Peter Critch - Certificate III in Permaculture

As a co-founder and compost expert for Subpod, I help people easily understand composting and gardening. Completing the permaculture course at Byron Community College was the springboard to this role.

After finishing my Environmental Science degree, I wanted to save the world, but I quickly realised I had a whole bunch of theory and nothing to do with it. So, I started looking into permaculture and moved from Melbourne to study at Byron Community College.

At first, I kept thinking, “I’m not learning enough,” but what was really happening was that I was unlearning some of what I’d been taught. I was getting into my body rather than my mind. The teachers showed so much care and the practical lessons at the community gardens were incredible.

One of the key things I learned was the importance of building connections. Through the gardens, I met people who introduced me to the world of soil science and, eventually, to Subpod. I went from university to drilling holes in a bucket, but I was happy because I could see the potential.

Adult education gives people hope and can change lives. The college is like a web – the students, the teachers and the relationships. It’s from that sense of connection that I have the job I do today.

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