20th September 9:30am
Sustainable Maleny Public Meeting
Old Witta School building
Witta Road, Witta

Sustainable Maleny is holding its next meeting this Saturday September 20th from 9.30am at the Old Witta School, Witta. Once again, the meeting will coincide with this month's Blackall Range Growers' Market, though please note the earlier start time. Come early to fill your basket with fresh local produce.

Some topics to be discussed include: an upcoming film night and discussion panel featuring mayor Bob Abbott, Transition Town workshops taking place in October/November, the solar photovoltaic bulk buy, community gardens and more.

There'll also be some time set aside especially for anyone to stand up and tell us about something they're doing, some news, or something inspiring worth sharing. Be warned though; there'll be a gong standing by.

Climate Torch Lights up The Mary Valley Community -

Beginning the Relay from the Hills to the Sea

Support the GetUp Climate Torch at our ceremonial welcome on the banks of the Upper
Mary River before it begins its relay from the hills to the sea. Send the Mary River your well wishes.

5.30pm, Friday 5th September
The Village Green
Crystal Waters Permaculture Village
Cost: Free
Catering: $10 wholesome homestyle meals
RSVP: Please email: waterbreath@bigpond.com For Catering Purposes.

The Maleny Neighbourhood Centre has expressed interest in teaming up with us to run 're-skilling' workshops, teaching skills on simple resilient living. However, these skills are hard to come by in our industrialised consumer culture. Can you help? If you can spare some time to teach a short class on some simple technology or skill, we want to hear from you. There's even a chance you'll get paid!

Here's some examples of subjects we'd love to have someone teach. Do you know someone who could teach any of these? Dob 'em in!

Below are links to download the power point presentation Marcelle Holdaway delivered at the last Sustainable Maleny meeting, along with the amazing Resource Recording Spreadsheet she demonstrated, that automatically calculates your office's carbon footprint.

Presentation (3MB)
Calculator (191K)

The spreadsheet would need to be refined and adapted to the particular needs of others wishing to use it. The source of greenhouse gas emission formulas is the Australian Greenhouse Office, and there is valuable information on their website.

Marcelle Holdaway and Mission Australia are joint owners of the tool, and this needs to be acknowledged in writing by other users.

Marcelle is willing to hold a small, informal session on the framework for those who missed the previous meeting. Please contact her if you are interested in participating.

Latest news

This bulk buy offer is now closed. Twenty five households (mostly around Maleny & Witta) participated and interest in general was high. If you would like further information on solar PV systems or suppliers you can email us.

A separate discussion forum for electric transportation for Maleny and region has been set up by Sustainable Maleny members. Please join up and participate in the discussion. We hope to arrange test rides and a bulk buy program later this year.

http://groups.google.com/group/sm-electric-wheels

Saturday 28th June, 10am - 12pm
Hinterland Learning Centre (Downstairs)
38A Coral Street, Maleny

Come and join the hubbub! We have some exciting topics for discussion:

• Photovoltaic bulk-buy: time to act?
• Transition Town Maleny
• Car pooling
• Electric scooters
• Bridge Creek Gardens, Maleny's community garden

PLUS

Making a Difference - Measuring the Difference

Transform your organisation using an accessible 'triple bottom line' framework developed and used extensively in the UK. This approach will make a positive difference to your organisation and the community, including going a long way toward addressing issues of justice, decency and the need for change.

Presenter - Marcelle Holdaway
Marcelle has had 7+ years experience in this field, beginning with Maleny Credit Union in 2000.

Thanks to Steve Swayne for this food for thought.

Three events over 13th-15th June
Hinterland Learning Centre
38A Coral St
Maleny

Sustainability catalyst, Robina McCurdy, will be presenting a workshop and slide shows to share her experience and insight.

To read an excellent article about Robina, visit
http://www.pacific-edge.info/journalism/people/permaculture_people.html

Sunshine Coast World Environment Day Festival
Saturday June 21st 2008, 9am-4am
University of the Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast Environment Council together with the Sunshine Coast Regional Council, the University of the Sunshine Coast and SEQ Catchments are hosting a huge action-packed 2008 World Environment Day Festival as part of the United Nations World Environment Day international event, themed 'Kick the C02 Habit -Towards a Low Carbon Economy'