The new Byron Centre for Permaculture was officially launched at the Byron Community College’s outdoor campus by permaculture pioneer Robyn Francis of Permaculture Australia and Djangbung Gardens and Simon Richardson, Byron Shire Mayor. As the leading provider of permaculture and sustainability courses and resources in the Northern Rivers, the success of the Byron Centre for Permaculture courses is evident within our community and across Australia by the many and inspiring student stories over the past seven years. “It is really exciting to see the Permaculture Centre officially launch here in the Byron region and being a wonderful beacon for not only Northern Rivers but for the rest of the country” says Robyn Franics. The appreciation that permaculture is more than just growing healthy nourishing food, but rather meeting all our social and environmental needs and responsibilities, including working together positively in our communities, was acknowledged by Simon Richardson.
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“The community values of the programs and the examples of learning and its practical application can be seen here the centre’s thriving permaculture site within the Mullumbimby Community Gardens.’ says Simon. “There have been some wonderful people come through the courses over the years. What gives me the greatest joy is seeing what people then go and do with that knowledge once they’re empowered with the solutions”, concludes Robyn. Expanding on the vision for the new Centre and its next steps, Richard Vinycomb, Byron Community College Director says “Community and business participation and collaboration in permaculture projects and partnerships will be vital to our future work in the Northern Rivers. We welcome hearing from anyone who would like to jointly consider new ideas and proposals.” www.byronpermaculture.org.au
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