Willing to go the extra mile to achieve sustainable living? Northey Street City farm offers a broad range of long- and short-term courses to learn the necessary skills.

• Grow fruit and vegetables sustainably
• Design and develop permaculture sites
• Select and use appropriate technology
• Keep chickens, bees and worms
• Reduce energy and water use
• Build local food systems

We are still accepting bookings for the following courses beginning in February.

Organic Gardening Course (Horticulture Certificate 2)

Identify garden plants and propagate your own; understand and improve your soil; composting and worm farming; manage pests and diseases; design your garden for delicious, year-round harvests; visit other community and home gardens.

Begins Tuesdays 2 February (late bookings accepted)

Booking information

Permaculture Design Certificate

The Permaculture Design Certificate gives a good overview of permaculture principles and practice, with an emphasis on design. At Northey Street, we include significant hands-on practical experience as well.

Every Thursday from 25 February to 3 June

Booking information

Accredited Permaculture Training Internships

For those who wish to gain in-depth practical experience in sustainable gardening and orchard care, and become competent permaculture practitioners.
Approximately 600 hours of practical training will lead to a nationally-accredited Level 3 Certificate in Permaculture.

24 February to 5 November.  Wednesdays 9 am to 4.30 pm, Thursdays 9 am to 4.30 pm and Fridays 9 am to 2 pm.

Booking information

Looking for something smaller?  Stay tuned for news of the single-day workshops on offer in 2010.

Lindsay has been interested in permaculture for over 20 years, and became a volunteer at Northey Street about 15 months ago when he heard that the farm was based on those same principles.

Like most people, he had driven past many times before dropping in to check it out. Having been brought up on a farm, Lindsay said it felt good to get back to the land. ‘There’s always something interesting to do… good people
to talk to… very friendly and positive… the city farm is a great environment.’

Lindsay’s experiences with volunteering at the farm have inspired him to look at helping others as well down the track; for example, bush regeneration groups or Greening Australia.

In addition to his voluntary work, Lindsay has found time to complete the Horticulture I & Permaculture Design courses at the farm. He is currently doing the Accredited Permaculture Training (APT3) course. ‘These courses are great ways to
learn how the farm and other community gardens function… meet interesting people… get to the guts of permaculture.’

Lindsay’s generosity, skills and easygoing smile are welcome and valued at the farm.

Get Involved – Become a Volunteer