The Transition Town workshop was a wonderfully inspiring afternoon. Thanks to the 40 or so participants who came and joined in on the somewhat chaotic, yet strangely exhilarating meeting of minds. With Morag and Evan's guidance, we have begun to sketch out the path ahead of us, from here to sustainability.

We started with introductions around the circle. Many of us have been moved by the opportunity presented by the crises unfolding on the world stage: climate change, peak oil, and financial breakdown.

Click "read more" to see the rest of this report, including links to pics and a video...

transition town maleny
building community resilience and reducing our carbon footprint

2-5pm Sat 25th Oct
2-5pm Sat 8th Nov
Hinterland Business Centre (downstairs)
Cost: $10

Come to one or both days of this exciting workshop and be part of a movement which is sweeping the world.

Transition Town is a positive global movement bringing communities together to respond to the twin challenges of climate change and the end of cheap oil. Around the world, there are hundreds of communities involved. The Transition Town initiative in Maleny will join with this international network (www.transitiontowns.org) and act as a node of the Sunshine Coast Transition Region (www.seac.net.au).

Maleny already has an amazing community, an abundance of positive action and a wealth of experience around environmental, economic and social issues. The Transition Town process presents us with an opportunity to recognise and map what we have, to vision where we want to go, and to think strategically about how we plan to get there. Transition Town provides the opportunity to rethink the way we live, to carefully consider what kind of community and world we would like to live in, and to engage in action to bring positive change.

By involving as many people and organisations as possible we can create the most innovative, effective and practical ideas for addressing peak oil and climate change in our local community, and have the energy and skills to carry them out. Also, by working together we can unleash the collective enthusiasm and genius of our community to make this transition.

The initial Transition Town Maleny workshops (25 Oct & 8 Nov) are being led by Morag Gamble and Evan Raymond (http://www.localfood.net.au) and coordinated through Sustainable Maleny (http://www.sustainablemaleny.org)

Sustainable Maleny public meeting
Saturday 18 October - 9.30am
Old Witta School, Witta
(Blackall Range Growers' Market)

The next Sustainable Maleny meeting is on this Saturday October 18 from 9.30am in the Old Witta School, coinciding with the monthly Blackall Range Growers' Market.

We're fortunate to have two special guests attend this month's meeting - Stuart McCarthy and Lionel Orford, both of whom featured in the film "Australia Pumping Empty - the Looming Peak Oil Crisis". Stuart McCarthy from ASPO Australia (Association for the Study of Peak Oil and Gas) will discuss current world oil production and how it relates to the present global financial crisis. Energy Technologist, Lionel Orford will discuss aspects of his soon-to-be-released book "Peak Capitalism".

Also, there will be updates on Sustainable Maleny's current and future projects. As usual, there will be time for attendees to make brief announcements about relevant issues and events.

See you there and don't forget your shopping bag!

Sustainable Maleny is very proud to announce a special film night and discussion panel which we hope will entertain, educate and inspire. The film is a brilliant one, but we're especially looking forward to the discussion panel afterwards, which will feature some local luminaries with inspiring visions for our future.

Australia Pumping Empty - Film night & discussion panel
Friday 17th October 7pm - 10pm
Maleny Community Centre
Maple Street
Maleny

Entry $8 ($6 SM members)
Supper available

Australia Pumping Empty

This recently released documentary explores the issue of Peak Oil from an Australian perspective, and clearly explains the real reasons behind rising energy, food and fuel costs. Featuring interviews with experts in a range of diverse fields from geology to oil production, this landmark film is an fascinating guide to the implications of Peak Oil for Australia.

Followed by

Discussion Panel

A facilitated discussion focussing on local solutions to this global issue. Featuring five inspiring guests:

• Bob Abbot - Mayor of the Sunshine Coast Regional Council
• Morag Gamble - Permaculture educator and local food advocate
• Sonya Wallace - Co-founder of the Sunshine Coast Energy Action Centre
• Stuart McCarthy - of the Association for the Study of Peak Oil (ASPO)

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.

Thanks to all you keen bus-riders, the State Government has extended the trial for the new bus service which covers the Blackall Range. However it's still a trial service and if it isn't being well used at the end of the 12 month trial (1 July 2009), it's back to cars. Let's show them how much we value this service, and use it as much as we can.

Here's the new timetable in nice easy-to-print form. You can also get the official PDF version from the TransInfo website.

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.