Permaculture Out West

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ABC TV providing help for sustainable living projects

Dear ATA Members,

ABC TV program Can We Help? is searching for people and stories where we might be able to help fulfil a wish!

For four years the program has reunited families and friends, made people’s dreams come true and provided expert advice to the curious minded. Whoever the person, whatever the age be it 4 or 84, whatever the dream we’d love to hear about it. Are there sustainability experts you have always wanted to meet? A community project you need help with? Is there anyone you want to surprise? The program does not have a huge budget, but please let us know and maybe we can help.

Here are some examples from Series 4:

Michael, ill with cancer, wrote to us telling us about his wife Dympna – his full time carer, financial support and best friend. Dympna is a keen gardener and Michael asked if we could arrange for his wife to meet Peter Cundall in their home vege patch. Michael has since passed on, but Peter Cundall now mentors Dympna, providing garden tips. (Episode 31)
A mum accidently washed her sons Geelong footy jumper which had all the players signatures on it. She wrote to us to see if we could ask the players to re-sign the jumper. (Episode 12)
A man wrote in on behalf of his wife who always wanted to drive the Council Bus. We surprise his wife with lessons on how to drive the bus and she is now off and away helping the community! (Episode 37)
If you would like to watch these stories to get a feel for the “Help Wanted segment” you can head to

http://www.abc.net.au/tv/canwehelp/video/

We would love to hear from you.

Please write to canwehelp@your.abc.net.au (you must mention that you are an ATA member)

or address your letters to:

Can We Help?
“Help Wanted segment”
GPO Box 9994 Perth WA 6848
Thank you. The CWH Team
www.abc.net.au/canwehelp

You have received this email because you are an ATA member or subscriber to ReNew magazine or Sanctuary magazine.
ATA advocates on behalf of its members who are making sustainable choices in their own homes and who benefit from the experience of others in the ATA network. ATA publishes ReNew: technology for a sustainable future, and Sanctuary: sustainable living with style magazines which are read by over 100,000 people across Australia.

If you don’t want to receive bulletins like this from time to time, please let us know. Ph (03) 9639 1500 or email maddie@ata.org.au
ATA – Alternative Technology Association
A not-for-profit organisation promoting renewable energy, sustainable building and water conservation since 1980.
ABN: 57 533 056 318

Level 1, 39 Little Collins St, Melbourne, 3000
Reception: 03 9639 1500
Fax: 03 9639 5814
ata@ata.org.au
www.ata.org.au

Help the ATA install a wind monitoring system in Sunshine

In 10 days the ATA will start work installing a 34m meter high wind monitoring system at the Sunshine Energy Park in Melbourne’s west. The system will be used to record wind data for 12 months as part of a site assessment of a potential wind energy development at the site.

We need four or five volunteers to help with a variety of tasks over two days. No experience is required, and it is a great opportunity to learn about wind monitoring, wind energy and wind turbines from a couple of experts, Craig Memery (ATA’s wind energy specialist) and Trevor Robotham (Sun Wind and Power, wind and solar energy installer).

Schedule
The installation will take place Tuesday 16th and Wednesday 17th of Feb, from about 9:30am until 5:30pm (subject to weather conditions and site access).

To minimise management and site access issues, volunteers will be required for a minimum of 4 hours at a time. Lunch and a transport allowance will be given to those who are available for a full day (6-8 hours).

There may also be the opportunity to help with preparations on Monday the 15th, and additional site visits to test the system later in the week or on the weekend.

Tuesday 16th tasks include:
loading (offsite) and unloading (on site) of equipment
preparing ground anchors and tower base
preparing and assembling the tower and gin pole
fitting and aligning sensor mounts
raising, levelling and lowering the tower
Wednesday 17th tasks include:
fitting the sensors and signal cables (3 anemometers and 1 wind vane)
wiring up and programming the data logger
raising and levelling the tower
connecting and configuring the wireless communications
testing and commissioning the entire system
Additional tasks over both days include:
documenting of system configuration and site data
head scratching, problem solving and troubleshooting
ideally we will have someone to take photos and/or video at all times so we can document the whole adventure in ReNew and on our website
we need a designated safety officer, at all times on both days (one volunteer could perform both of these roles)
What to bring
enclosed footwear
long sleeve shirt
sun, rain and wind protection
hot and cold weather gear
bring snacks to eat during the day as food cannot be purchased on or near the site. Lunch will be provided for full-day volunteers
drinking water will be provided on both days.
Personal Protective Equipment (hard hats, high vis vests and gloves) will be provided, please advise if you can bring your own
camera or digicam
Interested?
To volunteer, or for more information, contact Craig Memery on craig@ata.org.au or 9631 5418 before 12:00PM, Wednesday 10th Feruary..

ReNew magazine’s summer DIY competitions The search for the best DIY bicycle Entries close February 7, 2010. Electric bicycle enthusiasts, we want to hear from you! ReNew magazine invites you to enter the DIY electric bicycle competition. We’re looking for the best designed electric bicycle conversion! Send a high resolution photo along with a 200 word description of your bicycle to renew@ata.org.au. Criteria: We’re looking for a finished working bicycle that can be used on a day-to-day basis. Novel use of materials will be given extra credit, for example, the use of solar panels as an energy source (see photo). Thought should be given to the safety of the bicycle as well as compliance to local laws (such as restrictions on electric bike power, which is 200 watts maximum in most states). Prize: The winner will receive a $150 gift voucher from online environmental store Todae www.todae.org.au Winners will be announced in issue 111, to coincide with ReNew’s electric bicycle buyers guide. Write about your DIY project and win a solar charger valued at $325 Entries close January 27, 2010 We are looking for good build-it-yourself style articles and will award a solargorilla (courtesy of powertraveller,www.powertraveller.com.au) to the author of the best article we receive for issue 111. If you have a project, simple or complex, electrical or mechanical, that has appeal to do-it-yourselfers and involves renewable energy or water conservation in some form, then send it in. Please include good quality photos with your entry. Entries must describe completed working projects. Please keep submissions under 1500 words. A copy of ReNew’s contributor guidelines can be downloaded here Send your entries to: ReNew, Level 1, 39 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, or email to renew@ata.org.au.

Moreland Energy Foundation with the help of ATA have recently undertaken a review of the new premium feed-in tariff contracts being offered by Victorian electricity retailers since the Victorian premium feed-in tariff went live on 1st November 2009.A feed-in tariff is a premium rate paid for electricity fed back into the electricity grid from a renewable electricity generation source such as household solar systems. To check out and compare the details of the various feed-in contract offers by Victorian electricity retailers, go to www.mefl.com.au/documents/Vic_FiT_Survey-Dec09.pdf ATA will be conducting a review of all national feed-in tariff contracts in the next few months. Should you have any queries regarding feed-in tariffs in Victoria or nationally, please do not hesitate to contact Damien Moyse, ATA Energy Policy Manager at Damien@ata.org.au or on (03) 9631 5417.

Are you irrigating your garden with greywater and would like to know more about the health of your soil?

The ATA is looking for households in the Melbourne metropolitan area that are using greywater (treatment or diversion) to water their gardens to trial a unique householder greywater monitoring program the ATA has developed.

Time Requirement:

Workshop at the ATA Head Office in Melbourne, Thursday 7th January 2010, 6:30–7:30pm.
Fortnightly soil testing over a two month period.
Each trial participant will receive:

feedback on the results of their soil tests
advice on how to improve soil health
information about best practice greywater irrigation
If you are interested in participating in the trial or would like more information please contact Anjali Brown, ATA Water Conservation Manager by email anjali@ata.org.au or phone (03) 9631 5405 by Monday 21st December 2009.

Have a sustainable Christmas shop at the ATA Trying to find the perfect present for those that are sustainably-minded? Purchase one of these gift from the Alternative Technology Association and know that every dollar you spend will be used by ATA to research, educate and advocate for a sustainable future. Place your order before Friday 18th December to ensure delivery. Note the ATA office will be closed on Friday 11th and between 24th December 2009 to January 4th 2010.

Buy now

Buy now

Buy now

Buy now

Buy now

Buy now

Buy now

You have received this email because you are an ATA member or subscriber to ReNew or Sanctuary magazine.The Alternative Technology Association (ATA) is a not for profit association that promotes sustainable living and what we can do in our own homes. We rely on the financial support of our members to carry out our work. If you would like to become a member of the ATA please click here. If you don’t want to receive bulletins like this from time to time, please let us know. Ph (03) 9639 1500 or email maddie@ata.org.au ATA – Alternative Technology Association A not-for-profit organisation promoting renewable energy, sustainable building and water conservation since 1980. ABN: 57 533 056 318Level 1, 39 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000 Reception: (03) 9639 1500 Fax: (03) 9639 5814 ata@ata.org.au www.ata.org.au

Join ATA staff at Walk Against Warming

When: Saturday, 12th December 2009
Time: Midday
Meeting point: The walk commences at the State Library in Swanston Street. From 11:30 onwards, ATA staff will gather on the opposite side of the library, in front of the small church on the corner of Swanston and Little Lonsdale Sts. We’ll cross over as a group to the State Library just before midday.
RSVP: Wendy wendy@ata.org.au or 9631 5407. If you don’t already have an ATA T-shirt, let Wendy know your size and you will be provided with a free T-shirt on the day.
Volunteer Marshall: If you would prefer to be a volunteer marshall for the human sign on Princess Bridge instead of walking, please contact Wendy. More information on marshalling at www.waw.org.au

Walk Against Warming is Australia’s biggest day of community action on climate change!

It is a day for individuals, families, community groups and people of all ages to join together and call for a safe climate.

This year we are sending a message to world leaders, gathered in Copenhagen for the climate talks, that we want them to take urgent action to reduce the world’s greenhouse emissions.

ATA is supporting Walk Against Warming and will be at the Melbourne event, carrying the ATA banner. Pull on your ATA t-shirt and join us!

For more information on Walk Against Warming go to www.waw.org.au.

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You have received this email because you are an ATA member or subscriber to ReNew or Sanctuary magazines.

ATA advocates on behalf of its members who are making sustainable choices in their own homes and who benefit from the experience of others in the ATA network. ATA publishes ReNew: technology for a sustainable future, and Sanctuary: sustainable living with stylemagazines which are read by 100,000 people across Australia.

If you don’t want to receive bulletins like this from time to time, please let us know. Ph (03) 9639 1500 or email maddie@ata.org.au

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ATA – Alternative Technology Association
A not-for-profit organisation promoting renewable energy, sustainable building and water conservation since 1980.
ABN: 57 533 056 318

Level 1, 39 Little Collins St, Melbourne, 3000
Reception: 03 9639 1500
Fax: 03 9639 5814
ata@ata.org.au
www.ata.org.au

Celebrating ATA International Project Group’s activities in East Timor for 2009

When: Thursday 3 December
Time: 6pm onwards for a 6:30pm start
Where: Space 39, Level 2, 39 Little Collins St, Melbourne (the gallery located above ATA’s office)
Details: Refreshments including Timorese coffee will be served. This is a free event although donations are very welcome.
RSVP: Email Wendy Clarke at wendy@ata.org.au or ph:(03) 9631 5407

ATA’s International Projects Group (IPG) has had an exciting and busy year in 2009. Join us at a relaxed and informative evening to learn about our latest projects in East Timor. We’ll also be thanking the volunteers involved and looking to inspire others to think about joining us next year.

Format for the evening
6:00 – 6:30pm Arrive and mingle.
6:30 – 7:30pm Presentations on IPG’s latest project works by ATA project manager Anton Vikstrom and other volunteers.
7:30 – 8:30pm Join IPG volunteers for refreshments and a yarn about their latest adventures in East Timor.

ATA’s International Projects Group is a volunteer group that undertakes renewable energy projects in Timor Leste and other countries in the region. IPG has been working with East Timorese communities since 2003 in the promotion, training and installation of solar power.

You have received this email because you are an ATA member or subscriber to ReNew magazine or Sanctuary magazine.
ATA advocates on behalf of its members who are making sustainable choices in their own homes and who benefit from the experience of others in the ATA network. ATA publishes ReNew: technology for a sustainable future, and Sanctuary: sustainable living with style magazines which are read by 120,000 people across Australia.

If you don’t want to receive bulletins like this from time to time, please let us know. Ph (03) 9639 1500 or email maddie@ata.org.au
ATA – Alternative Technology Association
A not-for-profit organisation promoting renewable energy, sustainable building and water conservation since 1980.
ABN: 57 533 056 318
Level 1, 39 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Reception: (03) 9639 1500
Fax: (03) 9639 5814
ata@ata.org.au
www.ata.org.au

NSW introduces generous payment for solar homes
Walk Against Warming – 12th December 2009
Could you live in 36 square metres?
Housholds with a diverse water supply key to our water future
Images of the Future: ATA’s sustainable living photo gallery
Pre-xmas price crash – Power-Mate Lite for less than $100
NSW introduces generous payment for solar homes
The Alternative Technology Association (ATA) applauds the NSW government for introducing one of Australia’s most progressive payments for household solar power.
The NSW government’s shift away from previous plans for a net feed-in tariff, in line with other states, is a clear signal the Rees government is committed to building a green collar workforce in NSW, says Damien Moyse, ATA’s Energy Policy Manager.

Click here for more info.

Walk Against Warming – 12th December 2009
Walk Against Warming is Australia’s biggest day of community action on climate change and is an event that involves individuals, families, community groups and people of all ages.

The focus of this year’s walk is to send a message to the world leaders, gathered in Copenhagen for the Climate Talks, that we all want a safe climate and want them to take urgent action to reduce the world’s greenhouse emissions.

Go to www.waw.com.au to find out how you can participate in your state.

Could you live in 36 square metres?
Micro houses, eco rebates and enviro prefabs.

Sanctuary magazine issue 9, now in newsagents, features a Size Matters theme with 40 pages of inspiring smaller homes; a look at the latest in sustainable prefab designs; and everything you ever wanted to know about sustainability rebates.

Preview the issue on the Sanctuary website www.sanctuarymagazine.com.au

Housholds with a diverse water supply key to our water future
Householders with a variety of water supply sources are less vulnerable to the extremes of drought or flood than those who rely solely on the mains water network, says Anjali Brown, ATA Water Policy Manager.

ATA research shows that householders who have installed water saving technologies such as greywater have a greater understanding of and control over their water supply.

Click here for more info.

Images of the Future: ATA’s sustainable living photo gallery
On 24 Ocotober 2009, the ATA lunched the Real People Living Sustainable Lives photo gallery as part of the International Day of Climate Action.

Hundreds of ATA’s members, across Australia and New Zealand, contibuted photos to the gallery, joining the call for the world’s political leaders to create an equitable global climate treaty at the United Nations Climate Change meeting in Copenhagen this December.

Click here to view the gallery.

Pre-xmas price crash – Power-Mate Lite for less than $100
As a special once-off for the month of November, you can buy the popular Power-Mate Lite power meter for less than $100 (plus shipping).

The Power-Mate Lite is easy to use and can display energy used and the cost per hour, quarter and year, greenhouse gas production and more technical figures such as power-factor, frequency and volt-amperes.

To purchase go to the ATA wesite at shop.ata.org.au or call the ATA on ph.(03) 9639 1500, Monday – Friday, 10am-4pm.

You have received this email because you are an ATA member or subscriber to ReNew or Sanctuary magazine.
The Alternative Technology Association (ATA) is a not for profit association that promotes sustainable living and what we can do in our own homes. We rely on the financial support of our members to carry out our work. If you would like to become a member of the ATA please click here.

If you don’t want to receive bulletins like this from time to time, please let us know. Ph (03) 9639 1500 or email maddie@ata.org.au

ATA – Alternative Technology Association
A not-for-profit organisation promoting renewable energy, sustainable building and water conservation since 1980.
ABN: 57 533 056 318

Level 1, 39 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Reception: (03) 9639 1500
Fax: (03) 9639 5814
ata@ata.org.au
www.ata.org.au