Organic Farming TAFE Course 2013

"Buddha Touched the Earth" 7 to 10 Feb 2013

"Buddha touched the Earth"

Lyme Links Christmas Lunch Thursday 13 December 2012

Lyme Links Christmas Lunch Thursday 13 December


The following is a photograph of page 1 of the Lyme Links newsletter.

As it is a photograph, the links will not work. Pages 2 and 3 are links to other relevant web sites.

Our system cannot handle the size of pdf file. Please contact <lymelinks@bigpond.com> and ask them  to send you the complete newsletter.

Youth Community Forum invitation 29 November 2012

Invitation

Northbank community garden local food celebration event 24 November 2012

celebration event

Playback Theatre "Transformation" 18 November 2012

Transformation

Lost in Transformation: A Performance by Bellingen Playback Theatre

Let’s talk about change! At times the old does not do it for us any more: we open to new possibilities, without really knowing what the outcome will be. We shave our heads  (or turn blonde), we move houses or across continents, we leave our partner, enroll in a course or change careers. Other times change happens to us: the kids move out, or we find ourselves pregnant; a loved one leaves us, or finally (finally!) we meet the love of our life; we have a stroke, or a stroke of luck.

Let’s talk about being lost and finding ourselves again. What did you use as your compass when you were high at sea, the sky was overcast and no known land was in sight?

The end of 2012 is here and our collective dreaming takes us many places. Are we peeking over the Edge of Chaos, a dangerous, unstable place, full of creative potential.

 ‘Will the world end?’ some fear. ‘The Mayans did not just run out of paper! Will it be a polar reversal, a solar flare or the impact with planet Nibiru?’. Or are we accelerating towards the brink of an evolutionary leap – a time in which we will create a new, paradigm, a more harmonious and life sustaining one?

Wherever you are at and whoever you are, you are warmly invited to come along to Bellingen Playback Theatre’s next performance and listen to our community’s stories of transformation.

Playback Theatre is a theatre of storytelling. A dynamic form of spontaneous theatre where the unexpected often happens!  At a Playback performance there is no script. Audience members tell experiences, dilemmas or events from their lives to the Playback Conductor. Actors and a musician then shape and recreate these stories, bringing them to life using the power and playfulness of improvised theatre.

Bellingen Playback Theatre is a dynamic and highly respected theatre company made up of very juicy local artists. Since its beginnings in 1989, the Bellingen Playback Theatre Company has undergone numerous transformations, hence claiming expertise on the subject of this particular performance.

When: Sunday the 18^th of November, door opens at 7. Entry $18

Where: Memorial Hall

Tea & cake available for purchase

The Rainbow Fig Tree Learning Centre need a home

The Rainbow Fig Tree Learning Community  

Can you help?

We are looking for a space to use three days per week (Wed-Fri) during school terms in 2013. 

The program is influenced by Reggio Emilia, Steiner, Ecological, democratic classroom and compassionate communication theories.  

This is for a small group of K -2 (5 -7 age group) 

 

There will be 10-15 children and 2-5 adults working together.

We are hoping to find a cabin, workshop, barn, studio or similar with toilet access somewhere near Bellingen. 

We are very happy to work to clean, fix and beautify an unused space and to take out appropriate insurance. 

We can offer a little bit of money and a whole lot of love, work and appreciation.

Bronya and John: 0439 311 884

rainbowfigtree@yahoo.com.au

Information provided by  Sonya Kumar

Claire Dunn's event recommendation up to 18 November 2012

Dear Bello mates

There is a gig coming up at number 5 next week that you don't want to miss. Some close friends of mine from Margaret River are playing on Thursday night the 15^th with the 'big gig' on Sunday evening the 18^th of November. You may have seen them on the cover of Earth Garden a few months ago, with their baby, hanging out in their self-designed uber-eco truck (veggie oil the whole way). Aside from their environmental credentials, Bec Schofield and Dave Mann are well known on the folk festival circuit for the kind of music that melts your heart.

Their bio reads:

A powerful alchemy took place when Bec and Dave met in the northern territory a few years back. Simply said, these two were meant to sing together. Their unique voices, in harmony meld like a soothing velvet drink for the soul. Now, as a family they travel the country, in their eco friendly home on wheels, singing up stories that inspire a campfire in the heart. This folk/blues, featuring open-tunings, slide guitar, mandolin and bouzouki is imbedded with an easy honesty that’s infectious and intimate.

Dave's website is: http://www.davemann.com.au/Dave_Mann/Home.html

Not wanting to confuse, I also want to plug the clashing event on the 

Sunday evening the 18^th – the Bellingen Playback Theatre Company 'Lost in Transformation' gig at the Memorial Hall which will also be awesome.Take your pick, or do both. 

Love

Wren (Claire)

Solastalgia live Orians's event 13 November 2012

 Live Orion event, 13 November

You are invited you to call in to listen, too, if you like. It concerns an essay in the Nov/Dec issue on finding beauty in wrecked places and dealing with solastalgia, the lived experience of negative environmental change. 

You may have already gotten an official Orion missive about this, but if so, there's an update that Professor Glenn Albrecht will also now be joining this free phone/web discussion on Tuesday.  Glenn is professor of sustainability at Murdoch University in Perth and an environmental philosopher who pioneered the research domain of ‘psychoterratic’ or earth related mental health conditions and coined the term solastalgia.

In addition, the incomparable artist/activist Lily Yeh will be joining the dialogue along with the author of the piece, Trebbe Johnson.

All are welcome, including your colleagues and students, etc, and the call is free. Send folks here for more info and to register: 

https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/s/showReg?udc=gjrrc9sklx5b

"We’re confronted by ecological degradation everywhere we look these days, from clearcut forests to oceanic garbage to mountaintop removal mining scars. But is it possible to find beauty and redemption in these places? If you’re troubled by the decline of the planet, and want to learn more about the psychological impacts of its degradation, join us for a free live web event featuring Trebbe Johnson, Lily Yeh, and Glenn Albrecht."

People's Food Plan talk by Nick Rose 18 November 2012

Dear Friends,

 just letting you know about a talk at the Bellingen Community and High School Garden next Sunday at 10.30am followed by a wood-fired pizza lunch. The talk by Nick Rose of the Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance is on the People's Food Plan-the grass roots alternative to the national government's Food Plan. What happens in the food system is of no concern if we are never going to eat again. But if we are going to have breakfast, lunch and dinner, what happens to farmers, seeds and water matters.There will be a discussion following the talk on how we can be involved in developing and promoting the People's Food Plan. All welcome!
In case of rain we will adjourn to the Bellingen Environment Centre, Church st Lane.

Save Art in TAFE rally Coffs Harbour 14 November

SAVE CREATIVE COURSES IN

TAFE

To friends and supporters of creative industry on the mid-north coast,

The O'Farrell State Government's cuts to TAFE, beginning with withdrawal of funding for creative industry courses, (courses deemed unimportant and not leading to 'real jobs') threatens the future of emerging creative talent and creative industry in NSW. Our local TAFE in Coffs Harbour has grown to become an institution that delivers quality art education across the creative spectrum, with courses such as furniture design, fashion design, digital media, visual art and ceramics to name a few.

At the moment these courses are accessible for many on the mid north coast who couldn't afford the high fees (up to $10,000 or more) that cuts will force TAFES to implement.

It's estimated that 70% of artists in NSW train through the TAFE system. Expensive fees will leave emerging talent from high schools across the state with nowhere to go and threatens to disconnect current pathways and credit transfers to University.

Tourism on the Mid North Coast depends on our creative people who make a living, both large and small, out of their creative pursuits. TAFE fosters and encourages new talent with positive teachers who are practising makers and artists. Please forward this email to other friends and supporters of creative industry.

Please come and show your support for TAFE and TAFE students. 

SAVE ART IN TAFE RALLY

at the CHEC campus

Hogbin Drive Coffs Harbour

Wednesday 14th November

between 12 and 2 pm

speakers from 12.30

Local Food Film Festival Bellingen 28 October

Local food Film Festival

Dear Friends-just letting you know about the Local Food Film Festival screening next Sunday 28th October here in Bellingen from 2-6 pm.

Local Food Film Festival 2012

Dear Friends-just letting you know about the Local Food Film Festival screening next Sunday 28th October here in Bellingen from 2-6 pm.

Now in its 3^rd year, the Local Food Film Festival aims to promote and celebrate the concept of ‘live local, eat local’.

Entries have been judged for this years’ Short Film Competition.and will be screened at the Festival.

The winning entry will be awarded at the second festival screening at Bellingen Memorial Hall, on 28 October. Other screenings will be Coffs Harbour Bunker Cartoon Gallery on 3 November.

We are pleased to announce that the feature films for this year’s festival are ‘Ingredients’ from the US and Australian film ‘Anima Mundi’.

With your ticket stub in hand, movie goers will be also be able to claim a discounted local food buffet dinner  for $14 (as opposed to $22) at the very popular No5 Church St, Bellingen after the festival on 28^th October from 6pm. 

For more details about the Festival, please visit www.localfoodfilmfestival.com.au or get in touch at info@localfoodfilmfestival.com.au

Rock the Gate Bellingen Saturday 20 October 2012

Rock the Gate

Alternative Schooling Meeting 17 October 2012

Sonya has advised us of the following information

Fig Tree Community Alternative Schooling

Presentation and discussion next Wednesday at the Bellingen Library on Alternative Schooling.  A proposed opportunity for Bellingen to have The rainbow Fig Tree Learning Community for a small group of K-2 (5 - 7 year old). They are looking for a shelter in a rural setting to hold this program.   This is an alternative to home or mainstream schools.  I personally think this would be an asset to the community and was thinking it may be worth putting an add in the next Transition mail out.  If this is applicable and there is time the details are below.  

The Rainbow Fig Tree Community are proposing a three-day a week project in the Bellingen area.  The program is influenced by Reggio Emilia, Steiner, Ecological, democratic classroom and compassionate communication theories.  This is for a small group of K -2 (5 -7 age group)  If any one has a small premies in  a rural setting that may be suitable to hold such a program please contact Bronya

Presentation and discussion will be held on Wednesday. October 17.  Bellingen Library meeting Room - 4pm  or contact Bronya and John - 0439311 884. 

OzGreen Climate Resilience Leadership at Youth Hub on Monday 8 October

Join young leaders from latin America on Monday 8 October at 5 pm Youth Hub - please bring a plate of food to share

Seven young leaders from Guatemala, El Salvador and Colombia, are in Bellingen next week as part of a 5 week Climate Resilience Leadership training program. The program is building regional capacity to develop and deliver strategic initiatives targeting climate change adaptation and mitigation, particularly amongst vulnerable and marginalised groups. 

The Program is managed and delivered by OzGREEN, working in partnership with Latin American grassroots organistions Project Seres and Opepa and supported by AusAID’s Australian Leadership Awards Fellowship (ALAF). 

Almost 50% of population in Guatemala and ElSalvador is under the age of 18. Inter-American Development Bank identifies the LAC region as highly vulnerable to the detrimental effects of climate change, predicting dramatic changes in the region’s natural systems, affecting crop yields, the availability of water, energy production and irrigation (Analytical Framework for Climate Change Adaptation, 2010). 

The risks are highest amongst the region’s poor, where over 17% of the population live below the poverty line.

The young people are also participants in OzGREEN's Youth Leading the World (YLTW) initiative and are being trained to facilitate YLTW in Central and South America (including El Salvador, Guatemala, Colombia, Ecuador and Argentina). 

Youth Leading the World will run in over 50 locations simultaneously 27-29 November, including Bellingen and Coffs Harbour. 

Last chance to save Sustainability Education in NSW

Deadline  October 2012

hello friends,

Please have a read of the message below, write a letter if you can, and pass it on.

We need to keep up the good fight!
Warm regards,

Lisa

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: "AAEE NSW Project Officer" <project@aaeensw.org.au>
To: project@aaeensw.org.au
Sent: Tuesday, 25 September, 2012 7:04:48 PM GMT -08:00 US/Canada Pacific
Subject: Last chance to save Sustainability Education in NSW

Dear AAEE NSW Members,

** My apologies many of you will receive this information through several channels – it is vitally important so we didn’t want to miss anyone!  For the same reason, please forward this to anyone who may share our concerns even if you think they may have it through other channels. **

The NSW Department of Education and Communities (DEC) has refused to listen to community concern about removing sustainability education support to schools. The DEC is finalising the realignment of its central office services and functions in early October, and the current proposal removes sustainability education policy, curriculum, student learning and professional learning support.

Could you please take a few minutes to send a letter expressing your concern?

Please find attached background information and a fully editable template letter you can use to make writing your letter easy - it is formatted and addressed (including email address) and includes some key points you may like to use.

This is our last chance before the departmental realignment is finalised. If the government proceeds down the path it has indicated, this will be the first time in 102 years that Environmental Education or Sustainability has been abandoned by the Department. Please send your letter before Tuesday 9th October to help avoid this huge backward step.

You may remember we started this campaign with a petition and letters back in June. There was great support then and we thank everyone for that. We need to maintain the pressure!

Thank you!!

Regards

Jem Hansen

Project Officer :: Australian Association for Environmental Education NSW Chapter

Ph 02 6585 3601 :: Mob 0401 864 707 :: Fax 02 6585 3620

Email project@aaeensw.org.au :: Web www.aaeensw.org.au

Background information after following template letter

(Your name)

(Your address)

(Date)

Mr Gregory Prior

Deputy Director-General Schools

NSW Department of Education and Communities

GPO Box 33

SYDNEY 2001

DDGSchools@det.nsw.edu.au

Dear Mr Prior,

(your subject line)

(your letter, you may like to use some of the following points:

• Removal of support for sustainability education in the restructure of the Department of Education and Communities is unacceptable.
• Sustainability education is the only area in school education that asks students and the rest of the school community to seriously consider the world outside the school and then look ahead, think ahead and plan ahead for a better world.
• The future of NSW and Australia needs students equipped to understand complex, integrated problems and how to collaborate, often from positions of disagreement and difference, in order to find appropriate, integrated solutions – at environmental, social, economic, personal and political levels.
• At the national level, the new Australian Curriculum mandates Sustainability as a cross curriculum priority. NSW will have responsibilities in this regard. Teachers and schools will need significant support.
• The Sustainability Development Officer from the NSW Curriculum and Learning Innovation Centre has been providing national leadership in sustainability education, and supporting NSW schools and teachers. This support must continue so please reinstate this position.)

Regards,

(your signature or name)

cc: Hon Adrian Piccoli MP, Minister for Education

(please send a copy of your letter to Mr Piccoli by email to office@piccoli.minister.nsw.gov.au, or post to Level 34, Governor Macquarie Tower, 1 Farrer Place, SYDNEY NSW 2000)

Ride2Work Day and "On Ya Bike" breakfast 17 October 2012

Hi there,

Ride2Work Day is just around the corner and Council is holding its On Ya Bike! community breakfast, inviting all residents, including those non-commuters, to go for a cruise around our beautiful Shire and tuck into a croissant or fresh fruit afterward!

This year I am also pleased to announce that all participating cyclists who join us for breakfast have the chance to win a Merida trail bike retailing at $700 (see attached image).

Council will not be organising coordinated rides this year but the Dorrigo-Urunga-Bellingen Bike Users Group are planning to, so please contact George Smith on agsmith8@bigpond.net.au if you are keen to join the BUG guys. And if you are planning on joining us for breakfast please let me know so that I can make sure I cater for you.

WHAT: Ride your bike to join others for a healthy community breakfast and go in the draw to win a trail bike donated by JR Cycles.

WHEN:  8am – 9am Wednesday 17 October 2012

WHERE: Cycle to/meet at Maam Gaduying Park (outside the Council Chambers)

You will love On Ya Bike:

-          an early morning ride through our beautiful Shire is a great way to start the day

-          reduce stress

-          free t-shirt

-          bike giveaway!

-          yummy free breakfast (croissants, fruit and yoghurt, gluten free toast with local macadamia nut butter)

Kind regards,

Zoe

Zoe Moore

Sustainability Officer

Bellingen Shire Council

P: 02 6655 7305 I F:  02 6655 2310 I Part-time M, T, W

Youth school holiday art program - Art Space

youth school holiday program called Art Space has been established at the new youth centre for high school aged kids.  There are 13 facilitators running 30 workshops over a 3 day period.  The workshops include everything from arts and craft to music and cooking.

Where:                     Bellingen Shire Youth Centre, the “Hub”

When:                       3^rd, 4^th, 5^th of October

Register:                  Bellingen Information Centre, Hyde St (front of Council)

Registration

Opens:                      Monday 17^th September at Bellingen Information Centre click here  to download application form

A courtesy bus has been organised to run to and from Dorrigo each day to allow for young people to attend. Any young person wanting to use the bus service will need to advise at the time of registration.

 Numbers are limited so register early to secure a spot. I would encourage you to spread the word to any family, community group or organisation that may work with young people.

I would also like to recognise the donations and support we have received from Camp Creative, Arts Mid North Coast, Nortec, Bellingen Shire Youth Services and the Bellingen Neighbourhood Centre that has enabled the Art Space program to happen.

Download forms by clicking on application form