About the Permablitz Melbourne Collective

Details

Published on Tuesday, 02 August 2011 07:24

Written by melbourne permablitz collective

The permablitz concept can be used by anyone.  Here in Melbourne, permablitz is a network, more so than a well defined organisation.  However, some of us are involved in a small collective called the Permablitz Melbourne Collective.  The collective does not run permablitzes (not as a group anyway).  Instead, the collective exists for two reasons:

1) to help link people together with the right knowledge to make actual permablitzes happen, and
2) to facilitate and encourage the spread of the permablitz concept

Some of the things that involves include writing guide booklets, maintaining this website, introducing potential hosts with potential designers, helping document permablitzes, promoting permablitzes, writing newsletters, organising gatherings of designers, maintaining a list of international and interstate groups and sharing resources, and so on.  The collective are entirely volunteer, and the group is essentially unfunded and without a bank account, since there are very few costs.

Profiles

Here's some current members:

Fei: Hi, I'm Fei! I started going to permablitzes in late 2010 and was immediately drawn by the sense of welcoming community and openness. It's been a great way to pick up skills like building chicken coops or wicking beds and sharing those skills with others is even better. I got convinced to join the collective in April 2012 and here I am, working as the coordinator between hosts and designers. It's been a great time working with the rest of the collective and the permablitz community and I hope to keep doing so!  

Kat: I joined the permablitz collective in 2011 because I wanted to give >something back to the network that had given me so many inspiring afternoons. I've stayed involved because the group has taught me lots about governance (very geeky I know!) and how to run smooth, productive and even fun meetings. I also love contributing to the spread of permaculture in such a hands-on way. I've had a few roles in the collective but at the moment I'm a general member with no specific duties so I can jump in and support the team as needed.

Sam: I first discovered the amazing permablitz model through my partner Patrick. I attended several blitzes and wanted to help behind the scenes, as my gardening skills left a lot to be desired (though I am getting better)! I joined the collective in mid 2012. I love writing the monthly newsletters (picking the monthly songs is my favourite part!), and I also respond to email enquiries, edit our online guides and occasionally report from blitzes as well. By day I work in publishing and am a freelance writer. I’m usually lurking around the refreshments table at a blitz—come say hello!

A few members of the 2011 Melbourne Permaculture Collective: Charlie, Angela, Thomas, Asha, Kat and Adam after accepting the winners award in the Community Action category at the Yarra Sustainability Awards 2011 (ignore the timestamp).

Structure

Beyond the collective, there is also a mailing list for potential permablitz designers called the Designers' Guild, and beyond that our large newsletter mailing list and the thousands of volunteers that have been to permablitzes.

Within the collective we take on various roles to make sure things get done.  You can see the structure (not necessarily current) in the diagram below.

If you'd like more info, get in contact.