Our weekly Sustainable Living Workshops offer a huge variety of fun (and occasionally life-changing) ways to spend a Saturday.  From backyard gardening tips to bee keeping to bicycle building, each session introduces a new way to make your Brisbane lifestyle a little more sustainable and interesting.

Workshops in the coming months include:

• Bamboo construction
• Establishing a vegetable garden
• Organic Herbs
• Solar cooking

FEB 25

Bamboo Construction

9am – 4pm (with Jamie Parkin)

Learn how to build with bamboo. Participants will gain the skills to build with, harvest and preserve bamboo.

Theory – introduction to bamboo – strengths and weaknesses of the various species, best time to harvest, storage, ways of preserving and examples of contemporary bamboo structures.
Practical – bamboo joinery

Participants will take home an exemplar model of many different joinery techniques

Cost: $85 full fee, $65 (conc.)   plus $10 materials fee to be paid to the facilitator on the day

MAR 3

Biochar in your Garden

9am – 4pm (with Simon Ross)

9am – 12pm - What is biochar and how can you use it in your garden to improve your soil?

Biochar is a type of charcoal that is produced by cooking organic matter with limited oxygen. It is a stable soil amendment that can sequester carbon and improve your soil. It can be produced and used in your back yard. This session will introduce how to make and use biochar and practically use it.

1pm – 4pm - How to make a microgasification stove

In the afternoon session participants will make a small TLUD (Top Lit Updraft Gasifier) Stove to take home that can be used to cook food with a gas flame and produce biochar

Cost: $85 full fee, $65 (conc.)    $10 materials fee paid to facilitator on the day.

MAR 10   – MAR 31
Organic Herbs & Vegies Permaculture Basics

8am – 12 noon (with Carmel Harris and Adrian Holbeck)

Series of 4 mornings Cost: $200 ($170 conc.)

This practical course focusing on autumn/winter subtropical plants will help you to understand and to enrich your soil with compost, worms and tonics: and grow healthy and delicious herbs and vegies suited to the seasons of subtropical south east Queensland.

The details of each workshop series will differ depending on the season, but a general outline of each series is:

Week 1: Introductions, soil life, make hot compost, plant families, legumes as soil food, seed propagation

Week 2: Turn compost, soil structure, testing, pH and trace elements, build and plant a no-dig garden.

Week 3: Turn compost, liquid fertilisers, seasonal plantings, cuttings, propagation, crop rotation.

Week 4: Plant ailments, cures, good bugs, bad bugs, seed saving, annuals and perennials

MAR 10
Growing Roots Food and Fibre Forest

9am – 4pm (with Anaheke Metua, Bunya Halasz and Will Bulmer)

This is the first in a series of full day introductory workshops exploring the unified philosophies and practices of Permaculture , Yoga and Weaving with natural fibres.

9am – 10am Energising morning practise of Chi Gung/Yoga exploring elements of nature – Earth, Air, Water, Fire – within and without.

10am – 12pm   Introducing Permaculture Design Principles of the subtropical Food and Fibre Forest incorporating the hands-on creation of an Autumn Compost planting mound.

Lunch

1pm – 3pm Learn to weave with the incredibly versatile banana fibre using meditative weaving techniques to create a functional vessel to take home.

3pm – 4pm Restorative afternoon practice of yoga and guided shiatsu in the gardens.

Cost: $85 full fee, $65 (conc.)

MAR 17

Nonviolent Communication Skills

9am – 12pm (with Rachel Hannam)

In our increasingly stressful and complex world, it is vital to continually deepen our understanding of violence and its antidote, compassion.

As the name implies, nonviolent communication (or NVC) emphasises compassion as the motivation for our words and actions rather than fear, guilt, shame, blame, coercion, threat or justification for punishment. In other words, it is about getting what you want for reasons you will not regret later. The techniques of NVC allow you to make conscious choices about

how you will respond, whether you get what you want, or not. NVC guides us to reflect on our own daily reactions and behaviour, and to reframe how we express ourselves and how we receive others by focusing awareness on observations, feelings, need, and requests.

This half-day workshop will provide an overview of the NVC model, an introduction to the skills involved and include some personal practice. The workshop presenter is a qualified psychologist who uses NVC in her work with executives and employees, which includes training, coaching and dispute resolution.

Cost: $50, $35 (conc)

Organic Herbs & Vegies Permaculture Basics

8am – 12 noon (with Carmel Harris and Adrian Holbeck)

Session 2: Turn compost, soil structure, testing, pH and trace elements, build and plant a no-dig garden.

MAR 24
Organic Herbs & Vegies Permaculture Basics

8am – 12 noon (with Carmel Harris and Adrian Holbeck)

Session 3: Turn compost, liquid fertilisers, seasonal plantings, cuttings, propagation, crop rotation.

MAR 31
Organic Herbs & Vegies Permaculture Basics

8am – 12 noon (with Carmel Harris and Adrian Holbeck)

Session 4: Plant ailments, cures, good bugs, bad bugs, seed saving, annuals and perennials

Solar Cooking

9am – 12pm (with Simon Ross)

Learn how to cook with free power from the sun.  See different designs
and materials for solar cookers. Make your own cooker and take it home
with you.

Cost: $50, $35 (conc)

APRIL 7

(Easter)

APRIL 14
Introduction to Permaculture

9am – 4pm (with Tom Campbell and Emma Maltby)

2 days  Cost:  $200 full fee $170 conc.

This two day workshop will introduce you to the basics of permaculture principles and practices and how you can apply them to your daily life. It is also a great way to decide whether you’d like to go further with your studies in Permaculture by completing the Permaculture Design Course scheduled for 28th April – 4th August.

You will receive a $100 full fee and $70 conc. discount off your PDC on completion of an Intro to Permaculture.

APRIL 21
Nonviolent Communication Skills

9am – 12pm (with Rachel Hannam)

In our increasingly stressful and complex world, it is vital to continually deepen our understanding of violence and its antidote, compassion.

As the name implies, nonviolent communication (or NVC) emphasises compassion as the motivation for our words and actions rather than fear, guilt, shame, blame, coercion, threat or justification for punishment. In other words, it is about getting what you want for reasons you will not regret later. The techniques of NVC allow you to make conscious choices about

how you will respond, whether you get what you want, or not. NVC guides us to reflect on our own daily reactions and behaviour, and to reframe how we express ourselves and how we receive others by focusing awareness on observations, feelings, need, and requests.

This half-day workshop will provide an overview of the NVC model, an introduction to the skills involved and include some personal practice. The workshop presenter is a qualified psychologist who uses NVC in her work with executives and employees, which includes training, coaching and dispute resolution.

Cost: $50, $35 (conc)

Introduction to Permaculture

9am – 4pm (with Tom Campbell and Emma Maltby)

2 days  – $200 full fee $170 conc.

This two day workshop will introduce you to the basics of permaculture principles and practices and how you can apply them to your daily life. It is also a great way to decide whether you’d like to go further with your studies in Permaculture by completing the Permaculture Design Course scheduled for 28th April – 4th August. You will receive a $100 full fee and $70 conc. discount off your PDC on completion of an Intro to Permaculture.

APRIL 28

Establishing and Maintaining a Vegetable Garden

9am  – 12pm (with Simon Ross)

Learn how to build no dig and other vegetable gardens,
plant them out and maintain them. Full day fee if booked together with Growing Healthy Vegetables workshop on the same day.

Cost: $50, $35 (conc)

Growing Healthy Vegetables

1pm – 4pm (with Simon Ross)

Seasonal selection, crop rotation, companion planting and other ways to get the best out of
your edible garden.  Full day fee if booked together with Establishing
and Maintaining a Vegetable Garden workshop on the same day.

Cost: $50, $35 (conc)

To register for any of the above courses, simply phone (07) 3857 8775 or email info@nscf.org.au.

Saturday February 18,  9am – 12pm
(Repeated March 17 and April 21)

with Rachel Hannam

In our increasingly stressful and complex world, it is vital to continually deepen our understanding of violence and its antidote, compassion.

As the name implies, nonviolent communication (or NVC) emphasises compassion as the motivation for our words and actions rather than fear, guilt, shame, blame, coercion, threat or justification for punishment. In other words, it is about getting what you want for reasons you will not regret later. The techniques of NVC allow you to make conscious choices about how you will respond, whether you get what you want, or not. NVC guides us to reflect on our own daily reactions and behaviour, and to reframe how we express ourselves and how we receive others by focusing awareness on observations, feelings, need, and requests.

This half-day workshop will provide an overview of the NVC model, an introduction to the skills involved and include some personal practice. The workshop presenter is a qualified psychologist who uses NVC in her work with executives and employees, which includes training, coaching and dispute resolution.

Cost: $50 ($35 concession)

To book your place, simply call (07) 3857 8775 or email info@nscf.org.au

This year’s first Permaculture Design Course (PDC) starts on Thursday February 16th!  Don’t miss this life-changing opportunity to become a local permaculture expert!

This exciting program gives you knowledge and skills for designing productive gardens and properties, growing your own food, applying appropriate technologies, using resources wisely, designing animal and plant systems to minimise your workload, rebuilding community values, and generally reducing your impact on our precious environment.

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

Learn more, download our 2012 Permaculture Courses Brochure or contact us on (07) 3857 8775 or via info@nscf.org.au

 

In 2012 this garden will become an integral part of our existing School Tours & Activities program which engages students in enjoyable and educational gardening, earth art, cob-oven cooking and permaculture related activities. Close to 1000 school children take part in the program throughout the year.

The SEED Garden incorporates gardening and school curriculum into a fun, creative and living demonstration of urban sustainability, which students and their teachers can readily interact with. The garden aims to actively demonstrate how to reduce waste, grow delicious healthy vegetables, and recycle water in an “outdoor classroom”. It is also planned to weave environmental earth arts through the garden, so that visiting children are able to leave their “creative” mark.

The SEED Garden is located in the north-east corner of Northey Street City Farm, and is reached by walking through the SEED Arbour into a garden surrounded by fruit trees, specifically chosen for their appeal to children, for example the miracle fruit, grumichama, and white sapote. The garden includes raised begs, no-dig gardens, composting bays, perennial food sources, with examples of companion planting, water recycling, integrated pest management, and the use of chickens in urban gardens.

The SEED Garden was funded by a Brisbane City Council Cultivating Community Gardens Grant. This grant enabled NSCF to pay for necessary materials to assist in the design, construction and initial planting of the garden.

If you are interested in booking a visit for your students to the SEED Garden, or if you’d like to volunteer in the SEED Garden, please give us a call (07 3857 8775) or send us an email (info@nscf.org.au)

We are currently looking for an Education Coordinator to join the Northey Street City Farm community.

In this role you will be responsible for the overall coordination, leadership and delivery our well known and respected education program. You will be a member of the Information Team and will work closely with members of the Information Team, Farming Team and Events Team.

Applications close Monday 6th February, 2012
Continue reading for the full position description.

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Position Description
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Roles & Responsibilities:
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1. Provide overall coordination and leadership of the Education Program at Northey St City Farm, which includes the “Sustainable Living Workshop program”, the “Permaculture Design Course program” and the “Farm Tours & Activities Program”.
2. Prepare and be accountable for the Education Program budget (including authorising timesheets and expense payments for staff and contractors) and recommend new education programs and projects (including grant opportunities) to the Information Team Manager.
3. Work with Permaculture teachers, Workshop facilitators & Farm tutors to revise existing education offerings and to develop, plan and implement new education offerings.
4. Manage staffing for the Education Program, including recruitment, induction, conflict resolution, timetabling and professional development.
5. Arrange and facilitate monthly Education Program meetings with permaculture teachers, workshop facilitators and farm tutors, and support them to deliver enjoyable, interesting and informative permaculture education experiences.
6. Teach permaculture design course sessions and lead farm tours as required (note – remuneration will be in addition to the Education Coordinator salary)
7. Work with the Communications coordinator to develop and distribute promotional material about the Education Program at various events, both on and off site, for example at the NSCF Sunday Organic Market, festivals, events, and schools.
8. Liaise internally with: the NSCF Team Managers and members; Management Committee; and volunteers to as appropriate to maintain positive working relationships; ensure clear communication flows, and provide input/advice as appropriate from an education perspective.
9. Liaise externally with:

• Educational institutions (including schools and universities); community groups; local councils, State government departments and interested organisations to promote NSCF and its Education Program;
• Registered training organisations in relation to fulfilling the training and assessment requirements of Accredited Training Packages and other VET matters;
• Relevant industry associations to keep up-to-date with national Permaculture issues

10. Support Education Program participants as appropriate.
11. Ensure course and student records are maintained
12. Attend fortnightly Information Team meetings and report to Management Committee as necessary
13. Coordinate (in consultation with the Farming Manager) the maintenance and planting plan of the School SEED Garden and other specialist gardens as necessary for particular courses and workshops.
14. Work with the volunteer librarian to manage the NSCF Education Library.

** As part of our current Review process, the possibility exists for the Education Coordinator to also assume the role of the Information Team Manager, with additional hours allocated at the Team Manager pay rate **

Selection Criteria:

Essential

1. Qualifications: Permaculture Design Course; and Cert IV in Training & Assessment (TAA) or Cert IV in Training & Assessment (TAE) (or a willingness to acquire Cert IV TAE)
2. Teaching / facilitation experience
3. Program / Project Management experience, including formulating & monitoring budgets
4. Demonstrated leadership ability
5. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
6. Ability to work independently and as part of a small cooperative team
7. A demonstrated ability to work to multiple deadlines simultaneously
8. A current Queensland “Blue Card” (Working with Children Check) or a willingness to obtain one.

Desirable

1. Cert III or higher in Accredited Permaculture Training (APT) and / or Horticulture Training
2. Permaculture design, implementation and gardening experience
3. Experience in curriculum development
4. Working in community organisations
5. Experience managing staff
6. High level of organisational skills, with attention to detail.

Working Environment
Northey Street City Farm is a non-profit community organisation on the banks of Brisbane’s Breakfast Creek in the inner city suburb of Windsor. It has been developed for people to enjoy and participate in using the principles of Permaculture. It is also intended to be a demonstration site where people of all ages can learn through practical, hands on experience.

NSCF Mission Statement
NSCF is a dynamic, creative and diverse city farm based on mutuality, innovation and environmental sustainability.

NSCF Vision
NSCF aims to create a working model of a cooperative, community based, urban permaculture farm which demonstrates, promotes, educates, celebrates and advocates for environmental and economic sustainability in a healthy, diverse and supportive community.

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Applications:
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• Applications must address each of the selection criteria (maximum 100 words each)
• Please also include a CV with at least two referees
• Applications are due close of business Monday 6th February, 2012.
• Proposed start date is Tuesday 21st February.
• For further info, please contact Emma: education.nscf@gmail.com or 0437 279 971
• Please submit application electronically to: education.nscf@gmail.com

Hard copies may be sent to: Northey Street City Farm, 16 Victoria St, Windsor, 4030

Got your own press clippings or TV appearances to share?  We’d love to hear from you!

This year we are offering four Permaculture Design Courses.  The first PDC starts on February 16th.

Book before next Tuesday 17th January and get the $50 early bird discount (or $40 concession) off the course fee!

Learn more, or download our 2012 Permaculture Courses Brochure.

• Market day is back in its usual time slot, with our Organic Markets and the Chai Cafe running on Sunday mornings.
• The Edible Landscapes Nursery is now open again.
• The farm office and its usual programs will be back in action this Tuesday the 10th of January.
• Village Life will return the following Sunday morning on the 15th of January.

And don’t forget to let us know which planned 2012 Sustainable Living Workshops grab your interest!

Continuing our proud tradition of not missing a single market weekend, we will be holding our Organic Markets on New Year’s Eve – that’s Saturday December 31, 2011 – rather than the usual Sunday.

We will return to Sunday the following week, on January 8th.  The farm will then reopen for all its usual activities starting Tuesday 10th January, 2012.

• Saturday 24 December (Christmas Eve)
• Saturday 31 December (New Year’s Eve)

We will return to our normally scheduled Sunday markets the following week, on the 8th of January.