Embark on a transformative journey towards sustainable living with our Permaculture course at Byron Community College. Nestled in the green heart of the North Coast in Byron Shire, this highly practical program offers you the chance to acquire essential skills that go beyond the classroom, fostering connections with like-minded individuals who share your passion for sustainability.
 
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of permaculture, where organic farming, animal systems, natural building, food preservation, systems thinking, and community development converge into a holistic philosophy. Gain inspiration from natural ecosystems as you progress through this work ready qualification, equipping you to operate independently and skilfully in developing permaculture systems.
 
Experience the best of both worlds with a blend of classroom learning and hands-on training at our purpose-designed 1-acre permaculture site, nestled within the Mullumbimby Community Gardens. This unique setup provides you with practical insights and confidence to lead the way towards a better future.
 
Join us, in collaboration with Mullumbimby Community Gardens and Permaculture Australia, to become a catalyst for positive change in sustainability. Enrol now and be part of the movement shaping lives, homes, and communities towards a more sustainable tomorrow.
 

Sat, 24 August, 9.30am - 12.30pm, Mullum, $85

Nutrient cycling is the basis of life, sounds deep we know, but it's the truth of it. Without this system of turning the waste of one thing, into a food source for another, we would be no more.
Nature does it exquisitely, and in this workshop we teach you the best way we know how in emulating and assisting her. There are many modes of compost to suit absolutely every individual and their household set up. We'll take you through worm farms, bokashi, cold compost and hot compost. So no matter your space at home, your time and physical capabilities, we have you covered.
After a day in compost world you will go home with a deep understanding of compost and soil, determine what compost is best suited to you, get cracking on starting your own compost at home and/ or have the knowledge to improve your existing system.
The benefits of composting are endless... for your garden, for the planet, for the future and for yourself.

Sat, 31 August, 9am - 3pm, Mullum, $160

Explore the culinary aspect of perennial vegetables commonly grown in permaculture and Syntropic gardens. Sharon has been cooking with these rare and unusual plants for years, learning traditional techniques and creating her own delicious dishes. The workshop will focus on the different flavours, textures, and cooking methods, providing participants with the knowledge and confidence to adapt and use these plants in their own favourite recipes. Together, we will cook a delicious meal using perennial vegetables and discover new ways to make the most of the harvest.

Sat, 17 August, 9am - 3pm, Mullum, $160
 

Want to diversify your garden and experiment with unusual perennial vegetables suited to the subtropical and tropical environments?  Yam, winged bean, cassava and Madagascar bean are just a few of the easy to grow, climate proof plants that thrive in our wet, humid growing conditions.

Sharon will guide participants through her garden and share insights on planting, harvesting, storing and processing these amazing plants.

 

2 x Sat, 27 July - 3 August, 9am - 1pm, Mullum, $165 or ACE Funded $0*

Learning to Mend is a fun and creative way to reduce our impact on the Earth. Learn hand repairs including visible mending using sashiko (a traditional Japanese technique), patching, hems, buttons, how to repair torn seams, darning, minor alternations and a touch of embroidery. In our second lesson, we’ll bring some clothes from home and have a mini clothes swap and put our skills into practice.

Join our class on creating beautiful floral arrangements with a focus on environmental sustainability. Emphasising seasonal Australian-grown flowers, you will learn to celebrate the beauty and imperfections that nature offers. Discover techniques for arranging flowers using alternative containers and mechanics that promote sustainability.