[Pil-pc-oceania] Think Tanks and APC9.

[Champagne]

Thanks for your reports Ro from the gathering in Brazil.

Its interesting to read the thoughts toward local bioregional think 
tanks and how this effects what we teach in Permaculture Design 
Courses.Most PDCs I've been involved with over the past 5 years have 
reflected this trend toward covering aspects of bioregional 
self-reliance through design in some detail, but not at the expense of 
the basic curriculum written by Bill.

These days Design Courses cover well over the 72 hour requirement and 
the one in Apollo Bay just completed, went well over 100 hours. 
Facilitator Fern Rainbow wanted a course that would enhance her 
community so emphasis was given toward bioregional solutions.I do much 
the same when  giving courses in the Bega Valley.

We have found that this is what students want and find the information 
valuable because most simply want to go back home to their local 
community and prepare it for energy descent. This area has been the one 
that has evolved over the past 30 years after beginning with the Care 
for Earth ethic and thousands of examples of how to repair the landscape 
in all climatic conditions. The Care for People ethic on how we make the 
connections with other people, is taking shape now with a groundswell of 
activism from many fellow travelers.We have found models that are 
working at a community level so we promote this.Then by keeping in touch 
with those students, you build your bioregion.

Really looking forward to attending APC in Sydney next year.The title 
celebrating 30 years could almost reflect our ethics. The Past.. we 
cared for earth; The Present .. caring for people; The Future ... how do 
we fairly share the surplus?

That third wave of environmental activism David Holmgren outlined so 
well is happening fast and permaculture has the potential to play a 
significant role in this process, just as it has in the past two 
waves.The time feels right to heal wounds, unite the whole Australasian 
Permaculture movement under one umbrella and move forward as a powerful 
lobby group with our actions.There are many fellow travelers in your 
regions wanting an Earth Stewardship approach to the energy crisis so we 
need to be involved in facilitating this human energy and providing 
leadership.

Our role as permies is always to make the connections.

kind regards
John
Mumbulla Bioregion