Archive for the ‘Movements’ Category
Movements refer to social and environmental movements located within Melbourne associated with contributing to sustainable cities. Although they may appear to be isolated action, they contribute to a larger movement of action and thought. Consider the “relocalisation” movement. If you are part of such a movement with action occurring in Melbourne, Australia, you are welcome to post your experiences on the site. To do so visit the “How to use this site” page and follow the prompts.
Melbourne Farmers’ Markets: March
Posted in Movements by Kate Archdeacon on March 9th, 2010
Source: Melbourne Community Farmers’ Markets
March 2010 Newsletter:
At last a little Autumnal respite from the heat and humidity of the last few months…now some gentle rain but not too much to affect grape ripening and soft fruits in season. Every season has it’s sensitive balances; when one variety needs a particular set of conditions, sure enough the next needs just the opposite.
So make the most of the most prolific time of year while we’re spoilt by it; stone fruit is sensational, berries are in with a vengeance, the quality of early apples is superb and the variety and quantity of tomatoes is staggering! On that note, the Kennedy family from Corop are back with their roma tomatoes for sauce and bottling at just two markets this year – Sat 6 Veg Out & Sat 20 Gasworks.10 kilo boxes are just $12 or $10 for over 5. Call Pat to order on 5484 8293.
Also at Veg Out will be Rippon Lea Estate having a stall with heritage apple tree display and sales. It’s leading up to the Open Day in Elsternwick on 14th March. That’s two weeks before Petty’s Orchard Open Day in Templestowe on the 28th. It may seem surprising that these two orchards are in the inner ‘burbs but not so long ago, before the sea of housing estates gobbled up farmland, there were many more. Melbourne itself, of course, was sensibly sited with easy proximity to the productive land. Makes you question the sense of all that housing sprawl now right on top of it as we have to bring food to the city from further and further afield…
In triumphs of the month, the fabulous Holy Goat Cheese and Gundowring Icecream have done it again at the Sydney Royal Cheese and Dairy Produce Show and walked away with Champion Cheese and Icecream respectiveley. Congrats also to Berry’s Creek (who are joining us from this month at Gasworks) for three gold medal blues and Boosey Creek for a swag of silverware.
The current Newsletter can be downloaded from our website in PDF format.
Tags: farmers' markets, local food
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New framework to guide sustainable cities: GBCA
Posted in Movements by Kate Archdeacon on February 23rd, 2010
The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has released a new national framework for sustainable communities at the opening of the Green Cities 2010 conference.
Launching the new Green Star Communities framework, GBCA Chair Tony Arnel said that the framework would establish an independent, national language to guide the development of sustainability communities and precincts. “The framework – and its guiding principles – provides a dual purpose. It is a national resource for those creating sustainable communities and it establishes the context for the GBCA’s Green Star Communities tool, which will commence development in June.”
The national framework has been developed by the GBCA and its partner VicUrban, in collaboration with industry and government, and outlines five national principles for sustainable communities:
1. Create liveable communities
2. Provide opportunities for economic prosperity
3. Enhance environmental quality
4. Design great places
5. Promote good urban governance.
According to the GBCA’s Chief Executive, Romilly Madew, launching the framework at Green Cities 2010 reflects the evolution in the GBCA’s focus – from individual buildings to communities, precincts and cities themselves. “The GBCA is confident that the construction and property industry now has sufficient momentum and interest to keep driving forward on both an individual building and community basis. While the GBCA expands its influence beyond the building envelope, Green Star continues to advance to ensure we have the right tools – and the right skills – to push the boundaries of best practice sustainability benchmarks,” Ms Madew said.
The new framework complements the Australian Government’s new reforms which will require states and territories to develop capital city strategic plans by 2012 that meet national criteria for transport, housing, urban development and sustainability. “This framework will provide valuable support for, and complement, the federal government’s sustainable cities agenda, and we expect everyone from planners and designers, through to builders and community neighbourhood groups will find the framework useful,” Mr Arnel concluded.
Visit the website to download the draft framework and read more information.
Tags: community, gbca, sustainability, urban design and built form
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Toolbox for Environmental Change 2010: Forum
Posted in Movements by Kate Archdeacon on February 15th, 2010
After a decade of action assisting teachers and educators, Victoria’s premier sustainability education forum ‘Toolbox for Environmental Change’ continues to motivate sustainable development in school communities. The 2010 Toolbox will officially launch ResourceSmart Schools and develop attitudes and skills inspiring teachers, students, educators, community partners and school administration to act locally addressing global climate change issues. Forum outcomes will assist Victorians develop more sustainable communities with schools acting as community hubs.
The 2010 forum will explore:
* Action-based learning and teaching tools
* Case studies implemented in schools
* Whole school strategic planning (for teachers, principals and bursars)
* Youth Leadership
* Multidisciplinary curriculum outcomes supporting VELS
Workshops include:
* green technologies in schools (energy,water,waste)
* resource savings create financial savings
* agriculture and biodiversity
* youth leadership
* ecological footprints
* connections to nature
* indigenous perspectives
* arts and sustainability
* sustainable food gardens
* curriculum
* whole school planning for teachers and administrators
* school case studies
* RSS AuSSI Vic
Date: Thursday 18 March 2010
Time: 9am – 5pm, Registrations from 8:15am
Where: Melbourne Museum
Cost: $120 (GST incl) includes resources, lunch & refreshments
For more information, & to register, visit the website.
Greening Australia, Sustainability Victoria and Melbourne Museum are partnering to deliver the forum sponsored by Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and supported by Victorian Association for Environmental Education.
Tags: education, forum, schools, sustainability
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Sustainable Gardening Workshop: CERES
Posted in Movements by Kate Archdeacon on February 12th, 2010
Source: Climate Action Calendar
Image: Darin Barry via flickr CC
The relationship between house and garden is a critical part of household sustainability. A good garden is a key to saving energy, water and reducing waste. This hands-on workshop, in the new EcoHouse garden looks at the basics of setting up a sustainable garden, including; permaculture, organic, water-wise gardening, composting, worm farming, chooks, shading and more…
Wed Feb 27, 1 – 4pm
CERES EcoHouse, 8 Lee Street, BRUNSWICK EAST
Presenter: Matt Danielli, CERES
All welcome, Free event.
Booking and Info: www.ceres.org.au or 9387 4472 david@ceres.org.au
Tags: CERES, sustainable gardening, workshop
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CarrotMob: Supporting Sustainable Business
Posted in Movements by Kate Archdeacon on February 11th, 2010
http://melbourne.carrotmob.org/
Tags: behaviour change, consumption, local action, networks
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Sustainable Waste Management: Events for Behaviour Change
Posted in Movements by Kate Archdeacon on February 8th, 2010
Source: Metropolitan Waste Management Group
The Metropolitan Waste Management Group (MWMG) works with organisations and individuals to promote and achieve Sustainable Waste Management. Their objectives are to collaborate with metropolitan Councils, Sustainability Victoria, the Environment Protection Authority, Department of Sustainability and Environment, industry, business and the community to assist metropolitan councils to undertake individual and collective efforts to:
1. Reduce the generation of waste,
2. Maximise the sustainable recovery of materials from waste for reuse, recycling, reprocessing and energy recovery and,
3. Minimise the damage to the environment caused by waste disposal.
4. Plan, coordinate and facilitate metropolitan councils’ procurement of waste management and resource recovery services, and,
5. Strengthen organisational capacity and capability and empower others to deliver waste and resource recovery objectives and priorities
Over the next few months, they are supporting a wide range of events which showcase the breadth of their engagement with behaviour change. At the moment there are three open for registration:
Green Cleaning: Systems to Erase Waste, A Waste Wise Melbourne Network Meeting, February 18
Sita Landfill and Hallam Road Education Centre Tour, March 16
Learn about the latest waste recovery technologies which reduce the amount of household and building waste going to landfill and gain a firsthand insight into the ways that recycling can reduce landfill and costs.
Sustainability Leadership for Changing Times: A 2 Day Workshop & Retreat, May 6&7
Explore the deeper questions of Sustainability Leadership at this time on Earth; Integrate multiple intelligences, with Deep Ecology and ‘Theory U’ processes in a beautiful natural setting; Broaden your horizons, allowing you to relate to your work and your world with new eyes; This learning journey will leave you empowered and inspired to lead as we navigate unprecedented change in our society; Learning from each other, through authentic collaboration, we’ll unearth a confidence that allows for creative response to the crises we face.
Contact Ellen Regos on (03) 8698 9805 or ellen.regos@mwmg.vic.gov.au for more information.
Tags: behaviour change, education, MWMG, waste
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Melbourne Farmers’ Markets: February
Posted in Movements by Kate Archdeacon on February 5th, 2010
Source: Melbourne Community Farmers’ Markets
February 2010 Newsletter:
Our thoughts this month are will all those who suffered and are still grappling with the aftermath of last Summer. Not only the fires themselves but the extreme conditions of heat this time last year. We know it’s a long slow road to recovery and we’ll stick with you.
‘Tis the season to be bottling, preserving, jamming and pickling while things are plentiful which means buying in bulk. As well as simply sinking your teeth into fabulous peaches, plums and nectarines, they’re perfect right now to stew and freeze or make chutneys and jams. Raspberries, blueberries and Sylvan berries freeze beautifully too and will keep you smiling in winter.
It’s been fantastic to see so much Victorian garlic around this year…have you stocked up yet? A skein or two hanging in a cool spot will last for months…unlike the garlic from both China and Spain I saw in my local supermarket this week, otherwise boasting its Aussie pride! Other happy dark dwellers are the freshly dug onions and new season spuds which keep well in a cupboard. Then there’s zucchini, eggplant, beans and cucumbers for pickling (look up a CWA cook book or Pietro Demaio’s “Preserving the Italian Way” for hints). You’ll also find radishes, Asian greens, lettuces, rocket, kohl rabi, fresh pistachios, field tomatoes, corn, basil, coriander & much more in Summer spoils around the markets now.
The true season of apples starts this month with varieties such as Ginger Gold, Snow, Gravenstein and Jonathan strutting their stuff first. Nashi and pears will follow soon. To immerse yourself more and revel in all things pome fruit get along to the annual Petty’s Orchard Antique Apple Festival in Templestowe (yes, Templestowe) on Sunday 28th March 10am-4pm. You’ll find more info on facebook.
And on matters of modern networking, you can now follow the Victorian Farmers’ Market Association on facebook [http://tinyurl.com/VFMA-FB] & twitter [twitter.com/VicFarmrsMarkts] for interesting food articles, local food issues and events. MCFM needs to catch up with technology and will be along shortly!
The current Newsletter can also be downloaded from our website in PDF format.
Tags: farmers' markets, local food
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Freedom To Speak Exhibition: Gunns 20 Fundraiser
Posted in Movements by Kate Archdeacon on January 20th, 2010
Source: Climate Action Calendar
Image: Hogan Gallery
This February, four defendants will stand trial in the long running Gunns 20 case. Gunns Ltd – the Tasmanian native forest logging company – is suing three individuals and one grass roots environmental organisation. The case has already cost Gunns Ltd $2.8 million and is likely to cost much more by the end. It is one of the longest running and most expensive cases of its kind in Australian legal history. The case will have far-reaching implications for the right to protest and the right to free speech.
Artists from Tasmania and Victoria are collaborating to bring awareness to the trial and the importance of Free Speech for the exhibition at Hogan Gallery. Printmakers, Photographers, Sculptors, Painters and Makers will show their art that has been inspired by the Gunns 20 case and Tasmania’s threatened wilderness areas, in attempt to gain wider exposure for this history-making legal case.
The exhibition is being curated by the Black Sassy Collective, the artistic arm of the Huon Valley Environment Centre. Huon Valley Environment Centre is one of the Gunns 20 defendants.
Hogan Gallery, Smith St, Fitzroy, Fri 15 Jan – Thu 28 Jan
Tags: art exhibition, community, local action
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Rotterdam Eco-Innovation Lab: REIL
Posted in Movements by Kate Archdeacon on January 18th, 2010
Source: Victorian Eco-Innovation Lab (VEIL)
At the completion of his keynote address at the Global Urban Summit in Rotterdam on the 4th December 2009, Prof. Chris Ryan was joined by Prof. Han Brezet, from the Technical University of Delft in the Netherlands, to announce the creation of the Rotterdam Eco-Innovation Lab: REIL. REIL will follow the methodology, and build on and adapt the outcomes, of VEIL within the development around the immense harbour of Rotterdam city. This development responds to the opening up of land for housing and commercial activity as the functions of the old harbour move ‘outwards’ towards the ocean. The Harbour development aims to set new environmental standards as part of an innovative new zone, known now as the “Clean Tech Delta”. In announcing the creation of REIL, with its collaboration with VEIL, Prof Brezet also announced that the Clean Tech Delta will send a staff member to Melbourne for several months (starting in Feb 2010) to work with the VEIL team to better understand the potential for similar projects in REIL.
Tags: innovation, Rotterdam, sharing, sustainability, VEIL
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Melbourne Farmers’ Markets: January
Posted in Movements by Kate Archdeacon on January 13th, 2010
Source: Melbourne Community Farmers’ Markets
January 2010 Newsletter:
Greetings and best wishes for a fabulous year to come.
Here’s a New Year resolution I prepared earlier…get to a farmers’ market every week in 2010 and bring someone new along as often as possible to help spread the word. Easy! No doubt you’ll be heading in some direction across Victoria this summer so check out the Victorian Farmers’ Markets Association website www.vicfarmersmarkets.org.au before you go so you can find the local spoils and make the most of supporting regional Victoria.
January will be overflowing with seasonal colour and flavour so revel in new season raspberries, capsicums, blueberries, beans, tomatoes, peaches, cucumbers, strawberries, potatoes, eggplant, pistachios, garlic, apricots, lettuce, plums and zucchini – what a sensational range we are spoilt by at this time of year.
This month has five Saturdays so note that there are no MCFMs on Saturday 30th but do find another on the VFMA website and get along.
Please give your feedback – this tick is the symbol which celebrates the 250+ accredited stallholders so far and, in 2010, is for markets themselves to apply. We need your help to make sure claims to be a genuine farmer, producer or farmers’ market are just that. If you don’t see this sign on a farmers’ market stall ask the stallholder directly…are you accredited as the grower or maker of what you sell? Let us know your feelings about how we are doing around the State because that’s the key to our integrity and our future. We’re farmers’ markets and proud of it! Cheers and thanks.
Tags: farmers' markets, local food
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