 months ago by a committed group of seven community activists.  Our group is currently auspiced by Permaculture North and was successful in receiving a small grant from the North Epping branch of the Bendigo Bank for $500 to run a series of eight sustainability workshops on consecutive Saturday mornings from March to May this year in North Epping.

Getting Transition Epping off the ground: our workshop series

First up, we letterboxed 2,000 homes in North Epping and held a public meeting – 40 people turned up. At that meeting we advertised our workshop program and got people to commit to coming along. The workshops attracted from 12 to 15 regulars and featured a guest speaker (preferably local and passionate about their area) who provided information that encouraged individual behaviour change. Topics included energy efficiency, health and wellbeing, waste and greywater, local biodiversity and our ecological footprint, building community, transport and local food production.

What are we working on now?

At the end of the workshop series at our planning workshop a number of projects were chosen for the group to work on. Project teams and a committee were formed. The projects are progressing well and include: a verge garden at the local shopping centre; bi-monthly practical skills workshops; compilation of a community directory; assisting the primary school with their new food garden and a bulk-buying group for green technology.  Some ‘viral infection’ is happening already e.g. a presentation to a local gardening group on permaculture to be followed up with a site visit.

Our public launch is planned for Tuesday 19 October at 7:30pm at All Saints Anglican Church, Cnr Malton Road and Devon Street, North Epping.

SANDRA NICHOLS

Coordinator Transition Epping

Ph: 02 9869 1351

Mob: 438 415 715

Email: envirodoc@ozemail.com.au