2010
After working as an Assessor with the Federal Government's Green Loans Program for a couple of months, and out of sheer frustration with what was happening in the 'sustainability industry' (think insulation, axing of rebates and taking the loans out of a Green Loans Program etc) I wrote a proposal whereby all initiatives, rebates and programs to do with greening up homes, would come under one umbrella, a bit like Centrelink. I have just re-written that document in collaboration with two other Assessors, Jeff Wormald (Newcastle NSW) and Graeme Ambrose (Metung, Vic) as part of a submission to the draft paper: National Building Energy Standard-Setting, Assessment and Rating Framework If the title of it hasn't made you fall asleep you can download and read what we said about it, below. Go to Appendix A - the first bit is in response to the government's document.
If Australia doesn't want to get left behind, it's going to have to 'green up' it's 7.4 million existing homes before 2020 - it's a big job!
If Australia doesn't want to get left behind, it's going to have to 'green up' it's 7.4 million existing homes before 2020 - it's a big job!
| nsee_sumbission_7_may_2010.pdf |
2008 - 2009
Cooran's COMMUNITY of GARDENS
http://www.coorangardens.ning.com
Just a little side project I dreamt up in July this year, which I caretake for the time being, because I'm passionate about relocalization. I want to be able to grow surplus subtropical 'super foods' to share with my neighbours, and get milk and cheese from some guy up the road, honey from across the way and medicinal herbs across the back fence if needbe.
The Blue House Goes Green! - eco kitchen makeover at Yandina Community Gardens, June 2009
With a whopping budget of $600 the old kitchen at the Blue House has been given an eco-friendly facelift, using natural and pre-loved materials and furnishings, and is now a useable space for the many volunteers and community groups who use this space. Full story on what was done and how, coming soon.
Lifestyle and Climate Consultations (pre-design)
"We need to put our big brains to good use, to create the living spaces that our hearts are secretly desiring" (Me)
Based on the 'Design for Climate' workshop series hosted at Ecoland, and years of thinking about, and desigining homes that utilise the freebies Mother Nature gives us; this personalised service has proved a popular first step with clients, on the path towards understanding their priorities for creating a safe, nurturing, environmentally friendly space for themselves and their loved ones.
(Nov 2009: Green Loans Home Free Sustainability Assessments currently replace this service - more here Design for Climate workshops are held periodically, and on request for groups. See Services and Fees
Ecoland - 2008
A brief involvement with a flegling company in Peregian during the volatile business climate in 2008, where we fitted out THE most beautiful shopfront (seriously we were so proud of it - clay paints and natural sealers, organic wool fabrics, locally milled ply, LED lighting, local tradesmen, and our most heartfelt vision on our front window....) We launched the company with fantastic support, a strong show of interest in our services ... and were closed by the parent company, 3 months later. To this day, it remains my one regret in 'business life' (short-term ventures are so UNSUSTAINABLE!) but myself and several of the team members still work together on projects.
A brief involvement with a flegling company in Peregian during the volatile business climate in 2008, where we fitted out THE most beautiful shopfront (seriously we were so proud of it - clay paints and natural sealers, organic wool fabrics, locally milled ply, LED lighting, local tradesmen, and our most heartfelt vision on our front window....) We launched the company with fantastic support, a strong show of interest in our services ... and were closed by the parent company, 3 months later. To this day, it remains my one regret in 'business life' (short-term ventures are so UNSUSTAINABLE!) but myself and several of the team members still work together on projects.
2004 - 2007
Creator and Coordinator of Noosa's 'Living Smart Program'
Following extensive community and industry research during the 2003 Community Jobs Program (below) I proposed a 'sustainable living' program to Noosa Council in 2003 - that would initiate a long term community-govt-industry partnership for 'sustainable living' education. With the input and guidance of a small Council working team, I created and coordinated the project areas below and several others; underpinned by a fortnightly Living Smart column in the Noosa News that ran for three years. The Program won significant support from community and industry, picked up a SCEC 'Environmental Education' Award in 2005, the Environs Australia 'Local Sustainability Leadership Award' in 2006, and was studied, documented and showcased by various departments of Griffith, Macquarie, QUT and Sunshine Coast Universities over this period. I was honoured to be chosen as a Finalist in the 2006 'Sunshine Coast Business Women of the Year Awards' and aspects of the program have since been taken up by the Sunshine Coast Council in partnership with others, which has birthed a new household engagement program (www.livingsmarthomes.net.au)
Living Smart (2004 - 07) Website presence for Sunshine Coast. An information-portal / eco-business database was conceptualised and created, that would act as a one-stop-shop for people to access information on how to live more sustainably, and the local businesses that would help them do it. The website was modified in 2007, to be taken up by the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay Regional Councils and can be viewed at www.livingsmart.net.au
Living Smart (2004-07) Eco Design Awards, 'The Glossies'
Initiated in 2004, the Noosa-based awards recognising industry and community achievements in sustainable design, have now been adopted regionally by the Sunshine Coast Council. The 2007 Glossies was Noosa's first 'carbon neutral' event and the annual trophy set a standard in eco-awards; being crafted by local artist Kim Guthrie from recycled aluminium car pistons on a camphor laurel (weed) timber base, in the form of a Glossy Black Cockatoo feather - a local bird species whose habitat is under threat from development. For details on current awards visit www.livingsmart.net.au
Initiated in 2004, the Noosa-based awards recognising industry and community achievements in sustainable design, have now been adopted regionally by the Sunshine Coast Council. The 2007 Glossies was Noosa's first 'carbon neutral' event and the annual trophy set a standard in eco-awards; being crafted by local artist Kim Guthrie from recycled aluminium car pistons on a camphor laurel (weed) timber base, in the form of a Glossy Black Cockatoo feather - a local bird species whose habitat is under threat from development. For details on current awards visit www.livingsmart.net.au
Living Smart (2004-07) Schools Initiatives
Over three years the program created and oversaw various schools-based learning initiatives - Yr 7 Eco Design Competition judged by architect Gabriel Poole; '2004 Noosa Kids Recycling Calendar' involving 13 primary schools, an art competition and 'teach the parents day', and Pomona Water Smart Kids water-saving retrofit project.
2001 - 2003
Community Jobs Program 2003
I coordinated a program for people re-entering the workforce, from the Futures Centre in 2003. Participants were invited to dream up their ideal eco-job and we'd try and make it happen. We created eco farmers markets and seasonal festivals, a community garden which supported a bush tucker learning program, a new organic veggie box service, sustainable building workshops for the community and industry with Michael Mobbs, student-run water and energy audits and a heap of other eco initiatives. We were proud to report an 80% employment rate for our participants at the end of the program.
I coordinated a program for people re-entering the workforce, from the Futures Centre in 2003. Participants were invited to dream up their ideal eco-job and we'd try and make it happen. We created eco farmers markets and seasonal festivals, a community garden which supported a bush tucker learning program, a new organic veggie box service, sustainable building workshops for the community and industry with Michael Mobbs, student-run water and energy audits and a heap of other eco initiatives. We were proud to report an 80% employment rate for our participants at the end of the program.
Fitout of the Futures Centre, Pomona - completed May 2002
After moving from WA to Qld in 2001, I volunteered everywhere, and helped finish the fitout of the Futures Centre at Pomona (a joint project between Landcare, Noosa Council and Education Qld) We trialled one of Rockcote's first batches of Eco Style paints, planted a sand filter waste water system with bush tucker plants and the community even made some mud brick walls (with mixed results!) Over the years, the building (or more importantly, the people attracted to it) have incubated and nurtured many eco-innovations and partnerships that took form outside of those walls.
After moving from WA to Qld in 2001, I volunteered everywhere, and helped finish the fitout of the Futures Centre at Pomona (a joint project between Landcare, Noosa Council and Education Qld) We trialled one of Rockcote's first batches of Eco Style paints, planted a sand filter waste water system with bush tucker plants and the community even made some mud brick walls (with mixed results!) Over the years, the building (or more importantly, the people attracted to it) have incubated and nurtured many eco-innovations and partnerships that took form outside of those walls.