4-day Residential
Permaculture Retreat
With David Holmgren, Beck Lowe. Catering by Su Dennett
- Fri 1st – Tues 5th November 2024
- Larnook Community Farm, Central Victoria
After the success of our inaugural Permaculture Retreat in January, we have decided to hold another one in November. We have added an extra day to extend and improve the experience for participants. We’d love you to join us on this special event.
You will be learning from permaculture co-originator David Holmgren and renowned permaculture trainer Beck Lowe.
We will take a broad view of permaculture, exploring how the principles can be applied to all areas of living, not just food growing. There will be theory sessions each day, some practical permaculture activities and fire-side chats in the evenings.
No prior knowledge is assumed.
Get your hands in the dirt with a fabulous bunch of permie nerds!
- Permaculture ethics and principles
- Applying permaculture to all areas of your life
- Reading landscape
- Soil improvement and food growing strategies
- Care and management of natural areas
- Basics of permaculture design
The Food
Meals will be created from mostly local, seasonal, organically-produced ingredients
Permaculture kitchen maestro Su Dennett will be coordinating the catering for the course.
In keeping with the permaculture ethos, the meals will be created from mostly local, seasonal, organically-produced ingredients.
Meals will be mostly vegetarian, with an ethical meat option on at least one day. We may be able to cater to other dietary needs, but you may want to bring some of your own food if you have specific needs. If you’re not sure, please contact us.
The Venue
Larnook is the site of an intentional community near Yandoit in Central Victoria on beautiful Dja Dja Wurrung Country.
You will be surrounded by 80 acres of regrowth forest, productive gardens and hand-built structures. Out of class time, you are welcome to walk in the forest, swim in the dam, socialise with other participants or just sit quietly and enjoy the space and wildlife.
There is an established orchard, active tree nursery, and multiple outbuildings – and the time is ripe for further permaculture developments.
This retreat is a chance to look at this developing space through a permaculture lens to suggest designs, strategies and directions for productivity and enrichment. As a contrast to this developing space, we will also be visiting David Holmgren and Su Dennett’s home base, Melliodora, which has been running since the mid-1980s.
The Larnook community.
Our intention is to build our own version of an alternative to the status quo and to harvest the collective skills and wisdom of the group and wider community.
Larnook has been, and continues to be, a place where people can meet and share their community concerns in an open and relaxed atmosphere without judgement; a social and economic hub for those who understand the need and value of shaking up society. We apply permaculture principles to how we live and farm, and demonstrate a more radical model of living.
Accomodation
Facilities on the retreat will be basic, with outdoor living and composting toilets. A shower is available for those who really need it, but if people swim in the beautiful dam instead we can save valuable water.
Bring your own camping gear or van. There are a few other options available onsite for an additional fee (these include an onsite caravan and basic room) – please contact us for details.
More information
From 5:00 pm
Friday 1st November 2024
Until 4:00 pm
Tuesday 5th November 2024
This retreat runs over the Melbourne Cup long weekend.
Maximum of 25 participants.
The price includes all meals from a basic supper on Friday evening to afternoon tea on Tuesday, and everything in between.
It also covers camping at the venue (BYO camping gear).
Contact our support team:
[email protected]
We don't have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in change.
Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.
The following books are available for order at a discounted price when you register and can be collected when you arrive at the Retreat. Please note they cannot be posted to you beforehand.
Only available with event booking + pick up at PDC
$73.00
$59.00
Only available with event booking + pick up at PDC
$22.50
$15.00
Only available with event booking + pick up at PDC
$48.00
$37.00
Only available with event booking + pick up at PDC
$85.00
$68.00